The JPS Foundation, in collaboration with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), is opening island-wide student applications for the second annual EcoSpark Innovation Challenge.

The competition sees the EFJ participating through its Jamaica Urban Solutions for the Environment (J-USE) project – an initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada.

Presented under the theme ‘Road to Resilience: Grid Resilience, Disaster Preparedness and Food Security,’ the EcoSpark Innovation Challenge invites students to create sustainable solutions to today’s environmental issues in two categories: nature-based solutions and grid resilience innovation.

The competition is open to all secondary-level students and is designed to showcase the creativity and problem-solving skills of Jamaican youth. Students and teachers will be awarded with prizes valued at up to J$1.2 million.

“We are encouraging schools to seize this opportunity for their students to demonstrate how innovation can drive resilience and sustainability in Jamaica,” said JPS Foundation head, Sophia Lewis.

“The EcoSpark Innovation Challenge is about empowering youth to lead with vision, inspire bold action, and deliver solutions that transform our communities into more climate resilient, inclusive, and sustainable spaces,” Joni Jackson, J-USE project manager also pointed out.

Schools are invited to submit entries or concept notes by October 10. Schools may check the JPS Foundation website at jpsfoundation.com or EFJ’s website at efj.org.jm for more details.

Finalists from the EcoSpark Innovation Challenge will be featured at this year’s Climate Action Expo, Jamaica’s foremost climate, science and youth-themed expo slated for November.