GUYANA stands poised on the cusp of a remarkable reinvention, with the announcement of the Berkeley-Guyana NASA Innovation Forum representing a dynamic leap into infusing the latest technological prowess into the country’s developmental agenda.

The vision of President, Dr Irfaan Ali to bring this ground-breaking forum to fruition in January 2026 is a calculated shift from merely dreaming of innovation to taking an active role in shaping it, drawing in world heavyweights such as NASA and Berkeley into active synergy with Guyana’s untapped potential.

This project is not symbolic; it’s a real step toward positioning Guyana as a hub of technological excellence in the region. The recent presentation of the Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation to the president is an attestation of his efforts at fostering partnerships beyond borders. His visit to the NASA Ames Research Centre and exposure to leading-edge technologies such as the Vertical Motion Simulator and NASA’s latest supercomputer, reflect Guyana’s interest in embracing innovation as a driver of national development.

The implications of this forum are profound. It offers Guyana a historic opportunity to leverage drone technology know-how, aviation innovation and supercomputing capability to address pressing needs—from climate resilience to sustainable infrastructure. These collaborations could provide local researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers with previously unimaginable tools and catalyse a culture of innovation that extends to every facet of society.
President Ali’s emotional reflection on walking through NASA and Google X facilities highlights a pivotal moment in Guyana’s narrative—a transition from passive spectatorship to active participation in global innovation ecosystems. This is not

merely about technology; it is about redefining Guyana’s identity on the world stage as a country capable of contributing meaningfully to solving complex global problems.
As January 2026 beckons, the Berkeley-Guyana NASA Innovation Forum is a shining example of what is possible. It is a challenge to Guyanese to welcome this new dawn with optimism and determination, to ensure that the dividends of these

collaborations reach into all sectors of society. By building indigenous competencies and embracing external expertise, Guyana can become a model of how small nations can harness innovation for transformative growth.
This is not only a historic moment—it is a catalytic one. Guyana needs to grasp this moment with unshakeable determination, demonstrating that visions once limited to television sets can, in fact, be realised when vision is paired with action.