10 Projects at SRC Science Fair to Receive Business Development Support

Entrants in the Scientific Research Council (SRC) 2018 National Science and Technology Fair will benefit from the opportunity to have their displays selected for development support.

The June 12 event invites schools to showcase their innovative projects in the areas of education, agriculture, food and agro-processing, energy, information and communications technology and electronics, security, health, sport, among others.

Ten prototypes will be chosen by the SRC for business and technical support for product development.

“We want to ensure that these products and services go beyond the science fair, so we are providing that post-event support,” Coordinator for the Science and Technology Education Unit at the SRC, Amanda McKenzie, told JIS News.

She explained that the schools will get help with feasibility studies, market-readiness assessment surveys, and technical support for further development of prototypes, and they will also be paired with mentors within their specific fields to help them develop their product.

Additionally, the Council will assist with the commercialisation of the product or service as well as provide intellectual property (IP) and legal support.

She is encouraging schools to take advantage of the opportunity, as there is a lot to gain.

“We are here to guide them every step of the way to ensure that they can contribute to national development,” Ms. McKenzie said.

She noted that the recent launch of an incubation space for businesses at the SRC will help to facilitate these young persons with their new products and services.

The National Science Fair is being undertaken through partnership with the Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industry (YEDAI) programme and will provide assistance to 30 schools with their prototypes over a three-year period.

Registration deadline for participation is May 18.

For more information, persons may send an email to steu@src-jamaica.org or call 876-927-1771-4.