The Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) is issuing its last invitation to Jamaican founders eager to transform promising clean-technology startups into high-growth companies. Entrepreneurs have until Sunday, 30 June to secure a seat in ScaleItUp, CCIC’s eight-week accelerator that kicks off in July and runs through mid-September.
Why ScaleItUp?
- Purpose-built for scale: Unlike early-stage incubators, ScaleItUp zeroes in on founders who already have traction and need strategic, operational, and capital-raising muscle to break through the next growth ceiling.
- Hands-on structure: Cohort sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6 – 8 p.m.) in a hybrid format, ensuring island-wide accessibility without sacrificing live interaction.
- Investor showcase: The programme culminates on 19 September with Demo Day, where up to 18 selected companies will pitch to local and international investors. One standout entrepreneur will also earn a fully-funded trip to a leading European innovation hub for global partnership building.
Strategic Backing
CCIC — the Caribbean’s pioneering clean-tech incubator since 2014 — is driving the accelerator in partnership with the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and with financial ecosystem support from the Development Bank of Jamaica’s BIGEE programme. Collectively these organisations aim to expand Jamaica’s green economy by channelling capital, research expertise, and policy alignment to high-impact climate ventures.
“Clean technology is the next growth engine for Jamaica,” says Carlinton Burrell, CCIC CEO. “ScaleItUp gives growth-stage founders the tools and investor access they need to commercialise faster, hire more Jamaicans, and export solutions across the region.”
Programme Highlights
| Core Module | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Accelerate Your Business Growth | Build scalable operating models and expansion roadmaps |
| Traction, Validation & Growth Strategy | Refine metrics, product-market fit, and go-to-market tactics |
| Fundraising Strategy & Deal Structuring | Navigate term sheets and negotiate valuation confidently |
| Investment Readiness & Impact Capital | Align climate impact metrics with investor expectations |
| Climate Innovation Market Analysis | Size regional opportunities and sharpen competitive edge |
| Pitch Deck Craft & Storytelling | Develop investor-ready narratives that convert interest to funding |
Participants also receive four tailored mentorship sessions, weekly pitch rehearsals, and peer-to-peer accountability circles.
Who Should Apply?
- Jamaican founders operating climate-smart products or services beyond the prototype phase
- Companies seeking equity, debt, or blended finance to accelerate national or regional expansion
- Teams committed to measurable environmental impact such as emissions reduction, resource efficiency, or climate resilience
How to Get In
Applications are live on CCIC’s website and close at 11:59 p.m. on 30 June. Selected entrepreneurs will be notified in early July.
Christopher Brown, Programme Manager for DBJ’s BIGEE initiative, emphasises: “Robust accelerators are vital nodes in Jamaica’s innovation network. ScaleItUp connects founders with capital, research, and mentorship — the trifecta for scaling climate-smart enterprises.”
Dr Charah Watson, Executive Director of SRC, adds: “Our partnership with CCIC underscores the SRC’s commitment to commercialising science. ScaleItUp is a catalytic step toward a resilient, green Jamaican economy.”
Founders poised for rapid growth are encouraged to seize this final call. Visit ccic-caribbean.org to apply and unlock the resources, investors, and global exposure essential to scaling Jamaica’s next wave of climate-tech champions.
