Cayman Enterprise City receives top regional recognition from Financial Times' fDi Intelligence, alongside international honours for responsible AI adoption.
City Centre, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (16 October 2026) – Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) has been named the winner of the Knowledge Zones of the Year 2026 – Americas category by fDi Intelligence, a specialist publication of the Financial Times. The recognition places CEC among the world's leading special economic zones (SEZs) supporting knowledge-based industries, international investment, and technology-driven economic development.
CEC also received an Honourable Mention for Responsible Operation of AI, one of just 22 special distinctions awarded globally, recognising its approach to integrating artificial intelligence into business operations through workforce training, governance, and measurable performance improvements.
The awards build on CEC's international recognition in 2025, when it was ranked the world's second-leading Knowledge Zone, and come as the organisation marks a significant milestone, with 500 businesses now operating within its Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
International Recognition for Cayman's Knowledge Economy
Established in 2012, CEC has helped attract internationally active businesses in software development, artificial intelligence, financial technology, digital assets, natural sciences, media, and other knowledge-intensive industries to the Cayman Islands.
Today, its community of 500 businesses represents a growing concentration of international expertise, investment, and commercial activity, supporting Cayman's efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries.
"This is important international recognition for Cayman, for CEC, and for the economic development model we've collectively spent more than 15 years building," said Charlie Kirkconnell, Chief Executive Officer of Cayman Enterprise City. "We've demonstrated that Cayman can compete internationally to attract businesses in some of the world's most innovative industries. Five hundred companies is a significant milestone, but what matters most is the investment and expertise they bring, and the opportunities they create for our economy, local businesses, and people."
CEC's independently prepared 2025 Socio-Economic Impact Assessment by Marla Dukharan demonstrates the growing contribution of the SEZ to the Cayman Islands economy. Since 2012, CEC has generated US$1.23 billion in cumulative economic activity, including US$152.3 million in 2025 alone. During the year, CEC also engaged 164 local suppliers, extending the economic benefits beyond the Zone itself.
The growth of knowledge-based industries offers a particularly relevant model of economic diversification for a small island jurisdiction. Businesses operating in these sectors can generate substantial economic activity and high-value employment with a comparatively modest physical footprint, reducing the need for large-scale physical development.
CEC's contribution is also reflected in local employment. In 2025, 172 Caymanians and permanent residents worked within the SEZ, more than double the number recorded in 2020. Of these, 61% held professional or leadership positions, while 80% worked in occupations identified by the World Economic Forum as areas of future employment growth.
Recognised for Responsible AI Adoption
In addition to its regional Knowledge Zone award, CEC received international recognition for its approach to responsible artificial intelligence adoption.
The Honourable Mention for Responsible Operation of AI acknowledges CEC's efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its own operations while establishing clear policies, employee training, and appropriate oversight.
CEC has introduced an internal AI policy addressing acceptable use, confidentiality, data protection, risk management, and human oversight. All employees have completed mandatory training in responsible AI use and risk awareness.
The international judging panel specifically highlighted CEC's commitment to measuring the impact of AI adoption, distinguishing its approach from other participating special economic zones.
The recognition also aligns with CEC's broader efforts to strengthen technology capabilities in Cayman. Through its non-profit organisation, Enterprise Cayman, CEC supports digital skills development, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in emerging industries.
Since 2021, Enterprise Cayman's entrepreneurship initiatives have supported more than 61 Cayman-born ventures and awarded approximately US$80,000 in seed funding.
Building on More Than a Decade of Growth
As CEC continues to expand its international business community, its focus remains on strengthening the connections between global investment and the local economy.
"Attracting international businesses is an important part of what we do, but the real measure of our success is the contribution those businesses make to Cayman," Kirkconnell added. "We want to see more Caymanians building careers and businesses in these industries, more local businesses benefiting from new commercial opportunities, and more entrepreneurs gaining access to the expertise and connections they need to succeed. There's considerable opportunity ahead, and we're focused on helping Cayman make the absolute most of it."
The 2026 Global Free Zones of the Year Awards recognise special economic zones worldwide for their performance, strategic development, investment attractiveness, and contribution to economic growth.
CEC's latest achievements further establish the Cayman Islands as a competitive international destination for knowledge-based businesses and demonstrate the role these industries can play in supporting the country's long-term economic development.
To learn more about Cayman Enterprise City, visit caymanenterprise.city. The full 2025 Socio-Economic Impact Assessment is available at enterprisecayman.ky/reports.