Gov’t awards $40M for STEAMS projects targeting social, environmental problems

24 groups and 13 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs were awarded $40 million in cash grants through the Innovation Programme of Guyana. Here, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (at centre with cheque) stands with some of the awardees. (Photo by Keno George)

The Government of Guyana through its Innovation Programme on Friday awarded $40 million in grants to 24 groups and 13 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs to fund proposals to solve social and environmental problems.

Notable among the winning proposals was the Autonohouse project, the brainchild of architect Renée Reynolds and Information Technology professional Rowen Willabus of IntellectStorm, which received a grant of $10 million. Autonohouse hopes to provide a sustainable solution to problems created by squatting. It is prefabricated housing solution, which offers design flexibility, onsite maintenance and speed and mechanisation in construction.