A 21-year-old University of the West Indies (UWI) student, Somesh Sharma, has developed a mobile app called Yaad Bites to make it easier for people to locate authentic Jamaican street food. Sharma is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics with a minor in Computer Science in the Faculty of Science and Technology, and says his academic training sharpened his analytical and problem-solving skills, which he has applied to technology-driven projects. He explained that the idea for Yaad Bites came after observing that many Jamaican food vendors such as jerk chicken stands, fruit stalls, and food trucks, operate without an online presence. This limits their visibility and accessibility to both locals and tourists, many of whom struggle to find genuine Jamaican street food. A survey he conducted confirmed that vendors often face low sales and poor exposure, inspiring him to build a platform that could bridge this gap.

Yaad Bites officially launched in September 2025 and is being actively updated. Users can browse listings to locate nearby food spots, while both customers and vendors can request the addition of new stalls to the platform. Vendors have responded positively, expressing appreciation for the increased exposure and customer traffic the app has generated. Sharma emphasized that while the app is not currently monetized, future plans include introducing premium services such as featured listings for vendors, that could provide sustainable revenue while keeping the core service accessible.

Beyond his coursework in medical physics, Sharma has always had a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and applying science to real-world challenges. He has previously worked on projects in renewable energy solutions and agricultural support technologies, both aimed at improving efficiency and visibility for underserved groups. With Yaad Bites, he hopes not only to strengthen Jamaica’s street food economy but also to create a model that empowers small entrepreneurs. Ultimately, Sharma envisions the app contributing to cultural preservation by making authentic Jamaican cuisine more discoverable while also serving as a digital tool that benefits both residents and visitors.