WILLEMSTAD – Algae Island, a Curaçao-based company founded by microbiologist Rhiyon La Pas, emerged as the biggest winner at the 28th edition of the Curaçao Innovation Awards, taking home both the overall Innovation Award and the Sustainable Innovation Award.
The annual awards, organized by innovation institute CITI in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, recognize businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations that contribute to innovation, sustainability, and economic development in Curaçao.
Algae Island received the evening's highest recognition for its innovative approach to cultivating and selling fresh spirulina locally. Spirulina is a nutrient-rich microorganism commonly used in food and nutritional products.
Through its operations, the company is developing a locally produced product while demonstrating how scientific knowledge and entrepreneurship can create new economic opportunities on the island.
The company's success in two categories made it the standout winner of this year's ceremony.
Recognition for Business and Digital Innovation
Several other businesses and creative initiatives were recognized for their contributions to Curaçao's innovation landscape.
Arcane VR received the Business Innovation Award, while Pipita won the Digital Innovation Award.
Pipita also secured the People's Choice Award, demonstrating strong public support for its initiative.
The Young Innovation Award went to Studio Capo Ser for its project Doño di Futuro, recognizing the role of young entrepreneurs and creative professionals in developing new ideas and solutions.
The different award categories reflect the range of innovative activities taking place in Curaçao, from sustainable production and digital technology to business development and youth entrepreneurship.
Special Recognition for Organizations Making an Impact
In addition to the competitive awards, CITI and the Ministry of Economic Development presented special recognitions to organizations and initiatives considered to have made a significant impact on Curaçao.
Among those recognized were Blue NAP Americas, CINEX, and Kunuku Man.
Blue NAP Americas operates in the digital infrastructure and data center sector, while CINEX, the Curaçao Investment and Export Promotion Agency, works to attract investment and promote economic opportunities.
Kunuku Man is known for its environmental activities, particularly efforts to address illegal dumping and encourage greater responsibility for keeping Curaçao clean.
Their recognition highlights the different ways organizations can contribute to the island's development, whether through technology, investment promotion, or environmental initiatives.
Innovation as a Driver of Economic Development
The Curaçao Innovation Awards have become an established platform for recognizing local entrepreneurship and encouraging the development of new products, services, and business models.
By celebrating companies and individuals who introduce new approaches to existing challenges, CITI and the Ministry of Economic Development aim to encourage innovation across different sectors of the economy.
This year's winners illustrate the diversity of Curaçao's entrepreneurial community, with initiatives involving biotechnology, virtual reality, digital innovation, and creative development receiving recognition.
For Algae Island, winning both the overall award and the sustainability category represents an important acknowledgment of its work in developing locally cultivated spirulina.
The 28th edition of the awards also underscores the potential for locally developed ideas to contribute to economic diversification, create business opportunities, and support a more sustainable future for Curaçao.