Honouring the late Gene Thompson.
The Gene Thompson Computer Science Award recognises students across the Cayman Islands who demonstrate excellence in STEM, a commitment to innovation and the potential to contribute to Cayman’s technology sector.
More than an academic award, it continues the vision of TechCayman co-founder Gene Thompson, who believed that Cayman’s long-term success depended on creating meaningful opportunities for future generations of Caymanians.
Gene Thompson’s vision for technology in the Cayman Islands.
A ninth-generation Caymanian entrepreneur, Gene came from a family with a long history of building businesses and serving the community. His approach was grounded in the belief that successful ventures should create lasting value, not only for the people involved today, but for those who will follow.
As Cayman’s economy continued to develop, Gene saw the potential for technology to become a greater part of the Islands’ future. He understood that attracting international companies, expertise and investment was only one part of that opportunity. Caymanian students also needed access to the skills, exposure and encouragement required to participate in emerging industries and eventually help lead them.
That belief shaped his role in founding TechCayman alongside Harry Chandi and Samir Mitra. Together, they brought complementary experience in Caymanian entrepreneurship, community service and global technology, creating a platform designed to connect Cayman with international companies, talent and ideas while building opportunities locally.
A practical commitment to education in Cayman.
Gene’s commitment to education was never abstract. He championed early learning in both healthcare and technology and played a central role in expanding TechCayman’s educational programmes to Cayman Brac.
For Gene, geography should not determine whether a young person could be introduced to coding, robotics or other technology-led fields. Extending programmes beyond Grand Cayman helped ensure that students across the Islands could see themselves as part of Cayman’s developing technology landscape.
His hands-on approach reflected the values that defined his wider career: integrity, service and a willingness to invest time in initiatives with long-term community value.
The Gene Thompson Computer Science Award grew from that same commitment. It recognises students at an important point in their education, when encouragement, visibility and access to new opportunities can help shape what they choose to pursue next.
Recognising Cayman’s emerging technology talent.
Today, the award is presented to high school students who excel in STEM and demonstrate a strong interest in computer science, technology and innovation.
To date, TechCayman has collaborated with nine educational institutions, including every government secondary school and the University College of the Cayman Islands. Twenty-three awards have been presented, including eight in 2025.
Each award reflects an individual student’s achievement, but together they also provide a broader view of the talent developing across Cayman. Students are building skills that can lead to careers in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital assets and other technology-led fields that may shape the Islands’ economy in the years ahead.
Recognition alone does not create those pathways. However, it can help students understand that their abilities are valued, that opportunities exist and that there are people and organisations in Cayman committed to supporting their development.
Continuing Gene’s legacy.
Gene’s contribution lives on through the companies, programmes and relationships he helped build, but his legacy is perhaps most meaningful in the opportunities created for others.
He believed the next generation should not simply observe technological change from a distance or participate only after industries had already been established. Young Caymanians should have the knowledge, confidence and support to help create what comes next.
The Gene Thompson Computer Science Award continues that work by recognising students who share his curiosity, ambition and commitment to innovation. As the award reaches more schools and students, it serves as a reminder that building Cayman’s technology sector is not only about attracting companies to the jurisdiction. It is also about investing in the people who will shape its future.
Through every recipient, Gene’s belief in education, opportunity and multigenerational progress continues.
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