Three climate entrepreneurs to represent Jamaica in Europe

Three Jamaican climate-focused entrepreneurs are preparing to take their innovations to Europe on fully funded, all-expense-paid trips after being named winners of the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC) ScaleItUp Accelerator.

After eight weeks of intensive training, these innovators are equipped with the tools, strategies, and confidence to scale their businesses, exchange ideas with global investors and policymakers, and showcase solutions that could redefine sustainability worldwide.

The entrepreneurs are preparing for their upcoming trip to Warsaw, Poland, to participate in the Deep Tech CEE Challenge on October 27 to 29. Originally, the ScaleItUp Accelerator was designed to send just one winner from the cohort of 14 Jamaican entrepreneurs. However, thanks to the CCIC team and the Development Bank of Jamaica, the prize package was expanded to allow three innovators to travel, pitch for funding, and gain valuable international exposure.

The ScaleItUp Accelerator has pushed the founders beyond the start-up phase, equipping them with practical tools needed to grow their business - from leadership, to strategic planning, innovation, investor engagement, and market readiness.

Carlinton Burrell, CEO of the CCIC, emphasised the vital role of clean technology (cleantech) innovation in driving Jamaica’s economic resilience.

“This accelerator represents a strategic investment in the cleantech solutions that will power Jamaica’s future. By supporting entrepreneurs who are tackling our most urgent environmental and economic challenges, we are not only future-proofing the nation but also positioning Jamaica as a regional leader in the emerging green economy,” he stated.

“The winners represent a new era for Caribbean climate entrepreneurship. By increasing the prize package and offering structured mentorship, we are making sure these innovators not only survive but thrive on the global stage. Having Jamaican representation in Europe showcases the region’s capacity to develop world-class solutions, opening doors for future Caribbean innovators in climate tech,” Burrell said.

Entrepreneurs humbled by the win

Phinetic, founded by Joanna Anderson, designs solar-powered, biomimetic solutions to address water scarcity, food insecurity, and climate change. Reflecting on the win, Anderson said, “This win is a powerful validation that Phinetic’s solution, turning seawater into clean water and salt using only solar power, is not just an idea, but a viable, game-changing technology for Jamaica.”

She added, “While I’m still humbled to be selected among so many talented innovators, it confirms that with the right partnerships, we can directly contribute to achieving Jamaica’s sustainable development goals and build a more water-secure future.”

Looking ahead to Europe – her first trip overseas, she shared, “This is my first trip abroad, and I’m eager to absorb everything from new business cultures to cutting-edge sustainability strategies and bring that valuable knowledge and investment back home to Jamaica.”

Building a European connection

Towerfarms Limited, founded by John Mark Clayton and Kerri-Anne Gray, is the exclusive Caribbean distributor of aeroponic Tower Garden systems, offering climate-smart agricultural solutions that use 90 to 95% less water and no soil. Gray said of the win, “This is a validation of our vision and hard work. It’s a platform to share our story, expand our impact, and inspire others who are working to transform agriculture and business in meaningful ways.”

Carbon Neutral Initiative Limited, founded by Damani Thomas, develops advanced biofuel solutions to provide cleaner, more efficient alternatives to traditional fuels. Thomas said, “Winning the CCIC Scale It Up Accelerator is both an honour and a responsibility. It validates years of hard work developing solutions like De30 biofuel, born in Jamaica but built for global impact.”

Thomas said he is most excited to connect directly with European partners like refineries, policymakers, and innovation leaders, to learn how our solution fits into Europe’s evolving energy landscape.

“Poland, with its large fuel market and pressing need for cleaner alternatives, offers a strategic entry point. Beyond business, I look forward to exchanging ideas with other innovators at the CEE conference, understanding Europe’s approach to scaling climate technologies, and finding synergies that can accelerate both regional and global adoption of De30,” he said.

CCIC head, Burrell thanked the Development Bank of Jamaica, the Scientific Research Council, and European partners for their support, emphasising that innovation is a necessity.

“Their investment in the accelerator confirms that the country is on the right path to building a resilient, climate-smart economy that can compete on the world stage,” said Burrell. This is the engine that will drive our region’s resilience, growth, and global competitiveness.