In 2023, I attended the Collision Conference in Toronto with a clear purpose: to build access, influence, empowerment, and leadership for Jamaica’s digital sector — the very pillars that the Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA) stands on.

Travelling as part of the Jamaica delegation, the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) had an official booth at one of the largest global innovation summits, I did what most tech professionals do — scanned the programme to find panels that could spark inspiration and action.

That’s when I discovered the Black Innovation Zone.

For context, the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) is a collective of black-led organisations united to create access and opportunities for black founders, investors, and professionals across the Canadian landscape.

They had a booth at Collision where roundtables and panels were being held.

During one of the sessions, a panelist from Jamaica caught my attention — Melisa Ellis, founder of Nobellum, a social impact-led accelerator focused on empowering Black tech founders. She spoke passionately about bridging the gap between diaspora knowledge and local ecosystems. I knew immediately this was someone I needed to connect with.

I waited after the session, introduced myself, and shared what we at JTDA already knew: Jamaica’s tech sector is vibrant, but often lacks access to global opportunities. The cost of visas, conference fees, flights, accommodations, and living expenses abroad can be overwhelming for small business founders juggling payroll and growth.

But even with those barriers, I knew that with the right support, we could shift the narrative.

I stayed persistent — sending emails, requesting a meeting. After three months, Melisa responded. And when she did, the fire in my gut told me this was it. We were aligned on vision, values, and our shared desire to grow the Caribbean innovation ecosystem.

By the end of 2023, JTDA and Nobellum signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), unlocking a pathway for Jamaican tech entrepreneurs to access Nobellum’s accelerator — a launchpad into the North American market.

In 2024, we deepened that collaboration. With the support of our partners, we raised C$5,000, which enabled five Jamaican tech startups to attend and pitch at the Black Innovation Zone stage at Collision. It also allowed us to elevate the visibility of our broader delegation and proudly showcase the talents of our local tech innovators on a global stage.

I also had the privilege of joining a panel to discuss our journey.

That seed of partnership grew even further in November 2024, where we piloted the CEI Jamaica initiative — the Caribbean Exchange for Innovation. This project became a catalyst for preparing seven women-led Jamaican startups to become investor-ready.

These founders were introduced to powerhouse women like Danielle Graham of Firehood Ventures and Lise Birikundavyi of BKR Capital, receiving pitch coaching, brand development, and funding readiness training. They explored how to validate MVPs (minimum viable products), how to articulate value to investors, and how to access networks that could accelerate their business growth.

This is what access looks like.

This is what partnership delivers when vision meets action.

JTDA, Nobellum, and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) have collectively made this journey possible. DBJ, in particular, has been a steadfast partner, providing funding and strategic support to help the local tech sector soar.

Their investment in innovation, especially for women-led businesses, shows what’s possible when institutions bet on bold ideas.

What’s next?

We’re now preparing for Demo Day — the CEI Jamaica graduation experience — happening on June 14 at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston.

There, these seven dynamic women will showcase their products, share their entrepreneurial journeys, and take the next big step toward venture capital or angel investment. Even for those who aren’t quite ready for funding, the experience will position them to understand what it takes to scale and succeed.

The future of innovation in Jamaica is being built — not in isolation, but through meaningful partnerships that bridge global opportunity with local talent. And this is just the beginning.

Alexia Beckford is programme manager at the Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA).