Amber UTech Launchpad Signs First Three New Startups to Drive Innovation in Jamaica
Startup Tech Entrepreneurs: Norval Mendez (2nd left) of JELLO, Camille Scott (centre) of eLaw and Rochelle Gordon (2nd right) of PegWay share a moment with Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Ambassador Dushyant Savadia (left), Founder and CEO of Amber Group, following the signing of their contracts on Monday, April 14, 2025 at UTech, Jamaica‘s Papine campus. They are the first three tech start-ups that will receive support to grow their business through the Amber UTech Launchpad.
The Amber UTech Launchpad, an initiative launched in 2024 between technology powerhouse Amber Group and the University of Technology, Jamaica, (UTech, Ja.) aimed at fostering the growth of 100 technology-based tech startups in Jamaica in 1000 days, formally signed the first three startups into its fold during an official signing ceremony at the UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Twenty high-potential startups were chosen to take part in an intensive pitch bootcamp out of hundreds of visionary applicants from across the country. Throughout the programme, these dynamic teams honed their presentations and sharpened their business models with guidance from seasoned mentors. Following a competitive final pitch session evaluated by a panel of industry experts, six standout entrepreneurs were offered investment deals—three of whom have officially joined the Launchpad community. Amber Group is expected to invest approximately $750,000 USD in these initial three ventures, delivering the critical capital needed to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Among the exciting startups accepted into the Amber UTech Launchpad is PegWay, a digital platform designed to revolutionize the way Jamaicans connect with local freelance service providers and tradesmen, making it easier to find and hire skilled professionals. Another accepted startup - JELLO, is a platform that connects eco-conscious homeowners, hosts, events, and businesses with certified professionals committed to sustainability, enabling users to make environmentally friendly choices with confidence. The third startup, eLaw, offers an affordable legal practice management software, research tool, and risk assessment programme tailored specifically to the Jamaican legal context, designed to meet the unique needs of law practices.
The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Amber UTech launchpad transformative initiative to nurture innovation and accelerate entrepreneurship in Jamaica. The Amber UTech Launchpad provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including funding for product development, office space, business coaching, and marketing resources.
Over the next six months, entrepreneurs onboarded in the Amber UTech Launchpad programme will be incubated at the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), UTech, Jamaica and undergo a structured programme divided into three key phases.
As detailed in the Amber UTech Launchpad course outline, in Phase 1, focused on Ideation and Validation, participants will validate their business ideas, build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and develop a clear market strategy. This phase introduces them to the startup ecosystem, emerging technologies such as AI, Blockchain, and IoT, and the lean startup methodology. Phase 2, dedicated to Growth and Business Strategy, helps entrepreneurs craft sustainable business models, attract initial customers, and get investment-ready. This includes exploring monetization and pricing strategies, go-to-market planning, customer acquisition, digital marketing, and growth hacking, along with legal essentials such as business registration, intellectual property, and contracts. In Phase 3, the focus shifts to Investment Readiness and Scaling, where participants learn to prepare investor-grade pitch decks, evaluate funding options, and conduct financial forecasting. This phase also covers scaling operations, automation, team building, and strategic partnerships. The programme concludes with a Demo Day, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors and industry experts while showcasing their progress as entrepreneurs.
Amber Group’s technical experts will also build a full-scale product, turning visionary ideas into market-ready technological solutions.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, expressed enthusiasm about the progress of the Amber UTech Launchpad, stating, “This is another key milestone for the Amber UTech Launchpad. I’m really pleased that we’re moving to this stage because we did so much work getting this off the ground. This is quite a big step for us.”
He highlighted the success of the university’s Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), which has already supported over 300 startups, noting, “We look forward to adding these new startups to that growing list.” Throughout the programme entrepreneurs will be supported by “our experts here at the university and you will receive training that will enhance your experience and help you to succeed,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO, Amber Group, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership with UTech, Jamaica noting, “the only reason Amber dared to take on this initiative is because we had UTech’s backing.” He emphasized that the true value of the Amber UTech Launchpad lies not just in the opportunity it creates, but in how it prepares startups to succeed. “The key ingredient lies in how we train these startups to understand business, understand financials, understand product management, and what it takes to run a successful business,” especially when dealing with governments and compliance, he noted.
He acknowledged that starting a business in Jamaica is easy but the real challenge lies in growing the business. That, he said, is where Amber Group plays a crucial role by helping startups build the necessary technological foundation and then leveraging Amber’s experience, marketing strength, and extensive network to support their growth and long-term success.
Reaffirming Amber Group’s commitment to the entrepreneurs, Ambassador Savadia stated, “we will do everything it takes from our side to make you successful,” noting he wants the impact of the launchpad to shape Jamaica’s tech-driven future.
Innovators and dreamers alike are invited to experience the thrilling journey of rising entrepreneurs in the Amber UTech Launchpad Pitching Competition Series. Premiering April 21 on Amber Group’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, the series delivers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, high-stakes pitches, expert insights, and a wealth of knowledge.
Camille Scott of eLaw (centre) signs her contract alongside Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Ambassador Dushyant Savadia (left), Founder and CEO of Amber Group, during a signing ceremony on Monday, April 14, 2025 at UTech, Jamaica‘s Papine campus. eLaw is one of the first three tech start-ups that will receive support to grow through the Amber UTech Launchpad.
Rochelle Gordon (2nd left) and Rihana Gordon (2nd right) of PegWay proudly display their signed signed contracts during a signing ceremony on Monday, April 14, 2025 at UTech, Jamaica‘s Papine campus, to support the growth and development of tech startups through the Amber UTech Launchpad. Joining the PegWay team are Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Ambassador Dushyant Savadia (left), Founder and CEO of Amber Group.
Norval Mendez (centre) of JELLO, signs his contract during a signing ceremony on Monday, April 14, 2025 at UTech, Jamaica‘s Papine campus, to support the growth and development of his tech startup through the Amber UTech Launchpad. Joining him are Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Ambassador Dushyant Savadia (left), Founder and CEO of Amber Group.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm