WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao-based team Waste2Wall has won the top prize at the Kingdom Startup Program 2026. During the final held at the University of Aruba, an expert panel selected the Curaçao team as the winner from five participating teams representing the islands.
Waste2Wall consists of Caresse Candelaria, Kemy Cijntje and Clinton Florentina. The team has developed a concept focused on recycling plastic and other waste into locally produced construction materials, including concrete blocks.
According to the jury, Waste2Wall stood out because of its strong business case and significant potential social impact. The concept combines waste reduction with local production of building materials, addressing environmental and economic challenges at the same time.
The second prize went to Aruba-based team Kima, which produces sustainable briquettes from coffee waste and coconut fiber.
Another Curaçao team, UoC Impact Action Hub, also delivered a strong performance during the event.
University of Curaçao Rector Magnificus Stella van Rijn presented the awards and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation between universities in supporting young entrepreneurs and developing new talent.
The Kingdom Startup Program brings together emerging entrepreneurs from across the islands and provides teams with an opportunity to further develop and present innovative business concepts.
Waste2Wall’s victory puts Curaçao in the spotlight with a business idea centered on the circular economy: transforming materials that would otherwise become waste into products that can be used locally in the construction sector.