Amber UTech Launchpad Advances 26 Startups to Pitching Round

Dushyant Savadia, founder and CEO of the Amber Group, at the launch of the Amber Utech Launchpad on March 6.

Twenty-six entrepreneurs have been advanced to the pitch stage of the Amber UTech Launchpad startup incubator.

The incubator, a collaboration between Amber and UTech, aims to fund 100 startups in 1,000 days.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Amber Group called the advancement of the 26 entrepreneurs to the pitch phase a major milestone.

Founder and CEO of the Amber Group, Dushyant Savadia, says the large volume of applicants to the programme underscores Jamaica’s rich entrepreneurial spirit.

According to Mr Savadia, who was named an ambassador and special investment envoy by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the initiative will make a substantial contribution to Jamaica’s economic landscape.

He says the 26 entrepreneurs were chosen following a process focused on creativity, sustainability, innovation, and scalability across various sectors, from tech innovations in law, health, transport and advancements in gaming and tourism.

According to the Amber Group, the selected entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive bootcamp aimed at refining their business strategies and pitches.

At the end of the bootcamp, the finalists will present to a panel of judges and face a public vote to determine the winners.

The names of the 26 successful applicants will be announced on the Amber website, www.myambergroup. com, and on Amber’s social media platforms.

Mr Savadia says those who weren’t selected are encouraged to reapply for the next phase.

The Amber UTech Launchpad, launched on March 6, this year, will provide end-to-end funding for product development, office space, business coaching, and marketing support for the selected finalists.

Dushyant Savadia, founder and CEO of the Amber Group (left) and UTech President, Dr. Kevin Brown, (right) shake hands during the launch of the Amber Utech Launchpad on March 6.