StarApple AI CEO Adrian Dunkley was recognised as the top Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Start-Up in the EY Programme for his outstanding contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and dedication to social entrepreneurship.

He received the award at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on May 4.

“I was surprised when I got the call that I was nominated for the EY Programme. Out of over one hundred nominees, four of us were chosen as finalists, each with diverse backgrounds and startups. The selection process was rigorous, covering various aspects of company growth, traction, strategies, social entrepreneurship, and future goals,” said Dunkley.

He said his key takeaway from this experience is the importance of consistency in achieving results. With over a decade and a half of experience in AI, Dunkley believes that every day presents new opportunities to make the world a better place.

Dunkley hopes his win will inspire other nontraditional entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas with passion and dedication. He believes hard work and commitment to creating value for others can turn dreams into reality.

Looking ahead, Dunkley is set to launch the Genius Project, a nonprofit initiative aimed at nurturing new subsectors in science and technology across Jamaica and beyond. The project embodies the spirit of turning the ‘impossible’ into the ‘I’m possible,’ fostering innovation and empowerment in communities.