MIC-IT SHOWCASES ITS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
By: MIC Institute of Technology Limited - Corporate Communications | January 8th, 2020 | Related To: Private: MIC Institute of Technology
MIC-IT SHOWCASES ITS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
PRESS RELEASE
DEC 18, 2019
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in providing Industry and Manufacturing support to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) held an Innovation Forum on December 17, 2019 at its Head Office in Macoya. The forum, “Diversification through Innovation” highlighted 11 of MIC-IT’s locally researched, developed and commercialised products.
On display were MIC-IT’s dynamic and innovative products relating to Industrial Technology – the Hand-Operated Injection Moulding Machine, the Pellet Pump for Lake Asphalt and Nu-Iron’s Gear Box and the Formech 300xQ Thermoforming Unit; Medical Technology – the Visually Impaired Sensor (VIS), and an External Bio-Mechanical Device for Hip Support; Green Technology – the Ion Hammer, Octoport Charger, Rotating Vertical Farming Unit, SolarPonix, and Music Technology – The Flik-a-Stix, the first sound sensitive LED Pan sticks and the Steel Pan Burning Station for Steel Pan Manufacture.
Delivering the Feature Address, The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education, praised MIC-IT for moving from “a fledgling company to one of the foremost institutes in the country, in terms of Skills Training and Innovation”. He also congratulated MIC-IT for stepping forward in the area innovation to ensure that T&T can move forward to achieve development status and supply new opportunities. He encouraged MIC-IT to promote its products and services to ensure the nation knows its real value both as an educator and as an innovator.
Also advocating this event, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, assured the audience that the government is working to promote innovation in Trinidad and Tobago. She stated that this forum coincides nicely with the Government’s National Development Strategy – Vision 2030. “As part of our sustainable growth and development, the Ministry is creating a culture that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness.”
In his welcome, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert indicated that it was vital to host this forum, as it reveals and confirms the capabilities of MIC-IT, “We saw the need to power innovation across key markets and we hope to develop strategic partnerships, governmental and private, to further support our initiatives which can drive economic growth.”
Highlighting the company’s role to create and foster high-potential technology, MIC-IT’s Industry Services General Manager, Brian James said that, “MIC-IT, through the Industry Services Division, serves as a hub for innovation and new product development, supporting in the development of new entrepreneurs to commercialisation. MIC-IT is playing a major role in the diversification of the local industrial sectors through its technology-based incubator system designed to enhance local innovation capacity and business development”.
In March 2018, MIC-IT join forces with local innovator Ancel Bhagwandeen, owner of ProtoFabTT to launch the Battery Regeneration Project and Green-Tech Facility at MIC-IT’s Penal Technology Centre. Speaking at the Innovation Forum, Bhagwandeen highlighted some of MIC-IT’s latest innovative products. These included the world’s first electronic LED Tenor Steel Pan Sticks which delivers a visual accompaniment of ‘sound synchronised’ coloured light when playing the Pan. He indicated that, “It is the first feasible innovation related to the pan stick in this century”.
He also revealed the latest invention, the energy-efficient ‘Solarponix’ – a locally designed and manufactured portable hydroponic system. “There is no plumbing, you can grow exotic fruits, storm-proof, durable, stackable and easily portable. It is a safe 12V battery-powered operation and therefore applicable for schools and for inclusion in the Agricultural Science curricula for renewable energy-based, agricultural projects.” The Innovation forum closed with a tour of MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop, led by Brian James and Ancel Bhagwandeen.
MIC-IT, formally Metal Industries Company Limited was established in 1974 and incorporated in 1975 with the aims of developing local capabilities in manufacturing. At present, MIC-IT plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for developing new technologies and innovation that drives national competitiveness in the industrial and manufacturing sector in T&T. Through quality training, innovation, manufacturing and engineering MIC-IT endeavour to close the skills gaps nationally and regionally.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, views a live demonstration of the “Hand-Operated Injection Moulding Machine”, which uses waste plastics to fabricate new plastic products.
The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education examining the world’s first electronic LED Tenor Steel Pan Sticks with Ancel Bhagwandeen, Consultant, MIC-IT.
L-R: Ancel Bhagwandeen, Consultant, MIC-IT; The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education; Professor Clément Imbert, Chairman, MIC-IT and Brian James, General Manager, Industry Services, MIC-IT.
Brian James, General Manager, Industry Services, MIC-IT leads the tour of MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop.
To find out more about the innovative products, the “Diversification through Innovation” Portfolio can be viewed under the Industry Services tab on the MIC-IT’s website, please visit www.mic.co.tt.
