Jamaica is launching its first AI Lab at UTech Ja in partnership with the Amber Group. The lab will focus on agentic AI, education, and workforce development, setting the stage for a tech-driven Caribbean future.
In a transformative step toward establishing itself as a regional technology leader, Jamaica is set to launch its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech Ja) in St. Andrew by September 1, 2025. This pioneering initiative, developed in partnership with the Amber Group, aims to strengthen Jamaica’s tech infrastructure and drive innovation across the Caribbean. By fostering AI research, education, and industry collaboration, the lab is poised to accelerate Jamaica’s digital transformation, empower its workforce, and align with the nation’s long-term development goals.
This article explores Jamaica’s tech growth in 2025, its AI adoption strategy, the operational framework of the AI Lab, and its vision for shaping a tech-driven future.
Jamaica’s Tech Growth in 2025: A Regional Powerhouse
Jamaica is rapidly emerging as a hub for technological innovation in the Caribbean, building on its strategic location and growing digital ecosystem. In 2025, the country continues to advance its Vision 2030 National Development Plan, which has been widely referenced in national policy but lacks specific public linkage to AI infrastructure projects.
The government’s Last Mile Initiative, aimed at achieving universal broadband access by the end of 2025, has been associated with economic projections suggesting a potential contribution of up to USD 5 million annually
The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has played a prominent role in attracting foreign tech investment and continues to position the country as a compelling nearshore destination for global businesses. In 2025, this momentum appears to align with growing interest in AI and digital transformation. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, which has been associated with a USD 94 million regional funding initiative, complements broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure — providing a fertile backdrop for initiatives like the AI Lab at UTech Ja.
The AI Lab: A Hub for Innovation
Announced on June 6, 2025, the AI Lab at UTech Ja represents a bold investment in cutting-edge technology. The facility, supported by the Amber Group, will employ 100 data analysis engineers focused on developing agentic AI—advanced systems capable of autonomous decision-making and task execution. Unlike traditional AI, which relies on predefined instructions, agentic AI can adapt to dynamic environments, making it ideal for applications in logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
The lab will serve as a national center for AI research, training, and curriculum development, integrating with UTech Ja’s academic programs. Dr. Kevin Brown, President of UTech Ja, emphasized the university’s research expertise as a key asset in hosting the lab. The facility will bring together students, researchers, and industry professionals to address real-world challenges, with a focus on sectors critical to Jamaica’s economy.
Partnerships with HEART/NSTA Trust will facilitate faculty exchanges and resource sharing, creating a robust pipeline for AI talent development. While additional sectoral partners have been hinted at informally, official announcements are still awaited.
This initiative aligns with Jamaica’s National AI Roadmap, launched in 2023 and reinforced in 2025 with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). However, publicly accessible documents detailing this roadmap’s 2025 updates or its direct integration with the lab are currently limited. Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, highlighted the lab’s role in empowering Jamaican youth to become creators of global technology, while Senator the Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks underscored its potential to drive job creation and innovation.
AI Adoption in Jamaica: Opportunities and Challenges
In 2025, Jamaica is witnessing growing momentum around AI adoption, with increased interest across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and public safety. Institutions and agencies are actively exploring how technologies like generative AI can support predictive analytics, diagnostics, and operational efficiency.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force has shown interest in digital transformation efforts aimed at modernizing policing strategies, while the healthcare sector is gradually integrating digital tools to improve service delivery. Similarly, the tourism industry is beginning to explore AI applications in customer engagement and personalized experiences.
At the regional level, initiatives such as the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project are helping to strengthen digital infrastructure and connectivity, which are foundational to AI readiness. Alongside this, frameworks like the CARICOM AI Policy and global efforts such as UNESCO’s Ethical AI initiatives are helping to shape best practices in responsible AI development and governance.
Together, these efforts support the broader vision of the AI Lab at UTech Ja—empowering local talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to a robust and ethical AI ecosystem in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Future Goals and Vision
The AI Lab at UTech Ja represents a strategic step in Jamaica’s broader push to strengthen its role in digital innovation across the Caribbean. With the global AI market projected to reach USD 3.6 trillion by 2034, initiatives like this lab reflect Jamaica’s intent to participate in the global AI economy through focused, future-ready investments.
The lab’s core objectives include:
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Workforce Development: Integrating AI and data science into academic programs at UTech Ja, while also offering specialized short-term certifications. These efforts aim to build a pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to contribute to Jamaica’s evolving digital landscape.
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Sectoral Innovation: Exploring AI-driven approaches to address national priorities such as climate-resilient agriculture, disaster response, and healthcare access. These areas present opportunities for research, collaboration, and the development of solutions tailored to local needs.
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Regional Collaboration: Supporting knowledge sharing and policy dialogue in alignment with broader Caribbean digital transformation efforts. The lab is expected to contribute to the region’s AI discourse through research, training, and partnerships.
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Responsible AI Practices: Emphasizing transparency, fairness, and data protection in the development of AI systems, in keeping with international standards and ethical frameworks promoted by organizations such as UNESCO.
The launch of Jamaica’s first AI Lab at UTech Ja marks a defining moment in the nation’s technological evolution. By harnessing agentic AI and building a skilled workforce, Jamaica is not only addressing local challenges but also establishing itself as a regional leader in innovation. The lab’s focus on education, research, and ethical AI governance will empower communities, transform industries, and inspire the Caribbean to embrace the AI revolution.
As Senator Marks stated at the lab’s signing ceremony, “Jamaica has the talent and vision to compete on the global stage.” With the AI Lab as a catalyst, the nation is well on its way to realizing a vibrant, tech-driven future.
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