The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has announced a bold new chapter in its partnership with the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), bringing the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to Jamaica for the first time. This milestone marks a major step forward in DBJ’s ongoing mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth.
This strategic collaboration is being implemented through the EU–LAC Digital Accelerator, a platform that facilitates structured partnerships between corporations and startups across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Jamaica’s inclusion in the programme signals increased global engagement and opportunity for the island’s innovation ecosystem.
The initiative will feature an intensive one-day workshop on June 23, 2025, at the Courtyard Marriott in Kingston, under the theme: “Unlocking Corporate-Startup Venture Opportunities in the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.” The workshop targets both Jamaican corporates and startups and aims to connect business needs with innovative digital solutions.
Speaking recently at the EU-LAC Digital Alliance High-level Policy Dialogue with the Caribbean, Dr David Lowe, Managing Director of the DBJ, emphasised the significance of the initiative and stated “we are proud to bring the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to Jamaica through this expanded partnership with Caribbean Export. This isn’t just about funding, this is about igniting a culture of innovation where corporates and startups co-create solutions that drive national transformation. With mentorship, grant funding, and access to global partners, we are opening the door to a new era of enterprise.”
Under the Corporate Venturing Pilot Programme signed between the DBJ’s Boosting Innovation, Growth, and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) programme and Caribbean Export in February 2025, Jamaican startups will be eligible to receive grant funding of up to US$50,000 to design and implement technology-driven solutions for real-world corporate challenges. This support will be complemented by up to €30,000 in technical assistance from CEDA’s partner, TECHNALIA, in the form of mentorship, coaching and business development support.
The anticipated outcomes of the initiative include strengthening Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem, encouraging corporates to embrace collaboration with startups as a tool for innovation, and enabling Jamaican startups to scale their operations and offer services on an international level.
“This is a turning point,” Dr Lowe added, “we are saying to Jamaican entrepreneurs: you are world-class, and your ideas deserve a global stage. We are also saying to our corporate sector: innovation is no longer optional—it’s a shared responsibility and a competitive advantage.”
Interested startups and corporates are invited to register early for the June 23 workshop, as space is limited.