2026 InnovEYtion Summit - Venezuela

The InnovEYtion Summit 2026, sponsored by Ernst & Young in Caracas, Venezuela, was a significant business‑and‑technology event held in March 2026. It focused on transforming the local business ecosystem through technology and innovation, highlighting the intersection of entrepreneurship, digital acceleration and sustainability.

Simon Nestel, CEO of Carousel Solutions Group and technical architect supporting UK Innovation Labs delivered a thirty‑minute keynote.

Invited by Alberto Afiuni, Juan Fernandez and the EY Venezuela team, Simon explained how the UK Innovation Labs translate advanced technologies (including artificial intelligence, automation, computer vision, graph theory and machine learning) into large‑scale operational solutions that drive cost efficiency, revenue growth and sustainability across major enterprises.

Introduction

The summit hosted more than 25 national and international speakers and attracted over 1 270 attendees, among them investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and students. Simon opened his remarks by thanking Alberto, Juan and the entire EY Venezuela team for creating what he described as a “Tropical Davos” where bold ideas are examined through the lens of practical execution.

His keynote explored how an Innovation‑Lab model originally built for the United Kingdom’s incumbent telecom operator can be replicated across Latin America.

The Role of Innovation Labs

Innovation Labs sit alongside, rather than within, traditional IT departments and act as a horizontal platform that spans subsidiaries, divisions, departments and business units. They provide rapid access to massive internal data sets, cutting‑edge tools and a multidisciplinary pool of experts – mathematicians, data scientists, data engineers, business analysts, project managers, software developers and testers.

Small teams of specialists typically use powerful visualisation software to map end‑to‑end processes in real time, uncovering discrepancies between planned and actual workflows. This enables rapid prototyping, quick iteration and minimal risk when developing new solutions.

Strategic Priorities for 2026

Carousel Solutions Group advises investors and boards of directors; whether at large or mid‑size organisations to strike a careful balance between innovation, performance and resilience.

This requires developing both broad and specialist skills across the organisation to support the adoption of the latest technologies that may be used effectively to simplify processes, reduce costs and support measurable growth.

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Simon concluded that the combination of abundant internal data, a horizontally integrated technology stack and disciplined knowledge‑orchestration creates a fertile environment for long‑term growth.

By breaking complex challenges into smaller, manageable projects; for example, implementing a Just‑In‑Time logistics strategy ensuring only the appropriate quantity of goods are ordered, received, stored, and needed for production or sales can achieve measurable cost savings.

Such an approach reduces capital tied up in storage, handling and excess inventory, as well as the overheads associated with warehouse capacity, equipment, heating, cooling and insurance.

Key Messages for Summit Attendees

Simon reiterated that abundant internal data, a horizontally integrated technology stack and disciplined knowledge‑orchestration together form a fertile environment for rapid innovation.

When complex challenges are divided into smaller, manageable projects, measurable cost savings can be achieved while advancing the objectives set by the board.

He stressed that the methodology used by the UK’s leading Innovation Labs can be adapted to Latin America’s local context, enabling organisations across the region to accelerate digital transformation, improve operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

Closing Remarks

Simon thanked the EY Venezuela team for their hospitality, invited questions from the audience and expressed confidence that the insights shared would inspire a new wave of practical, data‑driven innovation throughout Latin America.

For further information, please contact

Simon Nestel at Simon.Nestel@carousel-solutions.com or

Andreina.Reyes at Andreina.Reyes@ve.ey.com

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