Eight of Jamaica’s most promising female-led start-ups will pitch their groundbreaking ventures to a room of global investors, funders, and ecosystem leaders this Saturday (June 14), during Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) Jamaica’s Demo Day.

The event will take place at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston. It marks the culmination of a rigorous three-month accelerator programme – the product of a partnership between Nobellum, Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA), and Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

The programme was designed to prepare high-growth women entrepreneurs for international investment and expansion opportunities. Participating businesses range from tech platforms and sustainable food ventures to drone advertising and intimate apparel solutions.

The finalists are:

• FLIK FX – A drone ad tech company founded by Canada’s first female swarm drone pilot
• EduHub – An edtech platform that simplifies teaching
• Caribbean Online Academy – An edtech platform offering flexible learning across the region
• Valentine’s Intimates & More – Creators of comfort-forward bras for busty women
• Stush in the Bush – A holistic culinary and cultural experience based in St Ann, planning to expand in downtown Kingston
• Financially Focused – A media and business consultancy for growth-minded brands.
• SmartTerm Limited – A provider of digital solutions for Caribbean schools and ministries
• Chef A-Peel – Producers of ready-to-eat Caribbean convenience foods

“The Demo Day is not just a pitch event — it’s a launch pad,” said Melisa Ellis, founder & CEO of Nobellum.

“Our goal is to connect investment-ready, women-led businesses with global capital and mentorship. We believe these companies represent the future of innovation and impact across the Caribbean and beyond.”

The CEI Jamaica programme, part of Nobellum’s wider Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) Global Exchange, equips participants with master classes, investor coaching, and strategic support from executives-in-residence. Ellis shared that a total of J$1 million in cash prizes is up for grabs.

Alexia Beckford, programme manager at JTDA, praised the calibre of the cohort: “We’ve been inspired by the boldness and brilliance of these founders. Their ventures address real market needs and offer globally scalable solutions. JTDA is proud to support a platform that empowers more Jamaican women to lead in tech and entrepreneurship.”

This year’s Demo Day also includes a fireside chat with global venture capitalists and Jamaican fund managers, plus a dynamic booth showcase. Attendees will experience firsthand how these businesses become not only investment-ready but market-ready.

Christopher Brown, programme manager, BIGEE at the DBJ stated: “The Development Bank of Jamaica is committed to bridging the gap between Jamaican entrepreneurs and access to capital. Programmes like CEI Jamaica demonstrate how collaborative investment in talent, training and targeted support can yield game-changing results for our economy. We are delighted [with] this partnership that we have forged with JTDA and by extension Nobellum. Exposure and international best practices for the Jamaican MSMEs is important.”

The CEI Jamaica 2025 cohort was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represents a diverse cross-section of Jamaica’s innovation economy. The initiative is aligned with Nobellum’s broader mandate to launch 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM by 2025.