Amber UTech Launchpad Advances 26 Startups to Pitching Round
Dr. Kevin Brown, (left) President, UTech, Jamaica and Ambassador Dushyant Savadia (right) Founder and CEO, Amber Group, solidify the agreement of the Amber UTech Launchpad with a handshake, during the Amber UTech LaunchPad launch ceremony on March 6, 2024 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica's Papine Campus.
The Amber UTech Launchpad, an innovative initiative designed to spur entrepreneurship in Jamaica, is excited to announce the advancement of 26 promising entrepreneurs to the pitching stage of its startup incubator. This marks a significant milestone in the "100 startups in 1000 days" vision by Amber Group, in collaboration with University of Technology, Jamaica.
Launched on March 6, 2024, the Amber UTech Launchpad provides an unparalleled incubator program offering comprehensive support. This includes end-to-end funding for product development, office space, business coaching, and marketing support for the selected finalists.
The selected entrepreneurs are set to participate in an intensive bootcamp, a nurturing ground for refining their business strategies and pitches. The culmination of this stage will be a presentation before a distinguished panel of judges and a public vote, adding a dynamic interactive component to the competition. The names of the 26 successful applicants will be announced on our website www.myambergroup.com and is available on Amber Social media platforms.
Commending the 26 promising startups, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica expressed: “congratulations to all the budding entrepreneurs selected for the next exciting round of the Amber UTech Launchpad startup competition,” adding “your dedication, creativity, and passion have set you apart, and we are thrilled to see your ideas progressing. As you prepare for the next stage, UTech, Jamaica is committed to supporting you every step of the way, providing training and resources to boost your readiness to pitch your ideas effectively.”
Underscoring that “the Amber UTech Launchpad is an incredible opportunity and pivotal moment for aspiring entrepreneurs to illuminate their business ideas,” Dr. Brown further noted that “the launch and growth of these startups are well poised to make a lasting impact on Jamaica’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the economy.”
Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, shared his enthusiasm: "The large volume of high-quality applications underscored the rich entrepreneurial spirit in Jamaica. Our rigorous selection process focused on creativity, sustainability, innovation, and scalability across various sectors—from tech innovations in law, health, transport and advancements in gaming and tourism to name a few.
The selection process proved to be exceptionally challenging, highlighting the high caliber of applicants and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the community. Despite the difficult decisions, it is important to note that
those not selected for this phase are not being dismissed due to the quality of their ideas but due to the limited capacity of each cohort. We strongly encourage those not selected to reapply for the next phase, as continuing opportunities will be available."
The upcoming pitching event promises to showcase the exceptional talent fostered by the Amber UTech Launchpad, emphasizing our commitment to transforming these visions into impactful business successes. This initiative is poised to make a substantial contribution to Jamaica's economic landscape.
About Amber UTech Launchpad:
Amber UTech Launchpad is a pioneering initiative aiming to kindle innovation and entrepreneurship in Jamaica. The programme offers vital mentorship, skill-building workshops, and investment opportunities, empowering entrepreneurs to launch, scale, and enhance their businesses, thereby driving substantial economic and social progress.
-End-
Contact:
Michelle Beckford
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm