KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dozens of high school students from Jamaica and the United States got a head start on the future this summer, thanks to an initiative hosted by AIM Educational Services in partnership with Microsoft.

The AIM Innovation Bootcamp, a week-long hybrid programme, brought together students from Grades 8 to 11 for an immersive dive into artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving.

The bootcamp held at UWI, Mona, featured hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and collaborative innovation labs. Students explored how AI technology can be harnessed to create viable business solutions to modern-day challenges.

Participants were guided by roster of industry leaders and mentors, including: Christopher Vendryes, manager of Individual Line Insurance at NCB; Marc Maurice, chief AI consultant at Transcend AI; Nadeen Mathews Blair, AI & digital transformation consultant; Kirk Anthony Hamilton, co-founder of Tech Beach Retreat and Joel Christian, co-founder of Gizzada Software.

Nicole McLaren Campbell, CEO of AIM Educational Services, described the initiative as a transformative opportunity for the youth.

“This collaboration with Microsoft is a game-changer. It’s more than a bootcamp — it’s a launchpad for innovation. We’re proud to be creating opportunities for students to think big, build boldly, and embrace the future,” said Campbell.

The bootcamp was held in collaboration with Project Blue Mountain, a Microsoft-led programme that aims to equip Caribbean youth with critical technology skills. Nicole Ralph, senior cloud solution architect at Microsoft and leader of the initiative, praised the students’ enthusiasm and vision.

“It’s a pleasure to be here supporting these young innovators as they explore how AI can help them become the entrepreneurs and innovators in their respective fields,” Ralph said, while also commending Campbell for recognising the importance of such a programme in Jamaica.

The week concluded with a high-energy Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where student teams presented their AI-powered business ideas to a panel of Jamaican business leaders.

The winning team’s AI concept will receive post-bootcamp development support from local tech company Gizzada Software, which has committed to helping bring the idea to life.

The AIM Innovation Bootcamp is part of a growing movement to equip Caribbean youth with the digital literacy, entrepreneurial mindset, and technical tools needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven global economy.