IN a bid to elevate Jamaica’s position on the global innovation stage, the Amber Group, in collaboration with the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, has unveiled the UTech Launchpad. Positioned as a televised incubator for digital start-ups, the initiative seeks to address Jamaica’s current rank of 78 out of 132 on the Global Innovation Index.

The ambitious project, announced by Amber Group CEO Ambassador Dushyant Savadia, aims to establish 100 technology-based start-ups within the next 1,000 days. This comprehensive programme transforms the conventional approach to supporting technology start-ups by offering financial backing, training, and access to crucial software and resources.

“The launchpad will ignite tech-focused business ideas that are relevant to Jamaica’s development agenda and is well poised to add significant value by creating jobs and ultimately stimulating economic growth,” remarked Dr Kevin Brown, president of UTech, during the launch on Wednesday.

“I don’t want others to suffer what I went through,” shared Ambassador Savadia, reflecting on the motivation behind UTech Launchpad.

UTech, through its Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), will play a pivotal role in providing incubation services to the selected start-ups participating in the Launchpad programme. The launch is anticipated within the next four months, with UTech offering office infrastructure support for the start-ups throughout the one-year programme, covering everything from training to the launch of these businesses into the global market.

Savadia, who experienced the challenges of starting a business first-hand, highlighted the financial struggles and obstacles faced in the early stages of Amber Group. With eight years of operation, Amber Group now spans 100 countries globally, with an additional 12 companies set to join the group. The UTech Launchpad is a private-public partnership involving Amber, the Government, and UTech, designed to provide an end-to-end development and founder protection support system.

“You will never have to go back for money to finish your product and roll out into the market ever,” Savadia stressed.

The founder protection support marks a significant milestone in Amber’s mission to support start-ups without the constant need for funding at every milestone. Applications for the Launchpad opened on March 6 and will be accepted until April 6 via the My Amber Group website. The selection process involves uploading concepts and answering a series of questions, with results set to be announced on April 25. The entire programme, including the pitch sessions, will be televised, spanning ten seasons over three years to achieve the goal of launching 100 start-ups.

“Before they come on the TV show, we will train them, we will polish them, and we will make sure they know how to deliver the message,” Savadia assured prospective participants.

Amber Group, which prides itself on its forward-thinking approach, will aim to assist participants in adopting its strategies of identifying requirements, addressing gaps, and qualifying for the right standards of processes and policies to position Jamaica on the global innovation map. Savadia took the opportunity to unveil another innovative project aimed at filling a gap in Jamaica’s tourism and aviation sectors.

“We now have acquired five aircraft; they’re all coming to Jamaica; a few of them are already here, and we also only yesterday received our final confirmation from the Negril airport to get our haggle built, and the business should be off the ground this year in the next 4-5 months the most,” Savadia revealed at the launch.

The aircraft will offer a unique perspective, flying over beaches at 1000 feet, providing a 3D experience, and introducing a jet-share programme.

“Over time, what I realised at the end of the day was that thinking big, going global, growing products that solve customers’ pain points, and visually appealing and affordable solutions — that is the secret of Amber Group,” said Savadia.