Innovation Week 2026

About the event

Innovation requires stepping outside the familiar.

From 21 to 25 April 2026, CITI invites you to join Innovation Week 2026: a dynamic week of workshops, talks, roundtables, and community-focused sessions designed to connect innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and future readiness with local impact in Curaçao.

Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, startups, professionals, policymakers, educators, youth workers, and community members to explore how innovation and technology can help shape a stronger future for Curaçao.

What you can expect

Throughout the week, participants can take part in sessions on topics such as:

• AI and digital business
• Resilient and future-proof entrepreneurship
• Emerging technologies and next-step innovation
• Responsible and inclusive innovation
• Youth wellbeing, digital awareness, and AI

Innovation Week is designed to offer both inspiration and practical value, with opportunities to learn, connect, and discover new ideas for action.

Each day has its own theme:

Tuesday 21 April | Grow Smart: AI and Digital Business

For entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs interested in digital tools, AI, payments, and future-ready business skills.

• 08:30–10:00 Is your business ready for the digital and AI future? (XCG 30)
• Technology trends for entrepreneurs in Curaçao, and a digital check-up. By CITI
• 10:15–11:45 AI Basics for Business (XCG 30)
• Practical digital skills for entrepreneurs. By John Stephens
• 18:00–19:30 Bitcoin Café 101 workshop (free)
• Self-custody strategies for new bitcoiners: empowering you to take control of your Bitcoin. By BTC (Bitcoin Curaçao)

Wednesday 22 April | Resilient & Future-Proof Business

Focused on sustainability, resilience, and preparing businesses for long-term success.

• 09:00–10:30 Building a Resilient Business (XCG 30)
• Get ready for the future in any scenario. Are you aware of the opportunities and the importance of building a sustainable business?
• Sustainability check-up
• 11:00–12:00 Sustainable Certification (free)
• Sustainable certification for sustainable apartments. By Andre Rojer (CTB) and Andrew Kirchner
• 15:00–16:00 Green Finance (free)
• Favorable business loans for green energy investments. By Richards Martina (Qredits)

Thursday 23 April | Next-Step Innovation

For more mature SMEs, innovators, builders, and investors looking at emerging technologies and new opportunities.

• 09:00–10:00 Next Tech: Quantum Safe (free)
• What is “quantum”, and what are the risks and opportunities? By Anil Sadhoeram (Quantum Safe Foundation)
• 10:00–11:30 Stablecoin for Business (free)
• By Luuk Weber (Onchain Island)
• 13:00–14:30 How DCSX can help businesses scale
• By René Römer (DCSX)

Thursday 23 April | International Girls in ICT Day

A special session in celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, for girls and young women aged 14 to 24 who are interested in AI, digital skills, and the future.

• 14:30–17:00 AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future (XCG 10)
• AI & You for Girls. By Eunice Cijntje, Kyara Lucas, and Monique Raphaëla

Friday 24 April | Shaping Responsible and Inclusive Innovation

A space for dialogue on how innovation and technology can support inclusive and responsible development.

• 10:30–12:00 Roundtable: AI for Development (free)
• A roundtable on AI for development, open to everyone

Saturday 25 April | Youth Wellbeing & City Field Trip

In the morning there are two sessions, one for parents, educators, and youth workers, and one for young people, focused on digital wellbeing, awareness, and navigating the digital and AI world.

• 09:00–10:30 For parents and educators: how to help youth navigate the digital and AI world (XCG 15)
• Supporting youth wellbeing: do you know how to help young people stay safe and thrive in a digital and AI world?
• 11:00–12:30 For youth: how to navigate the digital and AI world (XCG 10)
• How to feel good and stay safe online in the age of AI
• 17:00–19:00 City Field Trip (free)
• To celebrate Innovation Week, we are planning a city field trip in the afternoon, in combination with the City Nature Challenge.
• Discover innovative development in a historical context, with a visit to the historic Scharloo neighborhood. By Curaçao Innovation Hub

Registration

Innovation Week 2026 includes both free sessions and paid sessions with a small contribution, depending on the activity you select in the registration form. Registration is required for all events.

Practical Information

Dates: 21–25 April 2026

Location: CITI office, Riffort Village, unless stated otherwise

Parking: Parking in the Riffort garage costs XCG 5 per day, or you can park for free on the field next to ACU.

Important to know

• Our speakers and presenters invest a great deal of time and care in preparing these sessions. If you register for an event and later find that you can no longer attend, we kindly ask that you inform us as early as possible.
• The registration form already includes a selection of confirmed and planned sessions. We are still adding events and finalizing parts of the program, so please check back regularly for updates and additional opportunities during Innovation Week 2026.