Supporting Young Innovators

JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Presents Cheque in Support of UTech, Jamaica teams’ participation in International Business Model Competition

Mrs. Patricia Sutherland (2nd left), Chairman, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation presents a cheque from the JMMB Trust Fund to Rayvon Stewart, UTech, Jamaica School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT) student who was part of the winning team - XERMOSEL in the recently held UTech, Jamaica 2019 Business Model Competition hosted by the University’s Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL). 

The JMMB Trust Fund made the contribution to the JDSEEL to the tune of $1.7 million to defray the cost of sending two UTech, Jamaica teams and coaches to the International Business Model Competition held in Utah, USA in May 2019.  Sharing in the presentation (from left) are Professor Paul Golding, Dean, College of Business and Management, Mrs. Donna Duncan-Scott, Group Executive Director, Culture and Human Development, JMMB Group and Mr. Nigel Cooper, Head, Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at the Technology Innovation Centre, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.

XERMOSEL is a simple device that uses ultraviolet light technology to kill bacteria found on door knobs, thereby reducing the risk of an individual contracting a germ upon contact. The innovation would be particularly useful in public spaces such as hospitals and health care facilities in reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses. The unique device is simpler than similar products which require the installation of new door knobs.

Rayvon and his team placed fourth in the National Business Model Competition (IBMC) and went on to compete up to the semi-final round in the International Business Model Competition held May 9 – 10, 2019 in Utah, USA.   Despite not winning either competition, Rayvon’s impressive showing at the IBMC led to an invitation by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London to Geneva Switzerland to participate in the Young Innovators Exhibition at the Commonwealth Health Ministries Meeting hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19, 2019.  At the meeting he had the privilege of sharing his innovative product with some 53 health ministers across the wider Commonwealth. He informed that the Commonwealth Secretary General has committed to assist all six (6) young innovators across the Commonwealth who were chosen to attend the conference.  They will receive assistance through the newly established Commonwealth Innovators’ Hub. 

Since his return to Jamaica, Rayvon has reported that he and his team of innovators continue to develop the prototype with a view to approaching potential investors/ manufacturers.  He also shared that the innovation is currently protected under a provisional patent.

Noting that he had no experience about developing a business plan and knowledge about investments prior to his participation in the UTech, Jamaica Business Model Competition, Rayvon heaped praises on his mentors and advisors at  the JDSEEL who have been supportive of his journey and progress.  Ms Novelette Cooke, Programme Director has worked with Rayvon from day one, Mr Kirkland Rowe, Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering assisted with the many technical aspects of the innovation, all with the support of Dr Carol Nathan, Lecturer in the Business and Computer Studies Programme, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and Chairperson of the UTech, Jamaica BMC Committee.

Mrs. Donna Duncan-Scott, Group Executive Director, Culture and Human Development, JMMB Group said that Rayvon should serve as a motivation for other students to reinforce the fact that they can become entrepreneurs regardless of their field of study.

End.

Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm