UWI Partners with Microsoft to Launch IT Centre
By: , May 29, 2013The Full Story
The University of the West Indies (UWI), in partnership with Microsoft, has established an information technology centre aimed to fostering innovation and stimulating a sustainable local software economy.
The Microsoft Innovation Centre (UWI MIC), which will be hosted through the UWI Business Centre on the institution’s Mona campus in St. Andrew, is expected to be opened in August.
This was announced by State Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon. Julian Robinson, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 28.
Mr. Robinson said the project is supported by the Government of Jamaica and is “designed to accelerate technology and stimulate the local software economy through skills and professional training, including partnerships and innovation.”
Among its various components are an IT academy; a developer camp; an Imagine Cup preparation programme; and a MIC Technical Trainee and Student-to-Business module.
Mr. Robinson also informed that Microsoft has committed to fund 12 Tech-entrepreneurs to serve in the centre, as support staff.
The UWI MIC targets entrepreneurs, software developers, IT professionals, and academic researchers.
Contact: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker