UTech, Jamaica and Sagicor Group Renew Partnership to Drive Innovation through Sagicor Innovation Lab
Dr. Kevin Brown (seated right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Mr. Christopher Zacca (seated left), President, Sagicor Group Jamaica, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the University’s Papine Campus, renewing their partnership for the Sagicor Innovation Lab. Witnessing the signing from left are Mr. Andrew Burke, Vice President, Innovation, Data, IT & Data Security, Sagicor Group, Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar, UTech, Jamaica, Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President and Provost, UTech, Jamaica and Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing.
The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) and Sagicor Group Jamaica have renewed their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) extending the operations of the Sagicor Innovation Lab at the university’s Papine Campus for another three years, affirming both institution’s commitment to advancing technological innovation and research. The MoU which will further develop the Sagicor Innovation Lab as a hub for pioneering projects that bridge academia and industry, was signed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the University’s Papine campus.
Established in 2019, the Sagicor Innovation Lab operates within UTech, Jamaica’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. The lab focuses on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Realities (XR), Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Payments, and Biometrics. The partnership serves as a platform for students and faculty to collaborate on projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies into practical business solutions, Communication and Technology (ICT) services and resource sharing.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica described the Sagicor Innovation Lab as a “flagship” initiative for the university. “I’m really pleased that you have agreed to continue your relationship with UTech,” he said, addressing Mr. Christopher Zacca and the Sagicor team.
He noted, “over the last five years, I think that the relationship has been mutually beneficial” as he commended Mr. Ray-St. Michael Williams, Director, Sagicor Innovation Lab for his leadership, noting that he has led the lab very well and worked assiduously with the students to produce innovative technology, noting “some of the things that they’ve produced blows my mind.”
Dr. Brown emphasized that the impact of the lab extends far beyond the university campus. “It’s been quite phenomenal what has been happening in the lab, so I really want to continue this relationship,” he said, adding that UTech, Jamaica is well positioned to support Sagicor’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. “We are looking forward to the next period of this MoU, and we stand ready to work with Sagicor once again,” he said.
Mr. Christopher Zacca, President, Sagicor Group Jamaica, reflected on the success of the partnership, “it has been a tremendous journey over the last five years.” He noted that Sagicor has invested J$125 million into the programme over the past five years, and with this renewal, Sagicor is committed to investing an additional J$25 million per year for the next three years to continue fueling innovation, mentorship, and tangible impact.
Mr. Zacca praised the outcomes of the lab, emphasizing how the partnership has shaped Sagicor’s internal development and research culture. “Some of the work products of this partnership is that we have had interns becoming professional developers, we’ve had prototypes that have influenced our internal pools at Sagicor and pipelines of research and development that continues and that we expect to grow.”
Extending thanks to the UTech, Jamaica team and Mr. Andrew Burke, Vice President, Innovation, Data, IT & Data Security, Sagicor Group, he expressed, “We’re very happy to be here today and to continue our relationship.”
“It’s really a testimony to the excellence of the efforts through the lab and the commitment of Ray and the entire team at the School of Computing and Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Computing in supporting the outcomes,” said Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing as he highlighted the dedication behind the lab’s continued success.
Driving Innovation
The Sagicor Innovation Lab has been consistently driving innovation since its establishment. One notable project from the lab is SwifPay launched in 2023, a digital wallet prototype that facilitates money transfers via SMS, mobile app, and within the metaverse. This innovation aims to redefine financial transactions by merging traditional banking practices with immersive technologies.
In 2023, the lab introduced facial recognition technology for pensioners, allowing them to verify their proof of life remotely. This advancement streamlines the pension process and enhances security for users.
Additionally, the lab hosts the annual Sagicor Innovation Challenge, a competition that facilitates the development of innovative solutions by UTech, Jamaica students to impact various sectors. The Challenge is designed to equip young innovators with tools to transform bold ideas into viable, scalable businesses. Each year, the competition highlights tech-powered solutions that tackle Jamaica’s most pressing real-world challenges across sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and public safety by leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT).
Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Mr. Christopher Zacca (left), President, Sagicor Group Jamaica display the signed Memorandum of Understanding marking the renewal of the Sagicor Innovation Lab partnership. The signing took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at UTech, Jamaica’s Papine Campus.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm