Innovator Award & Client of the Year Award
Mr. Gregory Moore (centre), CEO, PlayJamaica and Mr. Ryan Moore (left), COO, PlayJamaica, accept the Innovator Award & Client of the Year Award from Mrs. Andrea Bolton-Fyffe (right), Incubator Manager at the Technology Innovation Centre, during the TIC Client Awards and Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The University of Technology, Jamaica’s Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) hosted its Client Awards and Graduation Ceremony on May 27, 2026, at the TIC Courtyard, Papine Campus. The ceremony celebrated entrepreneurs who completed the TIC’s three-year incubation programme.
Since its establishment in 2002, the Technology Innovation Centre has been at the forefront of entrepreneurship and technology development in Jamaica incubating more than 400 registered businesses, many of which have gained both local and international recognition. The TIC Incubator Programme offers a physical workspace and comprehensive business services to accelerate startup growth. Over the last five years, the TIC incubated companies have collectively secured more than JMD $60 million in grants, alongside millions in equity investments, demonstrating the Centre’s significant contribution to Jamaica’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The TIC Incubation programme provides entrepreneurs with mentorship, entrepreneurial training, business development support, and opportunities for collaboration. The graduating client companies are PlayJamaica, Think Brite Solutions, Link2Lenders, and 876 OnTheGo.
To qualify for graduation, the entrepreneurs were required to have been a part of the incubator for at least three years and work closely with the incubator manager to establish measurable business targets. Graduates would have successfully met and in some cases exceeded the agreed-upon milestones.
Special awards were presented to the graduating start-ups in the categories of Innovation, Client of the Year and Entrepreneurial Spirit.
The Innovator Award and the Client of the Year Award were both awarded to PlayJamaica, a virtual reality platform, for its exceptional contribution to technology innovation and business development. The Innovator Award recognizes a visionary entrepreneur whose creativity, originality and forward-thinking approach drive continuous improvement and meaningful impact. Meanwhile, the Client of the Year Award is presented to the TIC client who not only met but surpassed its goals for the year.
Through active participation in incubator programmes, commitment to learning and contribution to the innovation ecosystem, PlayJamaica has made impact across multiple technology areas including introducing Jamaica to commercial room- scale virtual reality for training, education and entertainment. They have also deployed vehicle simulator systems across Jamaica, implemented augmented reality experiences for tourism and education and digitized national heritage sites in 3D and 360° for the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was presented to Link2Lenders, for exemplifying collaboration and an unwavering commitment to supporting fellow entrepreneurs within the incubator community. The award recognizes individuals who consistently share their knowledge, experiences and insights while contributing positively to the entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond their own business success. Link2Lenders has been instrumental in simplifying and modernizing the way Jamaicans access mortgages and complete real estate transactions.
Mrs. Andrea Bolton-Fyffe, Incubator Manager at the Technology Innovation Centre, reminded graduates that entrepreneurship extends beyond profit-making, “As entrepreneurs, you are no longer simply building businesses,” she noted, emphasizing, “you are building solutions, creating opportunities, solving real problems and shaping the future of Jamaica and beyond.”
She further emphasized the TIC’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurial development and innovation. “The Technology Innovation Centre remains committed to being a catalyst for transformation, developing entrepreneurial talent, nurturing innovation and empowering individuals to turn ideas into enterprises with impact,” she added
Professor Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, Associate Dean, School of Advancement, College of Business and Management, acknowledged the challenges entrepreneurs faced throughout the incubation process, explaining that the TIC helped to “relieve your doubts, your fears, the anxieties that you would have experienced, as well as to fuel your passion for excellence.”
Encouraging the graduates to remain innovative and forward-thinking, Professor Sinclair-Maragh urged them to continue creating value through their ventures. “Innovate,” she emphasized, noting that innovation must always be tied to growth and progress.
Mrs. Georgia Robinson, Acting Head, Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership commended the mentors and family members who supported the entrepreneurs throughout their journey. “Today, you stand here not just as dreamers but as battle tested founders, builders and CEOs who have turned raw concepts into scalable, viable enterprises,” she remarked.
She encouraged graduates to remain resilient in an evolving business environment. “Remember that your learning has just begun. The dynamic business landscape will continue to throw curveballs, but you are now equipped with the tools, the network and the mindset to pivot, scale and thrive,” she charged.
Keynote Speaker Encourages Entrepreneurs to Embrace Resilience, Innovation and Strategic Thinking
Mrs. Beverly Stewart (right), Senior Small Business Development Centre Officer, Technology Innovation Centre presents Mr. David Eason (left), CEO of Pario Solutions Inc. (USA) and Keynote Speaker with a token following his address to the graduating entrepreneurs during the TIC Client Awards and Graduation Ceremony.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. David Eason, CEO of Pario Solutions Inc. (USA), challenged entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, remain adaptable, financially disciplined and open to continuous learning as they grow their businesses.
Addressing the graduates at what he described as “a pivotal moment” in their lives, Mr. Eason reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey and explained that his desire to contribute to Jamaica’s development led him to reconnect with the Technology Innovation Centre at his alma mater, the University of Technology, Jamaica while emphasizing the important role young entrepreneurs play in shaping Jamaica’s future.
Highlighting the power of technology and innovation, he noted, “we can sit right here in Jamaica, and with this technology, we can develop products that compete globally,” he remarked.
Mr. Eason also stressed the importance of preparation and financial awareness, while urging entrepreneurs to “know your numbers” and understand their business operations and cash flow. Additionally, he reminded graduates that entrepreneurship requires resilience and adaptability. “You’re going to have to pivot another three or four times in your life,” he said, noting that successful businesses must evolve with changing markets and economic conditions.
Encouraging graduates to remain open-minded and make use of artificial intelligence and digital tools, Mr. Eason warned that businesses unwilling to adapt risk being left behind. He charged the entrepreneurs to “never stop learning,” noting that “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
Entrepreneurs from the graduating client companies: PlayJamaica, Think Brite Solutions and Link2Lenders share a group photo with representatives of the Technology Innovation Centre following the TIC Client Awards and Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the University of Technology, Jamaica. From left (front row) are Mr. Alrick Wellington, PlayJamaica, Ms. Christina Collman, PlayJamaica, Miss Gerianna Baker, Digital Marketing Coordinator of Think Brite Solutions, Mr. Jason Dear, Managing Director of Link2Lenders and Mrs. Georgia Robinson, Acting Head, Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership. From left (back row) are Mr. Ryan Moore, COO, PlayJamaica, Mr. Gregory Moore, CEO, PlayJamaica, Mrs. Andrea Bolton-Fyffe, Incubator Manager, Technology Innovation Centre, Professor Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, Associate Dean, School of Advancement, College of Business and Management and Mr. David Eason, CEO of Pario Solutions Inc. (USA) and Keynote Speaker.
Mr. Gregory Moore, CEO, PlayJamaica in his reply on behalf of the awardees and graduates described the incubation period as both “a training ground” and “a battleground,” emphasizing that while the TIC Incubator programme provides support and protection, it also exposes entrepreneurs to real-world challenges., noting that experiences such as grant writing ultimately prepared the startup entrepreneurs for securing major government contracts. Emphasizing that entrepreneurial growth is continuous, he encouraged graduates to embrace the journey ahead with determination.
The entrepreneurs will now become members of the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) alumni network, providing mentorship to new incubatees and sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices to help guide the next generation of entrepreneurs.
END.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: [email protected]
