David Smith

David Smith is a seasoned Information Technology specialist and digital transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in network engineering, IT infrastructure, and ecosystem innovation. As an Information Technologist III at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, he is responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing network infrastructures and digital platforms. A problem solver, his work includes the application of the Microsoft Power Platform to address challenges faced by the Campus. This was highlighted by his leadership in the PowerBarbados Hackathon in partnership with Microsoft, which expanded the platform’s visibility across UWI and the Caribbean region.

David’s contributions extend to national digital transformation efforts. He spearheaded the Digital Barbados Initiative, aimed at positioning Barbados as a digital leader. This work culminated in Smart Barbados Week 2019, which showcased innovative digital strategies for the nation. As a leader within the Internet Society, Barbados Chapter, David also played a key role in organizing the Barbados Internet Governance Forum and contributed as an expert to the World Bank’s B-Ready Project, advising on broadband and internet policies for Barbados.

In addition to his work in digital policy, David co-founded VOIS, a platform designed to support the development of high-functioning ecosystems in underserved regions. VOIS originated from the recognition that the absence of cohesive ecosystems was hindering growth and causing inefficiencies across Caribbean economies. With an initial focus on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, VOIS won the Inaugural Innovate Cave Hill Business Plan Competition and has since been refined through real-world use cases, including its deployment for the second Innovate Cave Hill Competition.

VOIS is now evolving into a comprehensive platform that extensively leverages AI to streamline collaboration and information sharing across sectors like entrepreneurship, academia, research, and supply chains. It addresses inefficiencies by connecting stakeholders and providing tools for ecosystem management, with the goal of unlocking regional potential and driving sustainable development.

David holds an M.Eng in Internetworking from Dalhousie University and a BSc in Computer Science from UWI.