Jamaica to Launch First Artificial Intelligence Lab at UTech by September

Jamaica is set to open its first AI Lab at UTech by September 1, spearheaded in partnership with the Amber Group. The initiative will train data analysis engineers and focus on developing AI capable of autonomous decision-making. Key government officials stress the significance of AI in economic and educational advancement, while the lab will serve as a national resource hub for training and research.

Jamaica is gearing up to launch its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech Ja) in St. Andrew by September 1. This ambitious initiative represents a significant leap in Jamaica’s digital transformation landscape, fueled by collaboration with the Amber Group. They anticipate onboarding around 100 data analysis engineers to help set up the lab, which will focus on developing agentic AI—technology that can make autonomous decisions without requiring human input.

The National AI Lab Signing Ceremony, held on June 6 at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, showcased a growing commitment to advancing AI in Jamaica. Senator the Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks, who serves as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, spoke of AI’s critical role in the nation’s journey toward development. “AI is a powerful driver of economic transformation, job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness,” she emphasized, noting that the global AI market is projected to reach approximately $3.6 trillion by 2034.

Ambassador Marks continued, highlighting how Jamaica has the talent and infrastructure necessary to compete on the global stage. Moreover, she acknowledged the Amber Group’s contributions: “The investments in AI, the Internet of Learning, and digital transformation continue to set the bar for innovation in Jamaica. With these collaborations, Jamaica is preparing our people for AI opportunities that can truly change lives and provide financial independence.”

Focusing on education, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, remarked on the transformative potential of the AI Lab. According to her, both the lab and the Jamaica Learning Assistant signify more than just trends—they represent essential elements of a new educational paradigm. “Access to quality learning mustn’t be dictated by income level or distance from elite schools,” she said, underlining a vision of thorough inclusivity.

Further to this, Dr. Morris Dixon revealed plans to train teachers in AI literacy and new digital teaching methods. “We’ve chosen this future because Jamaica’s youth deserve not to merely consume technology; they should be the creators of it,” she stated, clearly passionate about empowering a new generation.

Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, Managing Director of HEART/NSTA Trust, framed the lab’s establishment as crucial for Jamaica’s recognition in the global digital field. “This facility will act as a national resource hub for training, research, and curriculum development centered on AI,” she explained, setting the stage for a collaborative environment between HEART and UTech.

UTech Ja President, Dr. Kevin Brown, expressed confidence that the university could effectively support the new lab, reflecting on its academic infrastructure and research capabilities. “Our university provides the ideal environment for this AI lab. We are devoted to integrating it fully into our teaching and research programs, keeping our students and faculty leading in AI innovation,” he noted.

Additionally, he emphasized that the lab will be a meeting point for developers, researchers, and students to tackle real-world challenges using advanced technology, not just an institutional addition but a dynamic space for collaborative thought and innovation.

The upcoming launch of Jamaica’s first Artificial Intelligence Lab at UTech represents a monumental step in the country’s quest for digital transformation. Through collaboration with the Amber Group and strategic educational initiatives, Jamaica aims to harness the potential of AI for economic growth and innovation. With support from government leaders and educational initiatives, the lab is set to empower young Jamaicans to become creators in the tech space, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. This integration of technology in education could indeed change lives and work towards financial independence for many.

Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com