The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has created a platform that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with established business leaders, government representatives and members of the corporate community. At its inaugural International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo (IUSLCEE), held in September at The UWI Regional Headquarters, student entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean engaged directly with industry professionals committed to supporting the region’s next generation of innovators and business leaders.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has made a clear statement about the role of undergraduate research, leadership and entrepreneurship in the region’s development. Its inaugural International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo (IUSLCEE), held September 23–25 at the UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica, brought together student researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders from 11 countries across the Caribbean, North America and Africa to compete for 16 challenge trophies and awards.

The Caribbean does not lack entrepreneurs, but regional development would accelerate if more of them were tertiary-educated innovators who chose the path rather than being pushed onto it.