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In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines driving growth, job creation and competitiveness. Recognizing this, the Novamed Consulting Group has added Catalyst Campus to their dynamic portfolio. Catalyst Campus is Kingston‘s premier coworking space and innovation hub. I had the pleasure of attending their soft launch last month, so read on to learn everything about this new innovative arena.
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What is Catalyst Campus?
Catalyst Campus is a state-of-the-art coworking space and innovation hub that is centrally located at the Summit, 14-16 Chelsea Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica. You can also access Catalyst Campus from its Ruthven Road entrance like I did. It serves as a dynamic ecosystem designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers and creative professionals across various sectors. Coworking is a modern approach to work that provides shared office spaces where individuals from different companies, freelancers, remote workers and entrepreneurs can work independently or collaboratively. Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces offer greater flexibility in terms of membership plans, design and amenities. They also foster a sense of community and collaboration, often leading to valuable professional connections and opportunities for skill sharing. Additionally, coworking can boost productivity by providing a structured work environment outside the home, while still maintaining the autonomy and freedom many professionals seek.
Drs. Walcott & JohnsonCatalyst Campus is headed by Dr. David Walcott, a medical doctor-turned-entrepreneur whose work intersects healthcare, business and technology with a focus on improving healthcare across the region. Its general manager, Dr. Samantha Johnson, has also stepped away from traditional clinical practice but uses her healthcare experience and expertise to design innovative platforms. Samantha and I were medical school classmates, so it was heartwarming to see her in action at the launch as she thrives in this new and fulfilling role, but I digress.
Let’s Tour the Coworking Facilities
Privacy podsCatalyst Campus offers an impressive range of features tailored to meet the needs of its clients. These include:
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
- Coworking Spaces: Open-plan desks, cubicles, meeting rooms and privacy pods to accommodate individuals and groups. The furniture is modern in a sleek and attractive space, with catchy revolving artwork on display. The featured artist during my visit was Joshua Solas, a talented Jamaican contemporary visual artist.
- Amenities: Clean restrooms; kitchen with a microwave, unlimited tea, coffee and water; high-speed internet and door access control systems to ensure the safety and privacy of patrons. Did I mention that the coffee is Blue Mountain coffee? Yum! They also have a 3D printer and smartboard.
- Food & Drink: A membership at Catalyst gives you discounts at some of Summit’s restaurants, such as Jabba’s, and if you’re using the space on Fridays, you can purchase food at the weekly popup Summit Food Village on-site. Catalyst members also enjoy discounts on QuickCart, a popular Jamaican food delivery service.
- Parking: Free with ample spaces and manned security (I used their Ruthven Road entrance).
- Events: Rent a room (or the whole venue) for workshops, seminars, podcasting, photoshoots, book clubs, games nights, art exhibits and the list goes on ad infinitum.
- Spoiler Alert: They’re adding napping pods soon. I’m manifesting a part-time job at Catalyst to test those out once they’re installed!
My first time seeing a 3D printer!Membership costs are competitive and designed to meet a variety of needs. Day passes start at JM$4,000 (US$25) per day, but discounts are available for clients who book the entire week or month. This flexibility allows both individuals and established businesses to find a plan that works best for their budget.
Why Catalyst Campus Is Great For Networking
One of the unique aspects of Catalyst Campus is its focus on fostering not only professional connections but also social and cultural ones. Catalyst Thursdays is one such initiative that has become a staple event in the Campus calendar. These almost weekly sessions create a relaxed environment where people can come together, unwind and build relationships beyond their professional roles. Past Catalyst Thursdays have featured Kalooki 101, a beginners’ class for the popular Jamaican card game known for its fast pace and friendly competition. In addition, they’ve also hosted book clubs, art exhibits and artist talks which assemble like-minded individuals who can share ideas and inspire new perspectives. These events reflect the Campus’ holistic approach to community development—recognizing that innovation thrives where cultural, intellectual and social exchanges are encouraged.
Conversations over yummy salads by Chop’dWrap Up
By providing a secure, accessible and collaborative environment, Catalyst Campus empowers the next generation of innovators to transform their ideas into impactful businesses. While touring their space, I almost wish I had a remote job so I could have a reason to use the space more often but I suppose that’s why Samantha created Catalyst Thursdays. Check out Catalyst Campus on Instagram to keep up with their events and look out for the hard launch later this year. What part of Catalyst did you enjoy the most? Sound off in the comments section! Cheers to hoping they’ll invite me to test out the napping pods when they’re here. ‘Til next time.
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