At a televised press conference on Thursday, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Alicia Hayward, announced a series of measures aimed at positioning Bermuda as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The Minister highlighted a new $12 million initiative that will provide tax incentives and seed funding for start‑ups that develop digital solutions in areas such as fintech, maritime logistics and climate‑resilient technology.

In the session, which was streamed live from Government House and subsequently uploaded to the BermudaObserver YouTube channel, Dr. Hayward also addressed the fiscal outlook for the 2026 budget. She emphasized that the projected surplus will allow for increased investment in broadband infrastructure, ensuring that both business and residential users can access high‑speed connectivity across the island.

The Minister stressed the importance of workforce development, announcing a partnership with the Bermuda Institute of Technology to offer scholarships and training programmes in data science, cybersecurity and software engineering. She noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond tourism and insurance.

Community leaders and industry representatives applauded the announcement, citing the potential for job creation and long‑term economic resilience. The Minister concluded by inviting private‑sector partners to collaborate on the implementation of the new policy framework, promising regular updates through the Treasury’s official channels.