WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) has officially launched the Curaçao Innovation Hub during a fully attended event at Curaçao Cinemas in Sambil. Developed with CITI and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Hub represents a major milestone in advancing economic diversification, export readiness, and sector innovation across the island.
The launch brought together senior government officials, business leaders, academic institutions, creatives, and community partners for a dynamic program outlining the Hub’s vision, its sector-based innovation spaces, and the strategic roadmap leading to activation in 2026. Attendees also witnessed CINEX formalize new collaboration agreements with the University of Curaçao (UoC) and Monumentenzorg, aligning academic and heritage-based expertise with the Hub’s development. They further experienced a curated sequence of videos showcasing the Hub’s vision and digital innovation concepts — including the Reef Digital Twin, Smart Port VR, Creative Co-Creation Studio, Medical & Wellness Tourism pathways, and the Renewable Energy Innovation Lab — all featured in the Innovation Hub vision deck.
During his opening statement at the launch event, CINEX CEO Miles Mercera emphasized the national importance of this initiative, stating: “Today, CINEX takes a bold step forward. The Innovation Hub is not a building — it is a commitment to supporting Curaçao’s creators, entrepreneurs, students, and industries with an engine that helps ideas grow into impact.”
CINEX also expressed its heartfelt thanks to Rina Penso and Juji Anaïs Oltheten for their memorable storytelling contributions, and to Sambil for generously providing the venue and logistical support.
The spirit of collaboration was further underscored by CITI CEO Monique Raphaela, who highlighted the Hub’s purpose, stating: “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.”
The momentum behind this development was clearly evident during the event, as multiple stakeholders pledged early financial support toward the Hub’s official opening scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating strong confidence in the initiative. CINEX and CITI now invite additional partners - including private companies, investors, educators, diaspora members, and international collaborators to join the development of the Curaçao Innovation Hub. Interested contributors may submit a pledge at www.curacaoinnovationhub.com.