Tech Beach Retreat founders seek to unlock region’s potential

Organisers of the popular Tech Beach Retreat (TBR) are pushing to have the Caribbean become the next frontier for technology innovation, expansion and investments. With its origins in Jamaica, there is a special drive for greater integration around technology.

Co-founder and curator of Tech Beach Retreat Kirk Hamilton said: “As Caribbean nationals, we have a special love for our countries and communities in the region. When we began Tech Beach Retreat six years ago, creating an ecosystem of access to thought leaders, innovators and investors was at the core of our mission. Six years later, we are seeing this ecosystem blossom and benefit so many with the Caribbean ready to unlock its true potential in the technology space.”

Montego Bay was the backdrop for the staging of Tech Beach Retreat Jamaica, from November 30 to December 2. The conference, attended by over 250 participants, attracted some of the brightest minds who presented the latest trends in data protection and artificial intelligence and showcased some of the best start-ups in the Caribbean.

“We have talent beyond measure in the region, who are doing groundbreaking things and moving the needle. We support this because we are in the business of shifting paradigms and ultimately changing the world, one concept and project at a time. We are bringing the right people together to accelerate this change in the Caribbean,” said Kyle Maloney, co-founder of Tech Beach Retreat.

With strong support from the Development Bank of Jamaica, this year’s staging in Jamaica featured some phenomenal presenters who are leaders in their field. Participants heard from Monica Lenart, Principal Engineer, Google who looked at Shaping Tomorrow: The Synergy of AI and Collective Intelligence. A very topical panel discussion surrounded ‘The Shifting Sands of Data, Privacy and Security’ which was moderated by Lisa Godwin, Creative Technologist,
NY Times.

(PR)