Zed Jamaica International Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Leadership Forum 2026
Featuring the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition
Monday, November 9, 2026 · Jamaica Pegasus Hotel · Kingston, Jamaica
In Partnership With
Zebra Robotics Canada · The University of the West Indies, Mona
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada and The University of the West Indies, Mona, and our other education partners, Zed Jamaica is building Jamaica's next generation of innovators, engineers, AI professionals, and technology leaders.
About the Forum
The Zed Jamaica International Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Leadership Forum 2026 is Jamaica's premier gathering of 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 exciting robotics championships with an international leadership forum showcasing world-class speakers, emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration.
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada and The University of the West Indies, Mona and our other 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?
Students
- Experience competitive robotics.
- Learn from local and international experts.
- Explore careers in AI, engineering, and technology.
- Prepare for future international robotics competitions.
Parents
- Discover how robotics develops creativity and critical thinking.
- Learn about career opportunities in STEM.
- Support your child's future in technology.
Teachers & Coaches
Teachers and coaches play a vital role in developing Jamaica's future innovators. Participate in our Teachers & Coaches Training Programme and gain the knowledge and confidence to lead robotics teams and integrate robotics into learning.
Universities & Colleges
- Showcase innovation and research.
- Connect with industry leaders.
- Recruit future STEM talent.
- Build collaborative partnerships.
Businesses & Government
Learn how Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are transforming today's workplace. Network with business leaders, educators, researchers and policymakers while exploring innovation, workforce development and digital transformation.
Four Divisions. Four Champions. One National Stage.
The STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition features four exciting championship divisions.
| Division | Eligibility | Age |
|---|---|---|
| STARS Championship | Preparatory & Primary Schools | 12 and under |
| SUPER NOVA Championship | Secondary Schools | 18 and under |
| GALAXY Championship | Universities, Colleges & Tertiary Institutions | 23 and under |
| Corporate Robotics Championship | Businesses, Government Agencies, Public Sector Organizations | 18 and over |
Each division will crown its own STRIPE National Champion.
Corporate Robotics Championship
One of the Forum's most exciting features is the Corporate Robotics Championship, where companies, government agencies and institutions field teams of employees to compete in a robotics challenge designed to promote:
- Innovation
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Critical thinking
- AI awareness
- Robotics and automation
Organizations purchase a Zebra Robotics competition kit to train their teams before the event. Following the competition, they are encouraged to donate the kit to a school of their choice, creating a lasting STEM legacy within their communities.
International Leadership Forum
Following the robotics championships, the afternoon Leadership Forum will feature local and international experts discussing:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Autonomous Systems
- Engineering
- Workforce Development
- Education
- Innovation
- The Future of Technology in Jamaica and the Caribbean
Featured Speakers
Professor Jonathan Kelly
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
Director
Space & Terrestrial Autonomous Robotic Systems (STARS) Laboratory
Sachin ("Mike") Solkhan
AI Executive
Fidelity Investments
Additional local and international keynote speakers will be announced.
Executive Fireside Chat
Theme: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and the Future of Innovation in the Caribbean
Featuring representatives from:
- University of Toronto
- Fidelity Investments
- Zebra Robotics Canada
- The University of the West Indies, Mona
- Government of Jamaica
- Industry Leaders
Executive Networking Cocktail Reception
The Forum concludes with an Executive Networking Cocktail Reception, providing an opportunity for local and international speakers, sponsors, educators, researchers, business leaders, government officials and participants to exchange ideas, establish partnerships and advance Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and STEM education throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Teachers & Coaches Training
September 17–18, 2026 · Jamaica Theological Seminary
Together with Zebra Robotics Canada and The University of the West Indies, Mona and our other education partners, Zed Jamaica will host a comprehensive Teachers & Coaches Training Programme to prepare educators for the STRIPE Ride-Rush Robotics Competition.
The programme will include:
- 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
- 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.)
Technology Partner
FACTS SIS / RenWeb School Management System — Supporting digital education and student information management for schools throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Media Partner
Coming Soon — We are currently finalizing our official media partnership.
Building Jamaica's Robotics Future
The Forum is more than a one-day event. Together with Zebra Robotics Canada and The University of the West Indies, Mona, and our other education partners, we are creating a long-term national robotics ecosystem through:
- Robotics curriculum
- Teachers & Coaches Training
- Student development pathways
- Corporate engagement
- Annual robotics championships
- International collaboration
- STEM education
- Artificial Intelligence education
Our vision is to enable Jamaican teams to compete annually at STRIPE International competitions while preparing students for careers in engineering, robotics and emerging technologies.
Road to November 9
Participation is a journey, not a single day.
Teachers & Coaches Training
Jamaica Theological Seminary — educators build the skills to lead their robotics teams.
Team Preparation
Schools, universities, and corporate teams train with their Zebra Robotics competition kits.
Leadership Forum & STRIPE Ride-Rush Competition
Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston — the national stage.
Sponsors & Partners
We invite organizations committed to innovation, education and workforce development to partner with us in shaping Jamaica's technological future.
Opportunities include:
- Founding Presenting Partner
- Platinum Partner
- Gold Partner
- Silver Partner
- Corporate Robotics Championship Partner
- Education Partner
- Technology Partner
- Media Partner
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can compete?
Answer to be added.
How do schools register?
Answer to be added.
How do corporations enter the Corporate Robotics Championship?
Answer to be added.
How do teachers and coaches register for training?
Answer to be added.
What equipment is required?
Answer to be added.
How do spectators attend?
Answer to be added.
How can my organization become a partner?
Answer to be added.
Where can I find the competition rules?
Answer to be added.
For registrations, rules, and operational information, please visit the STRIPE Jamaica Competition Portal.
Join Jamaica's Premier Robotics & AI Event
Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, coach, university, business, government agency, or sponsor, we invite you to join us for this landmark national initiative.