International Forum & National Championship
Zed Jamaica International Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Leadership Forum 2026
Featuring the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition
About the forum
Jamaica’s premier gathering for robotics, AI and STEM
The Zed Jamaica International Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Leadership Forum 2026 brings together local and international students, educators, universities, businesses, government agencies and technology leaders committed to advancing Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Autonomous Systems and STEM education.
Featuring the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition, the event combines a full day of robotics championships with an international leadership forum — world-class speakers, emerging technologies and real opportunities for collaboration.
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada, The University of the West Indies, Mona and our education partners, we are creating a sustainable robotics ecosystem that prepares Jamaican students and professionals to compete and innovate on the global stage.
Why attend
Six reasons, one for everyone in the room
Compete, then keep going
- Experience competitive robotics.
- Learn from local and international experts.
- Explore careers in AI, engineering and technology.
- Prepare for future international robotics competitions.
See where this leads
- Discover how robotics develops creativity and critical thinking.
- Learn about career opportunities in STEM.
- Support your child’s future in technology.
Lead a team with confidence
Teachers and coaches play a vital role in developing Jamaica’s future innovators. Join our Teachers & Coaches Training Programme and gain the knowledge and confidence to lead robotics teams and build robotics into everyday learning.
Meet the next intake
- Showcase innovation and research.
- Connect with industry leaders.
- Recruit future STEM talent.
- Build collaborative partnerships.
Bring your workforce along
Learn how Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are reshaping today’s workplace. Network with business leaders, educators, researchers and policymakers while exploring innovation, workforce development and digital transformation.
Take a seat at the table
Five small-group sessions run at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on 9 November. The Corporate Executive Meeting seats up to five; each roundtable seats 5–20.
- 8:15 – 9:00 AM Corporate Executive Meeting
- 9:30 – 10:15 AM VIP Leadership & Government Roundtable
- 10:45 – 11:30 AM Educators & International Speakers Roundtable
- 12:00 – 12:45 PM Corporate HR & Future Workforce Roundtable
- 1:15 – 2:00 PM University, Industry & Innovation Roundtable
STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition
Four divisions. Four champions. One national stage.
The competition climbs the full length of Jamaica’s talent pipeline — from primary school classrooms to the corporate floor. Each division crowns its own STRIPE National Champion.
Divisions ascend by institution — primary → secondary → tertiary → industry.
New for 2026
The Corporate Robotics Championship
Companies, government agencies and institutions field teams of their own employees to compete in a robotics challenge built around how modern organizations actually work.
- Innovation
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Critical thinking
- AI awareness
- Robotics & automation
Organizations purchase a Zebra Robotics competition kit to train their teams ahead of the event. After the competition, they are encouraged to donate the kit to a school of their choice — turning one day of corporate competition into a lasting STEM legacy in the community.
Afternoon programme
International Leadership Forum
Once the championships close, local and international experts take the stage to discuss where the technology is heading — and what it means for Jamaica and the Caribbean.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Autonomous Systems
- Engineering
- Workforce Development
- Education
- Innovation
- The Future of Technology in Jamaica & the Caribbean
Featured speakers
Who you’ll hear from
Professor Jonathan Kelly
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
Director — Space & Terrestrial Autonomous Robotic Systems (STARS) Laboratory
Mark R. Hinkle
Founder
All Things AI
AI Strategist, Author & Emerging Technology Executive
Muralidhar Prabhakaran
North America Technology Sales
Accenture
Senior Managing Director
They will bring perspectives spanning robotics and autonomous systems, Artificial Intelligence, enterprise technology and the practical application of emerging technologies.
Additional local and international keynote speakers to be announced.
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and the Future of Innovation in the Caribbean
- University of Toronto
- Accenture
- Zebra Robotics Canada
- The University of the West Indies, Mona
- Government of Jamaica
- Industry leaders
Executive Networking Cocktail Reception
The Forum closes with a reception where speakers, sponsors, educators, researchers, business leaders, government officials and participants can exchange ideas, form partnerships and push Robotics, AI and STEM education forward across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
17–18 September 2026 · Jamaica Theological Seminary
Teachers & Coaches Training
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada, The University of the West Indies, Mona and our education partners, Zed Jamaica hosts a two-day programme to prepare educators for the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition.
- Competition orientation
- Robotics instruction
- Programming fundamentals
- Coaching strategies
- Competition rules
- Robot setup and troubleshooting
- Best practices for team development
- Schools and organizations are encouraged to register one or two teachers or coaches
Education partners
Who we’re building this with
- The University of the West Indies, Mona
- Jamaica Theological Seminary
- Shortwood Teachers’ College
- Jamaica College
- Wolmer’s Preparatory School
- Southborough Primary School
Additional education partners to be announced.
FACTS SIS / RenWeb School Management System
Supporting digital education and student information management for schools throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Nationwide 90 FM
Nationwide News Network — carrying coverage of the Forum and the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition across Jamaica.
Beyond one day
Building Jamaica’s robotics future
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada, The University of the West Indies, Mona and our education partners, we are building a long-term national robotics ecosystem.
- Robotics curriculum
- Teachers & Coaches Training
- Student development pathways
- Corporate engagement
- Annual robotics championships
- International collaboration
- STEM education
- Artificial Intelligence education
Our aim is to send Jamaican teams to STRIPE International competitions every year, while preparing students for careers in engineering, robotics and emerging technologies.
Road to 9 November
Participation is a journey, not a single day
17–18 Sep
Teachers & Coaches Training
Jamaica Theological Seminary — educators build the skills to lead their robotics teams.
Sep – Oct
Team preparation
Schools, universities and corporate teams train with their Zebra Robotics competition kits.
9 Nov
Forum & STRIPE Ride-Rush Competition
Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston — the national stage.
Sponsors & partners
Partner with us
We invite organizations committed to innovation, education and workforce development to help shape Jamaica’s technological future.
- Founding Presenting Partner
- Platinum Partner
- Gold Partner
- Silver Partner
- Corporate Robotics Championship Partner
- Education Partner
- Technology Partner
- Media Partner
Frequently asked questions
Before you register
Who can compete?
Any team may enter — schools, universities and corporations alike. Each competes in its own division: STARS (12 and under), SUPER NOVA (18 and under), GALAXY (23 and under) and the Corporate Robotics Championship (18 and over). See the four divisions
How do schools register?
Register your team on the STRIPE Jamaica competition portal. Register a team
How do corporations enter the Corporate Robotics Championship?
Companies, government agencies and public sector organizations enter their employee team through the same portal. Enter the Corporate Championship
How do teachers and coaches register for training?
There is no separate sign-up. Registering a competition team automatically registers your teachers and coaches for the Teachers & Coaches Training and sensitization programme on 17–18 September. What the training covers
What equipment is required?
Every team needs a Zebra Robotics competition kit. Kit options and specifications are listed on the portal. View competition kits
How do spectators attend?
Spectator and delegate passes are listed on the portal with the fee for each type, and can be paid for online. Passes, fees & payment
How can my organization become a partner?
Partnership opportunities run from Founding Innovation Partner through to Media & Promotional Partner, and are structured around your organization’s objectives, resources and desired impact. Full detail is on our Become a Partner page, or contact the team directly. Become a partner
Where can I find the competition rules?
Full rules for all four divisions are published on the STRIPE Jamaica competition portal. Read the competition rules
For registrations, rules and operational information, visit the STRIPE Jamaica Competition Portal.
9 November 2026 · Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston
Join Jamaica’s premier robotics & AI event
Student, parent, teacher, coach, university, business, government agency or sponsor — there is a way in for you.