UTech and Amber Group Incubate Tech Start-ups for Jamaica’s Growth

Start-up tech entrepreneurs Norval Mendez (third left) of JELPO, Rochelle Gordon (fourth left) of Amber PegWay, and Jeromha crossbourne Onfroy (fourth right) of Senior Partner, share a photo with the UTech, Jamaica and Amber Group management team at the Showcase and Closing Ceremony for the first cohort of start-up entrepreneurs who successfully completed Phase 1 of the Amber UTech Launchpad program held Thursday, december 18, 2025, at the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), UTech, Jamaica, Papine campus. Also pictured (l-r) are Mr. Prince Graham-Haynes, buisness development consultant, Andrea Bolton-fyffe, incubator manager, Technology Innovation Centre (TIC); Dr Kevin Brown, president, University of Technology, jamaica; Natalia Francis, chief marketing officer, Amber Group; and Floyd Garett, head of execution and strategy, Amber Group.

December 28, 2025

Three technology start-ups have completed the first phase of a new incubation programme backed by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) and the Amber Group, as both partners position entrepreneurship and applied technology as part of Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery and longer-term growth strategy.

The companies – Amber Pegway, JELPO and Senior Partners – wrapped up Phase One of the Amber UTech Launchpad programme on December 18, 2025, at the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) at UTech’s Papine campus. The programme aims to nurture early-stage ventures with the potential to drive economic development and innovation in Jamaica.

The Amber UTech Launchpad programme is designed to provide start-ups with critical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Phase One focused on validating business models and developing minimum viable products (MVPs). Participants received training in areas like financial management, marketing, and pitch development.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress these three start-ups have made,” said Dr Kevin Brown, president of UTech, Jamaica. “This programme demonstrates our commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the next generation of Jamaican innovators.”

Natalia Francis, chief marketing officer of Amber Group, added, “Amber Group is dedicated to investing in the future of Jamaica.By partnering with UTech, we can provide these entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to succeed and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”

Amber Pegway focuses on providing accessible and affordable transportation solutions. JELPO is developing innovative logistics and supply chain management technologies. Senior Partners offers specialized consulting services leveraging data analytics and technology.

Phase Two of the Amber UTech Launchpad programme will concentrate on scaling operations,securing funding,and expanding market reach. The programme is actively seeking additional partners and investors to support the growth of these promising Jamaican start-ups.

Key Takeaways

• The Amber UTech Launchpad programme successfully completed its first phase with three tech start-ups.
• The programme is a collaboration between the University of Technology, Jamaica and the Amber Group.
• It aims to support entrepreneurship and technology as drivers of Jamaica’s economic recovery and growth.
• Phase One focused on business model validation and MVP development.
• Phase Two will focus on scaling operations and securing funding.