Photo caption: Participants shared lens time at the inaugural staging of the YEP Programme held in July 2026.

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at The University of the West Indies, Mona, has completed the inaugural Youth-led Entrepreneurship through Innovation and Products in STEM (YEP) Programme hosted from July 13-31, 2026. Forty-five participants completed the programme, gaining practical experience in developing ideas into potential products, services and businesses.

Developed and coordinated by Mr. Jordon Freeman (Research Assistant, Entreprenership and Innovation) with financial support from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), YEP was offered free of cost. It attracted more than 150 expressions of interest from across Jamaica, as well as interest from elsewhere in the Caribbean, exceeding the places available.

Participants from a range of educational, professional and community backgrounds joined two cohorts of practical training. They worked on their own ideas while learning about business models, customers and markets, SWOT analysis, prototyping, minimum viable products, financial planning, marketing, sales and pitching. The programme encouraged them to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve problems and strengthen their proposals.

At the programme’s conclusion, participants presented their pitch deck to a panel of judges comprising Ms. Annette Salmon, marketing guest presenter; Ms. Karen Stewart, financial guest presenter; Ms. Alexandra Daley of the Development Bank of Jamaica; and Ms. Peta-Gaye Pryce of the American Friends of Jamaica.

Fifteen participants were recognised for their outstanding presentations. Among them, two received the Best Business Model award, one in each of the junior and senior divisions. All awardees will advance to further training through the programme.

YEP 2026 Division Champions

Photo caption:  YEP Senior Division Winner, Davia Ellis, receiving her award for her business model, 'Ready Ring' from Professor Michael Taylor (Former Dean, FST).

Photo Caption (L-R): Johnoi Cunningham (YEP Co-Facilitator), Professor Michael Taylor (Former Dean, FST), Ms. Alexandra Daley (Development Bank of Jamaica), Davia Ellis (YEP Senior Division Winner),  Daeniel Hibbert  (YEP Junior Division Winner), Ms. Peta-Gaye Pryce (American Friends of Jamaica), Professor Tannecia Stephenson (Deputy Dean, FST), Jordon Freeman (YEP Lead Facilitator and Research Assistant, Entreprenership and Innovation).

YEP Top 15 Business Models

Cohort 1

• Daeniel Hibbert — BreadBasket
• Victoria Devonish — Wrapped by Vicky
• Micah Williams — Impact Optics
• Brianna Simpson — AidLink
• Amanda Reynolds — ArtHub
• Amoya Adamson — Hair Care Essentials
• Justin Wright — Kinloc Performance

Cohort 2

• Candi Ellis — Toothsome
• Davia Ellis — Ready Ring
• Leiso Edwards — Gig Universe
• Gawaine Marshall — CattleGuard
• Merriam Gordon — MG91 Rentals and Transit
• Omarion Dunkley — JengaV
• Davia Harrison — NutriJuice
• Nathaniel Campbell — Maximil Energy Consulting

The inaugural programme gave participants an opportunity to test their thinking, refine their ideas and practise presenting them to others. It also strengthened the Faculty’s efforts to connect STEM learning with entrepreneurship.

The Faculty congratulates all participants and awardees and thanks AFJ, the judges, facilitators, programme team and partners who helped deliver YEP.