In 2017, The UWI launched Phase I of its Triple A Strategy, introducing Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a third major institutional goal. This meant that beyond traditional research and teaching, the University would actively engage with industry, support start-ups, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students and faculty.

Since then, The UWI has been leading the charge in fostering a more entrepreneurial ecosystem across the regional University, expanding educational courses and training on entrepreneurship, promoting knowledge exchange through workshops, symposia and consultations with industry, and establishing robust collaborations with industry partners. To support this institutional commitment, a network of special units, centres and institutes (UCIs), faculties, libraries and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research work together to nurture research, advance innovations and promote entrepreneurship, so that the big ideas generated at The UWI can impact the wider society.

The University also recently established the One UWI Research Cluster, concentrating on Resilience Through Entrepreneurship. This initiative unites a diverse network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to strengthening socioeconomic and environmental resilience through innovative entrepreneurial strategies. The cluster aims to shape policy through actionable research while creating a centralised data repository to bridge knowledge gaps.

The UWItv and FLOW Collaboration: Connecting Education and Society

Engaging with industry representatives to obtain valuable insights is crucial in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. This collaboration helps nurture a partnership between the University and industry through continuous interaction. One of the most successful outcomes of this industry alignment has been UWItv Global, the University’s official public information platform. This initiative, conceived by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and powered by FLOW, is a prime example of effective collaboration.

UWItv went live in December 2016. This multimedia platform broadcasts across cable channels in 20 countries, including Panama and parts of Latin America, reaching over 5 million viewers through one of the region’s leading telecommunications providers. The cable channels are complemented by a dynamic website that supports live streaming and maintains a strong social media presence, allowing viewers to access UWI content in real time and on demand.

In addition to showcasing original programming from the University, UWItv collaborates with regional and international organisations such as CARICOM and the UN. These partnerships enhance the channel’s offerings, which include interviews, documentaries, and coverage of significant regional and international events addressing pressing issues affecting the Caribbean.

The partnership between UWItv and FLOW bridges the gap between academia and industry in the Caribbean by offering UWI and Caribbean-focused programming to a diverse audience through FLOW’s cable network and online platforms. This collaboration seamlessly integrates educational content into everyday life, showcasing the University’s essential contributions to society. Key aspects of the partnership include effective content delivery, a global reach, enhanced accessto knowledge, strategic alliances, relationship building, and a commitment to addressing societal needs.

Deepening the Alignment with Industry

Phase II of the strategic plan (2022–2027), dubbed the “Revenue Revolution”, focuses on advancing a series of strategic steps to convert The UWI’s international reputational value into much-needed revenue to stabilise the University, improve its financial health and leverage digital transformation. In this phase the University will deepen the alignment of its resources and capabilities with industry to provide path-breaking solutions to reduce the University’s reliance on government funding and achieve financial sustainability by generating revenue through commercial activities. Some specific landmark projects include establishing the UWI Global School of Medicine in Debe, Trinidad and Tobago, and expanding the Open Campus’ online education offerings, which launched a new school in August 2024. This new International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), is the world’s first global business school dedicated entirely to online graduate programmes focused on leadership in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is backed by US$11 million in long-term financing provided by IDB Invest.

Some Entrepreneurial Initiatives at The UWI

Cave Hill

The campus signed a licensing and distribution agreement with Barbados Dairy Industries Limited in March 2025 to facilitate the production of diabetes shakes, using indigenous Caribbean flavours.

Five Islands Campus

The campus is focusing on promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for economic development in emerging economies. 2025 marks the second hosting of an annual AI Conference to drive innovation and growth in the Caribbean.

Global

The Global Campus Continuing & Professional Education (CPE) programmes continue to meet regional educational needs and enhance revenue. One example is the certification in Climate Change Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification, funded by Trinidad and Tobago’s Environmental Management Authority and Ministry of Planning and Development.

Mona

The campus collaborated with Consolidated Bakeries to develop the F1RST brand cassava bread and gluten-free N’UFFINS, utilizing cassava flour produced at its Agricultural Research and Innovation Facility.

Regional Headquarters

The University’s Regional Headquarters Building located on Hermitage Road, Kingston, Jamaica offers commercial rental options for its unique meeting and conference facility.

St. Augustine

UWI Seal-It Ltd is a spin-off company developed by talented individuals from the campus’ Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science & Technology. Seal-It produces innovative asphalt-based sealants specifically designed for tropical climates, providing high-quality products at competitive prices.