CINEX Launches the Curaçao Innovation Hub, Accelerating the Island’s Transition Toward a Future-Ready Economy
CINEX Launches the Curaçao Innovation Hub, Accelerating the Island’s Transition Toward a Future-Ready Economy
Stakeholders pledge early support toward the 2026 opening as CINEX and CITI invite more partners to help shape Curaçao’s innovation future.
Willemstad, Curaçao — November 27, 2025 — The Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) yesterday officially launched the Curaçao Innovation Hub during a fully attended event at Curaçao Cinemas in Sambil. Developed in collaboration with CITI and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Innovation Hub marks a major step in CINEX’s mission to stimulate economic diversification, export readiness, and sector innovation across the island.
The launch event brought together senior government officials, business leaders, educational institutions, creators, and community partners for a dynamic program highlighting the Hub’s vision, sector-based innovation spaces, and strategic roadmap for activation in 2026.
Building Curaçao’s Innovation Ecosystem
As part of the ceremony, CINEX formalized new collaboration agreements with the University of Curaçao (UoC) and Monumentenzorg, aligning academic and heritage-based expertise with the Innovation Hub’s development.
Guests also viewed a curated sequence of videos presenting the Hub’s vision and digital concepts , including immersive ideas such as the Reef Digital Twin, Smart Port VR, Creative Co-Creation Studio, Medical & Wellness Tourism pathways, and Renewable Energy Innovation Lab all detailed in the Innovation Hub vision deck.
A Vision Anchored in Identity and Innovation
Miles Mercera, CEO of CINEX, emphasized the significance of CINEX leading this national innovation effort:
“Today, CINEX takes a bold step forward. The Innovation Hub is not a building — it is a commitment. A commitment to supporting Curaçao’s creators, entrepreneurs, students, and industries with an engine that helps ideas grow into impact. We are proud to lead this next chapter for Curaçao.”
Monique Raphaela, CEO of CITI, highlighted the collaborative foundation of the Hub:
“The Innovation Hub is where Curaçao’s talent meets opportunity. CINEX and CITI are creating a platform for learning, testing, building, and exporting, and we welcome every partner who wants to contribute to this shared vision.”
Early Commitments & Open Call for Partners
During the event, multiple stakeholders pledged financial support toward the official opening of the Innovation Hub in Q1 2026, demonstrating strong confidence in CINEX’s leadership and the impact of the Initiative.
CINEX and CITI are now actively inviting additional partners, including private sector companies, investors, educators, diaspora members, and international collaborators — to join the development of the Curaçao Innovation Hub.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to Curaçao’s innovation future can make a pledge today. CINEX will reach out personally to explore partnership opportunities. Go to the website: www.curacaoinnovationhub.com
Special Thanks
CINEX extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Ms. Rina Penso, for lending her unforgettable voice to the grandmother character in the Innovation Hub launch video.
- Juji Anaïs Oltheten, for her beautiful portrayal of the child’s voice in the explainer video.
Their storytelling contributions brought warmth and authenticity to the Innovation Hub narrative.
Appreciation to Partners
CINEX expresses sincere gratitude to Sambil, who — in alignment with our partnership agreement — generously provided the venue and logistical support for today’s successful launch event.
Looking Ahead
With today’s launch, CINEX has set a powerful foundation for Curaçao’s next phase of innovation-driven growth. The Curaçao Innovation Hub will serve as the island’s engine for entrepreneurship, technology development, sector transformation, and export readiness — grounded in local identity and propelled by global ambition.
