Amber UTech Launchpad signs first startups
The first three innovative startups have been onboarded into the Amber UTech Launchpad, a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing Jamaica’s brightest entrepreneurial minds and driving
technological innovation across the nation.
The entities are:
eLaw – Under the leadership of attorneys Camille Scott and Jeromha Onfroy, eLaw introduces an innovative and affordable legal practice one-in-all solution tailored specifically for the Jamaican legal landscape. The platform streamlines legal workflows, boosts efficiency, and broadens access to legal services throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean;
JELPO – idiated by Norval Mendez, JELPO is committed to connecting eco-conscious consumers, event organizers, and businesses with certified sustainability professionals. From locally produced eco-friendly cleaning solutions to a convenient platform that champions green choices, JELPO is poised to drive Jamaica’s environmental future; and
PegWay – Founded by Rochelle Gordon and Rihanna Ruth Gordon, PegWay is set to change forever how Jamaicans discover and engage with freelance service providers, vendors and tradesmen. Their intuitive digital platform will make reliable professional help just a click away.
Launched in 2024 by Amber Group in collaboration with the University of Technology (UTech) with the ambitious goal of creating and fully funding from ground up 100 tech startups, the Amber UTech Launchpad combines UTech’s academic knowledge with Amber Group’s technological expertise and a commitment to business-building excellence.
The powerful collaboration promises to catalyze economic growth, job creation, and innovation, solidifying Jamaica’s position as a technology hub in the Caribbean.
From hundreds of visionary applicants nationwide, 20 promising startups were selected to participate in an intense pitching bootcamp. These dynamic teams refined their pitches and business strategies under expert mentorship.
After a challenging final pitching round to a distinguished panel of experts, six entrepreneurs were presented with investment opportunities, three of which have now signed on to officially become part of the Launchpad family.
Amber Group is estimated to invest approximately US$750,000 in the first three startups, providing the vital funding necessary to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life.
Over the next six months, these pioneering startups will immerse themselves in an intensive incubation journey at UTech’s Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), receiving targeted business mentorship, strategic workshops, and hands-on coaching. Concurrently, Amber Group’s technical experts will build a full-scale product, turning visionary ideas into market-ready technological solutions.
Amber Group CEO Dushyant Savadia expressed his commitment.
“Amber is taking significant risks and investing considerable resources because we understand what it takes to build lasting, impactful ventures from the ground up. We are here to empower Jamaica’s next generation of innovators to create transformative change,” he said.
UTech President Dr Kevin Brown added: “This partnership is a powerful testament to what academia and industry can achieve together. The success of these startups will not only inspire future generations of entrepreneurs in Jamaica but also showcase our nation’s potential on the global stage.”
Amber Group invites the public to witness this inspiring journey through the Amber UTech Launchpad Pitching Competition Series. Premiering on April 21 via Amber Group’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, the series offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, high-stakes pitches, expert evaluations, and plenty of inspiration.
Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are encouraged to submit their proposals for a chance to feature in season two, continuing Amber Group’s ambitious mission to shape Jamaica’s tech-driven future.
