Manufacturing giant Seprod Group has launched its innovation scholarship aimed at developing the next generation of business leaders while equipping them to solve real-world industry challenges.

As part of this pioneering effort, two graduate students from the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) have been named the first recipients of the award.

Peter-Gay Eddy, a Master of Business Administration student, and Carmich Davidson-Stewart, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Marketing and Data Analytics, were each awarded J$300,000 in tuition support.

The Seprod Innovation Scholarship goes beyond financial assistance.

Funded by the Seprod Foundation, it represents a strategic investment in talent, research, and the future of Jamaica’s business landscape. The award forms part of a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Seprod and MSBM. Under this agreement, Seprod will award two scholarships annually to second-year graduate students, while engaging them directly in projects designed by the company to mirror real business environments.

Eddy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Seprod Innovation Scholarship, especially from a brand that I support in the domestic space. It will definitely take off the added pressure for the rest of the semester.” 

Davidson shared similar sentiments, adding, “I am absolutely grateful to have been chosen by the Seprod Group for this scholarship. I believe in paying it forward, so I plan to use this scholarship as best as I can, to do extremely well, so that in the future I am in the position to do the same for others.”

In addition to their academic pursuits, awardees will gain firsthand experience through Seprod’s industrial internship programmes. These internship opportunities include an eight-week summer programme between June and August and a 12-month graduate internship upon completion of their degrees. These placements will immerse students in the daily corporate operations and strategic decision-making processes within Jamaica’s largest manufacturing and distribution company.

According to Osric Forrest, learning and development manager at the Seprod Group, the initiative is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to driving innovation and national development. “Our collaboration with MSBM reflects Seprod’s belief that the future of Jamaican industry lies in the hands of well-equipped, critically thinking professionals. In today’s competitive job market, having a value-added edge is crucial.

A post-graduate degree in business, marketing or data analytics, enhanced with industrial experience from Seprod, gives students a real advantage by demonstrating their commitment to professional growth and mastery. Through our programmes, students gain exposure to opportunities in areas such as brand management, marketing analytics, warehousing operations, and data analysis. By aligning our business needs with the academic process, we’re creating a pipeline of talent that is ready to lead.”

Lisa D’Oyen, executive director of the Seprod Foundation, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to sustainable impact.

“The Seprod Foundation is proud to fund this initiative, which supports not only academic excellence but also provides students with meaningful exposure to the business world. We are investing in individuals who will help shape the next chapter of Jamaica’s growth story.”

As Seprod continues to expand its support for academic and industry collaboration, approval has been granted for the inclusion of additional institutions for the 2025/26 academic year.

This expansion will include the University of Technology (UTech), Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), and Heart NSTA/Trust. The proposed financial impact for these additions is expected to range from J$1.8 million to J$2.4 million annually.