First Guyanese selected as a Halcyon Fellow for climate innovation

Last Updated on Monday, 18 August 2025, 22:10 by Writer

Brian Smith, Founder and Operations Lead of Dragonfly Drones and Geospatial Solutions, has been selected as the first Guyanese to join the Halcyon Fellowship, a global program for entrepreneurs solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Halcyon, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is recognised globally for its support of early-stage social entrepreneurs possessing innovative ideas to address urgent global challenges. With a selectivity rate of less than 5%, the fellowship has served as a catalyst for pioneering initiatives in the areas of climate, equity, and social impact. Graduates of the program have collectively secured over USD$850 million in funding and established internationally acclaimed, impact-oriented enterprises.

The highly competitive program selected only ten ventures from over 120 applicants across Latin America and the Caribbean. Brian’s selection acknowledges his company’s innovative initiative to pilot the utilisation of drones and geospatial technologies aimed at enhancing climate resilience in agriculture, particularly through prescription application solutions targeting small to medium-scale farmers.

“This is just the beginning,” Brian stated. “I’m excited to represent Guyana and build bridges for more innovators to follow as we build an ecosystem of collaboration.”

The Halcyon Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Climate Fellowship runs from July 31 to November 23, 2025. It comprises two intensive in-person residencies aimed at establishing connections between fellows and global mentors, investors, and partners.

• Mexico City, Mexico – August 21–30, 2025
• Bogotá, Colombia – November 16–22, 2025

Over the duration of the program, Brian and his cohort will engage in in excess of 100 hours of programming, which includes:

• Leadership and business skill development sessions
• Investor and ecosystem networking events
• Personalised mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
• Legal, business, and technical consulting

Mexico City, the initial residency location, has been selected due to its status as a regional hub for climate technology and sustainable enterprise. It provides fellows with direct access to investors, collaborators, and the city’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.

“Halcyon is one of the most respected fellowships for impact entrepreneurs,” Smith added. “This opportunity will not only help scale my venture, but it also shows that Guyana is capable of producing innovation at the highest global standards. I look forward to advancing solutions that make agriculture more resilient and sustainable, especially as we aggressively pursue food security.”

Halcyon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to accelerate the impact-driven future of business by supporting early-stage entrepreneurs with bold solutions to global challenges. Since its founding, Halcyon has supported 593 fellows from over 50 countries.