UWI inks MOU with Intellibus to spearhead AI education, digital policy in the Caribbean

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation company Intellibus. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate AI adoption, bridge the digital divide, and foster a robust ecosystem for scientific innovation across the Caribbean.

The partnership focuses on three primary pillars of cooperation: Artificial Intelligence Education, Digital Policy Development and Implementation and Technological and Scientific
Innovation.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs Sandrea Maynard, who signed the MOU on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, indicated that, “By partnering with Intellibus, we are advancing Caribbean talent in AI industry-leading expertise.” She further indicated that, “This collaboration ensures that the Caribbean is not merely a consumer of global technology, but a primary architect of digital policy and scientific advancement that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Founder of Intellibus, Ed Watal, emphasised that the MOU serves as a catalyst for human capital investment. “This partnership is a commitment to the future of Caribbean intelligence. At Intellibus, we believe that the next generation of world-class engineers is already here; they simply require the right ecosystem to thrive,” stated Watal. “By aligning with The UWI, we are providing a platform for joint research and scholarship that will allow Jamaican and Caribbean talent to innovate locally while competing on the global stage. We are building a legacy of excellence through AI education.”

The expansive framework of the MOU includes several key academic and professional initiatives:

● Academic Advancement: Joint development and delivery of specialised degree programmes and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
● Research & Innovation: Collaborative research projects and the establishment of knowledge-sharing platforms to drive scientific breakthroughs.
● Talent Cultivation: The creation of dedicated scholarship and internship programs to provide students with hands-on experience in the AI sector.
● Global Alignment: Strategic activities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), ensuring that technological growth is both ethical and inclusive.
● Knowledge Exchange: A robust schedule of joint seminars, workshops, and conferences, alongside faculty and student exchange programmes. 

The partnership also outlines a joint exploration of funding through international grants and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support the Caribbean’s digital infrastructure. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Jamaica’s “Vision 2030″, positioning the region as a global hub for AI-driven development.