UTech, Ja. Voices

7 January – April 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica S tudent innovators Kadi Mundell, Sade Anita Barnett, Shannell Bailey and Abigail Scarlette of the College of Business and Management of team K.A.S.S Innovators raised the first place trophy in the 7th annual UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition (BMC) for their inventive presentation of a cost-saving soap making device, which allows for slivers of used soap to be compressed into a new bar, thus decreasing waste and increasing savings. For their innovation, K.A.S.S. Innovators were awarded the cash prize of $400,000.00 and secured their place in the National Business Model Competition (NBMC). Team K.A.S.S Innovators emerged winners following the final presentations from a field of seven finalist teams on February 14, 2020 at the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. The seven finalist teams presented their business models in front of a panel of judges, comprising Mr. Dennis Chung, Chief Financial Officer, Supreme Ventures, Mrs. Keisha Harriot-Harvey, Owner and Manager, ProHomes Ja. and Professor Paul Golding, Senior Lecturer, UTech, Jamaica. Sponsors of the 2020 UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition were the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). The Competition is endorsed by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). Mrs. Kim Mair, Chief Executive Officer, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, in bringing greetings, affirmed that the Foundation was proud to partner with UTech, Jamaica to continue supporting entrepreneurs, and “remain committed to helping to unearth greatness.” Ms. Pauline Nelson, Communication Consultant, DBJ in her remarks, encouraged the competitors to use the opportunity to develop their skills as entrepreneurs and to take the next step in establishing businesses that would make a positive contribution to the country’s economy. Winners of the 2020 UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition, team K.A.S.S Innovators from left: Kadi Mundell, Shannell Bailey and Abigail Scarlette pose with their winning plaques and their mentor/lecturer, Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL), College of Business and Management, Mr Frederick Mills at the finals of the Competition held Friday, February 14, 2020 at the Technology Innovation Centre, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. K.A.S.S. Innovators Secure UTech, Ja. Business Model Competition Trophy with Innovative Soap Maker