Why Curaçao’s New Innovation Hub Could Change How the Island Grows

On November 27, 2025, the Curaçao Investment and Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) officially launched the Curaçao Innovation Hub, a national initiative designed to strengthen innovation, economic diversification, and export readiness. The launch took place during a well-attended event at Curaçao Cinemas in Sambil and was developed in collaboration with CITI, with support from the Ministry of Economic Development.

The event brought together senior government officials, business leaders, educational institutions, creatives, and community partners. Attendees were introduced to the Innovation Hub’s vision, its sector-focused innovation spaces, and the strategic roadmap leading to its planned opening in early 2026.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The Curaçao Innovation Hub is positioned as a central platform where entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and companies can collaborate, test ideas, and develop solutions with real economic impact. Its focus is on connecting local talent with global opportunities, while strengthening Curaçao’s position as a regional innovation and export hub.

During the launch, CINEX formalized new collaboration agreements with the University of Curaçao (UoC) and Monumentenzorg. These partnerships bring together academic expertise, cultural heritage, and innovation, ensuring that the Hub reflects Curaçao’s identity while looking toward the future.

Guests were also presented with a series of short videos outlining the Hub’s digital and conceptual vision. These included innovation themes such as the Reef Digital Twin, Smart Port Virtual Reality, Creative Co-Creation Studios, Medical and Wellness Tourism development, and a Renewable Energy Innovation Lab. Together, these concepts illustrate how the Hub will support multiple sectors critical to Curaçao’s long-term growth.

Supporting Ideas That Create Impact
CINEX CEO Miles Mercera emphasized that the Innovation Hub represents a long-term commitment to Curaçao’s creators, entrepreneurs, and industries. He described the Hub as an engine designed to help ideas grow into measurable economic and social impact.

CITI CEO Monique Raphaela highlighted the collaborative foundation of the initiative, noting that the Innovation Hub is intended as an open platform for learning, experimentation, and exporting ideas beyond the island.

Strong Early Support and Open Call for Partners
Several stakeholders used the launch event to pledge early financial support toward the Innovation Hub’s official opening in the first quarter of 2026. These early commitments signal strong confidence in the initiative and in CINEX’s role as lead coordinator.

CINEX and CITI are now actively inviting additional partners to join the development of the Curaçao Innovation Hub. This includes private sector companies, investors, educators, members of the Curaçao diaspora, and international partners interested in contributing to Curaçao’s innovation ecosystem.

Organizations and individuals who wish to support or collaborate can register their interest via www.curacaoinnovationhub.com/. CINEX will follow up directly to explore partnership opportunities.

With the launch of the Curaçao Innovation Hub, Curaçao takes a clear step toward building a more innovative, diversified, and future-ready economy driven by local talent and global connections.