Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 5

3 May – August 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Cont’d from page 1... Students Shine The Innovation Challenge which is open to all UTech, Jamaica students, invited teams of 3-5 persons to develop innovative software, technology, or prototypes that would improve different aspects of society. The entry categories included transportation, security, environment and climate change, urbanization, real estate and accommodation, health and wellness, financial services, Internet of Things and smart cities entertainment, education, culinary arts and hospitality. At the end of the fiercely contested challenge which saw the students detailing their business models, revenue streams and prototypes, team Byte Size with their product Rentaly! emerged winners, copping the winning trophy and cash prize of $500, 000. The team members described their innovation as “a platform for connecting students and rooms, without the hassle.” The web-based app provides a central online hub for students to quickly find a place to live by connecting them with homeowners who would pay a monthly fee to list on the app. A tie for second place between Hackers X and K.R.E.M. saw them both sharing the prize of $200,000 for each team. Hackers X’s creative innovation called GoOUT, allows local and international users to design personalized cultural experiences to optimize their stay in Jamaica, particular at hidden gems and for locating unique events, cuisine, etc. The innovation by team K.R.E.M dubbed Track Taxi, seeks to solve the problem of safety for persons taking route taxis, by allowing commuters to see a real time suite of legally operating taxis headed in their desired route. The app provides information on the driver, the fare and travel information before the user commits to a ride. Offering greetings and congratulations to the teams Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, noted that the Innovation Challenge was a significant outcome of a partnership between the University and Sagicor, and represents a vital part of the University’s drive to equip students to create innovations and new industries that will transform the Jamaican society and the world. Professor Gyles indicated that the partnership between the two entities has resulted in the establishment of an Innovation Lab at the University’s Papine Campus, which has seen the implementation of three major projects. These are the SMS Mobile Payment Project, the Smart Parking Project and the Voice Biometric Authentication Project. Professor Gyles also had high commendation for Mr. Ray - St. Michael Williams, Director, Sagicor Innovation Lab and Lecturer, SCIT, who he noted is one of UTech, Jamaica’s “budding stars” and “someone who has the skills and the energy and the competence, and can attract young people to be a part of this development.” The University and Sagicor Group Jamaica on July 31, 2019, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on research and information sharing on Information Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives. Under its scope, the partnership is enabling the integration of resources to support research and development on financial technology platforms and the establishment of the Sagicor Innovation Lab which is located at the University’s Papine Campus. 2nd Place Winners: Dr. Lisa Facey-Shaw (right), competition judge, lead Lecturer of IS Innovation and Emerging Technologies and Programme Director of Graduate Studies, SCIT presents team KREM who tied for second place in the Sagicor Innovation Challenge, with their cheque for $100,000. Students from left are Romario Williams and Kehli Cousins, both final year SCIT students. 2nd Place Winners: Dr. Lisa Facey-Shaw (right), competition judge, Lecturer of IS Innovation and Emerging Technologies and Programme Director of Graduate Studies, SCIT, presents team Hackers X who tied for second place in the Sagicor Innovation Challenge, with their cheque for $100,000. Students from left are Juleen Gentles, SCIT final year student, Kayla Mendez, FELS final year student, Rochelle Pinnock, SCIT final year student and Joshua Thompson, SCIT final year student.