KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has officially welcomed the first cohort of students enrolled in its pioneering Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The university, in partnership with the Amber Group and the HEART/NSTA Trust, hosted a two-day orientation on July 7 and 8, 2026, to welcome the inaugural class of 100 students. The programme is a flagship initiative of the three partners, who have collaborated to establish the National AI Lab at UTech’s Papine campus.

The opening ceremony and in-person sessions took place on July 7 at the Papine campus before the orientation continued virtually on July 8.

Held under the theme “Empowering Jamaica’s AI Revolution”, the orientation introduced students to the academic, technical and professional expectations of the one-year programme.

Classes will run Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, primarily at the National AI Lab at UTech’s Papine campus, with some components delivered at the HEART/NSTA Trust’s Stony Hill campus.

Over the next 12 months, the students will complete a curriculum covering both foundational and emerging AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, Python programming, data science, large language models and AI deployment. The programme also emphasises practical skills in data analysis and visualisation, machine learning model development, AI application deployment and responsible AI practices through industry-led projects.

Providing an overview, Dean’s Assistant in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Sharon Leslie, shared that students will be introduced to a range of programming languages and AI tools to develop the technical competence to move forward into the industry. She noted that following their training, students will have opportunities to participate in internships and contribute to AI projects that provide practical, real-world experience.

Floyd Garrett, head of execution and strategy, Amber Group Limited, said the establishment of the National AI Lab represents a bold vision for regional innovation. Speaking to the urgency for Caribbean nations to stop being just consumers of technology to becoming creators of it, he noted that, “Participants will have the opportunity to combine hands-on, industry-relevant experience with an academic credential that carries real value in today’s marketplace.”

Garrett stated that most of today’s leading AI systems have been developed using data, languages and cultural experiences from outside the Caribbean, leaving the region’s realities underrepresented.

He said the partnership ultimately aims to build a Caribbean-owned artificial intelligence ecosystem, including future large language models developed by and for Caribbean people.

Encouraging the students to embrace the opportunity before them, Garrett reminded them that the programme could shape not only their individual careers but also the future of artificial intelligence across the region.

Dr Nicole Berry, director principal of the HEART/NSTA Trust, in her remarks, emphasised that the initiative represents much more than a traditional academic programme.

“What you are joining today is not just a training programme. It is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s AI revolution, and you are among the first to carry it forward,” she said.

The two-day programme provided a comprehensive academic and operational roadmap to fully prepare the cohort for the 12-month programme of study. Students were briefed on the programme’s vision, goals, the enrolment process and were introduced to members of faculty.