CEI Global

CEI Jamaica

CEI Jamaica is a Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to boost economic development across the Caribbean, starting with Jamaica.

About CEI Jamaica

CEI Jamaica is a transformative exchange program initiative designed to drive entrepreneurship and economic growth across the Caribbean, starting with Jamaica. In partnership with the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA), this program fosters collaboration between Caribbean innovators and Canadian investors, creating a bridge for global opportunities.

Through mentorship, exposure, and access to a global innovation ecosystem, Caribbean entrepreneurs will gain the tools to scale their ventures. Meanwhile, investors will engage with emerging Caribbean markets, exploring high-potential startups and groundbreaking business opportunities. This initiative, with a focus on empowering women-led ventures in STEM, accelerates growth, strengthens cross-border partnerships, and contributes to sustainable economic development.

Delivered in Partnership with

Why CEI Jamaica?

Weekly Masterclasses

Expert-Led sessions

Led by industry experts, these sessions will cover essential topics such as financial literacy, branding, pitch development, global expansion, and investment readiness

1 on 1 Coaching

Weekly sessions with EiR

Executives-in-Residence (EIRs) are here to support your startup in fundraising by leveraging their professional networks, guiding strategies for fundraising and pitch preparation, and providing access to investor connections.

Investor Connections

Meet Angels & VCs

Startups will be matched with potential investors for funding opportunities, undergo investment training, and gain hands-on preparation to secure and manage capital.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CEI Jamaica Innovation Exchange 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✔️ Ownership: The business must have a female co-founder with significant equity stake.

✔️ Business Registration: The company must be incorporated in Jamaica.

✔️ Revenue Requirement:

  • Must generate over $100,000 USD in annual sales revenue or

  • Own intellectual property (IP) valuation at over $3M USD.

PROGRAM CRITERIA

Calling all Caribbean changemakers, innovators, and founders: We invite you to apply and join us in shaping the future of STEM!

Selected finalists will receive:

  • Invitation to apply to Nobellum pitch competitions at our events calendar and stand a chance to win hundreds of thousands in investments + prizes

  • Inclusion in a 3 months curated virtual program

  • A tailored mentorship program

  • Networking opportunities with investors and global enterprises

  • Access to a thriving alumni community

Program Timeline

March 10, 2025
Applications Open

April 6, 2025
Applications Close

April 7 - 11 , 2025
Candidate Selection

April 22, 2025
Project Kickoff

June 14th, 2025
Demo day

Testimonials

  • "Winning the Elevate pitch competition allowed me to secure funding for critical equipment, which was a major win."

    Leanne Spence founder of Instant Save Conservation

  • "The Nobellum program provided an amazing opportunity that showcased the vibrant Jamaican STEM ecosystem. I know some of you will become unicorns, and what Nobellum has done with DBJ is truly remarkable."

    Alexia Beckford, Program Manager at JTDA

  • "With Kimutai’s valuable feedback as one of the program coaches, I improved my pitch and went on to win an award at the Elevate Pitch competition."

    Cherie Williams founder of Veekle

  • "I felt like a celebrity at the events, as if the entire experience was curated just for me as a top entrepreneur."


    Nastassia founder of Skillsisle

  • "Claudette’s support as a program coach was amazing—her feedback and encouragement went far beyond just helping with my pitch prep."

    Claudine Reid founder of Digitalawah

Our Partners

Development Bank of Jamaica

The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) aims to be the leading development finance institution in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030, driving innovation and sustainable socio-economic growth.

Through a customer-focused approach, DBJ offers development financing, capacity building, and Public-Private Partnership solutions to improve the quality of life for all Jamaicans while aligning with government policies and global sustainability goals.

Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance

Jamaica’s Technology & Digital Alliance, founded by the Jamaica Computer Society, empowers IT professionals and citizens by promoting technology use and knowledge.

As a hub for networking and collaboration, it connects ICT experts, professionals, academia, and enthusiasts, fostering innovation, education, and career growth in the industry.

Explore More

Discover more about our programs, events, and how you can get involved. Visit our homepage to learn more.