Katalyxt, a subsidiary of Mint Management and Finance Services Limited, presented the first and second round of judging for the Katalyxt Youth Innovators Competition (YIC), under the theme “Planting the Seed of Entrepreneurship in Fertile Soil” at the Jamaica Conference Center on Tuesday, April 17, and Thursday, May 3 respectively.

High schools from across the length and breadth of Jamaica turned up at the Jamaica Conference Centre enthused and eager to present their products/services to the team of judges.

This year marks the seventh staging of our annual Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition (YIC). The objective of this competition is to engage young innovators third to sixth form to participate and develop an appetite for innovation and encourages students to become job creators rather than job seekers.

 The competition also encouraged students to find innovative ways of utilising our native resources to create products/services that can bring about a positive change in our society.

The 2018 conference was abuzz with activities as students huddled to rehearse presentations while others could be seen setting up innovative displays. Students and teachers were noticeably anxious to showcase innovative products and services. 

The moment arrived for the long awaited judging. The judges watched enthralled as the students presented unique products/services.

Some students delivered their presentations through the use of skits, dub-poetry and songs further exciting attendees and judges. Innovations ranged across several industries: manufacturing, processing, agriculture and tourism.

Ralston Hyman an astute judge could not help but say “these students are brilliant” while team leader of Katalyxt Winsome Minott said “we must find a way for our students to be showcased on the world stage”.

A total of 29 entries were received, approximately 119 students and 27 teachers were present for the judging.

The auditorium erupted in applause as the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation gifted a sum of $248,700 to two winners of earlier competitions. The first round saw Penwood High School receiving a cheque totaling $248,700.00 to facilitate the completion of the second stage of the project ‘Pyrolysis Oil’.

The cheque was presented to the team by the CEO Kim Mair. Minott thanked the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation for recognising the extraordinary potential of this product that could be a change agent for Jamaica.  She also expressed gratitude to JMMB for partnering with Katalyxt.

The second round of judging also saw the Vere Technical High School team receiving a cheque in the amount of $255,875 from the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation. The funds will be used to take the project ‘Vere Enerflo’ to the next stage.

The cheque was presented to the team by Celia Ebanks of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation.  Blagrove used the opportunity to thank the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation for the gift and Katalyxt for working with Vere over the years.

The top 12 schools for 2018 along with two schools that will receive special mention are as undernoted:

Aabuthnott Gallimore High School

Ardenne High School

Penwood High School

Calabar High School

Mount Alvernia High School*

McGrath High School

Nain High School

Steer Town Academy

Immaculate Conception High School*

Herbert Morrison High School

Jamaica College

Vere Technical High School

Bustamante High School

Hampton School

*Special mention.

The presentation of prizes will be on Friday at the Knutsford Court Hotel.