Voices Magazine-Vol4-Issue

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | January – April 2021 4 I n an exciting final virtual showdown, innovators “FimiLink” emerged triumphant on February 18, 2021 in the 8th staging of the UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition. FimiLink is an inventive social media platform that allows users to monetize their social media presence. FimiLink team members Kashlon Palmer, Jameal Wood, Chevaugn Beckford, McKiba Williams and Nsia McKenzie were awarded the first prize of $400,000.00. Judges praised the team for their ability to pivot and develop their product through incorporating customer and coach feedback. The team was the standout entrepreneurs of seven final teams who competed to secure a place in the National Business Model Competition (NBMC) and for cash prizes and business mentorship. Dr. Carol Nathan, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and Chairperson, UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition, noted that the BMC continues to provide an excellent means to “foster and facilitate strong entrepreneurial pursuits within the student body as many excellent ideas and projects come from our students.” She pointed out that the competitive platform also provides students with training, as well as the opportunity to create linkages within the local and international business market. She also praised the platform for its fostering of innovative talents including 2019 Business Model Competition Rayvon Stewart, inventor of Xermosel, whose device is now being touted as a tool in the fight against the coronavirus. The UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition is sponsored by the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), with special endorsement from the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). Second place winners were DSD Innovations and Development, comprising team members Shornagay Campbell, Travis Smith and Winston Davis, who presented EZ Change, an automatic lug nut and tyre removal device, designed specifically to reduce time and difficulty of changing tyres. The innovation copped the group a cash prize of $200,000.00. Arrun Thomas and Abigail McIntosh of Avia’s Secret, producers of natural hair products, took third place. Second place winners (from left) Winston Davis, Shornagay Campbell and Travis Smith of DSD Innovations and Development and third place winners Avia’s Secret Arrun Thomas and Abigail McIntosh, were awarded $200,000.00 and $120,000.00 respectively for their innovations. Social Media Innovators “FimiLink” cop 2021 Business Model Competition