CariSurg connects outstanding Caribbean students with world-class surgical robotics, AI for health, and context-appropriate medical technology.
WHY CARISURG
CariSurg aims to bridge the gap in the Caribbean where, despite strong interest in surgical robotics, AI, and medical technology, a lack of hands-on research opportunities drives skilled students away and isolates them from global innovation networks.
Give Caribbean students direct access to cutting-edge research in surgical robotics, AI for health, and context-appropriate medical technology
Build a pipeline of innovators who understand both global technologies and Caribbean health-system realities.
Strengthen collaboration between Universities in the Caribbean, Universities across the globe, clinicians, and regional policy leaders.
WHAT WE DO
IN-PERSON PROGRAM
A fully funded research internship at the University of Leeds, hosted in the STORM Lab, one of the world's leading centres for surgical robotics.
Supervised research projects in magnetic soft robots, surgical video computer vision (optical flow), and novel robotic mechanisms and sensing for robot-assisted procedures.
Develop core skills in research methods, experimental design, and data analysis.
Present their work in lab meetings and end-of-program showcases.
Students visit robotic surgery suites, healthcare institutes, and AI/data-driven care partners to see advanced technology in action.
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
A career-focused virtual program that equips Caribbean students with CV-ready projects, a professional portfolio, and tailored skills modules designed to close critical gaps in MedTech innovation.
Build a portfolio through hands on MedTech and digital health projects that demonstrate practical skills to future supervisors, employers, and graduate programs.
Complete tailored skills modules designed to address the most common readiness gaps for research and industry roles.
Participate in expert-led workshops delivered by UK and Caribbean researchers, clinicians, and engineers focused on real-world MedTech challenges
Powered by Tenx, 10 Academy's AI-powered learning and employability platform. It delivers personalized, goal-oriented learning giving real-time visibility into progress and outcomes.
Technology Development
CariSurg supports the development of medical technologies designed specifically for the realities of Caribbean healthcare systems. Through collaboration with the Caribbean College of Surgeons and regional clinical partners, students and mentors work on frugal, scalable, and context-appropriate innovations that address the region’s most pressing surgical, diagnostic and healthcare management challenges.
Ecosystem Development
CariSurg is building a lasting innovation ecosystem that connects all students, mentors, alumni, and partners. Through this network, participants can:
Share updates, ideas, and progress with a supportive expert community.
Engage directly with clinicians, engineers, industry leaders, and funders interested in Caribbean-led innovation.
Access ongoing opportunities, mentorship, and resources year-round.
University of Leeds
Dr Greenidge hopes to create lasting opportunities through the CariSurg programme and foster long-term collaborations through establishing relationships for knowledge exchange, access to resources, and support for local research initiatives ...
A flexible, project-based virtual program designed to build CV-ready skills, portfolio projects, and foundational competencies in MedTech and digital health. Focused on:
Core skills in MedTech, digital health, and frugal innovationProject-based portfolio development aligned with Caribbean healthcare needsAny CARICOM National aged 18-25 interested in MedTech, AI, and health innovationLearners seeking structured training and portfolio building experience
APPLICATIONS OPEN
1st February 2026
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
15th March 2026
FINAL SELECTION
1st April 2026
Program Start
1st June 2026
Program End
27th August 2026
Testimonials
Barbados (Computer Science & Electronics, UWI Cave Hill), CariSurg Scholar 2025
Before this program, I never imagined myself working in the medical field, but seeing technology and healthcare come together especially with the Caribbean at the center was incredibly inspiring I returned home motivated to help make advanced healthcare accessible in the Caribbean.
Trinidad & Tobago (Electrical & Computer Engineering, UWI St Augustine), CariSurg Scholar 2025
I doubted whether my skills as a Caribbean student would translate internationally. CariSurg erased that doubt. Working in a UK research lab showed me that we have the ability to contribute meaningfully to bioengineering and beyond. Our people deserve world-class healthcare, and this program motivated me to push for that future.
Jamaica (Computer Science, UWI Mona), CariSurg Scholar 2025
This experience completely shifted my perspective. I saw firsthand how Caribbean talent can contribute globally, and it strengthened my belief that the Caribbean should be a hub for STEM innovation. I left with a bigger dream and a clearer vision for how I can help build a better Jamaica. CariSurg showed me that we are capable of solving not just regional problems, but global ones.
Saint Lucia (Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University), CariSurg Scholar 2025
CariSurg placed Caribbean students at the forefront of research. I wanted to understand what it felt like to design a concept, run experiments, and contribute to real innovation and this program gave me exactly that. The highlight was finding a sense of community with students from across the region. We supported each other, uplifted each other, and grew together.
Social
Today, our founder, Nikita Greenidge, had the honour of presenting the success of CariSurg's inaugural summer research program to the CARICOM: Caribbean Community Heads of Mission Caucus at the Jamaican High Commission in London
