UTech to Host Conference on AI and Emerging Technologies

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) will host a free, four-day conference exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can advance sustainable development across the Caribbean and Africa.

Commencing October 13, the Pan-African/Caribbean Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems Conference (PAAISS 2026) will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and students to examine the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, governance and innovation.

Specific attention will be placed on the development priorities of countries in the Global South, which includes Jamaica.

The conference’s opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday (October 13) at 5 p.m. at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech’s Papine Campus.

The keynote address will be delivered by Chairman of the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force, Christopher Reckord.

President of UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown, emphasised the timeliness of the conference.

“PAAISS 2026 comes at a critical moment as artificial intelligence moves from being an emerging technology to becoming a fundamental driver of economic and social transformation.

Our focus is not simply on what AI can do but on how we can ensure that its development and application contribute meaningfully to the needs and aspirations of Africa and the Caribbean,” Dr. Brown said.

As AI increasingly influences economies, public services, education, healthcare and industry, PAAISS 2026 will examine how countries across Africa and the Caribbean can move beyond being consumers of technology to become active contributors to its development and application.

Among the speakers are Dr. Kevin Brown; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan; Dr. Mandla Gwetu of Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Dr. Beatrice Ombuki-Berman of Brock University, Canada; and Dr. Serestina Viriri of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Central to the discussions will be the need to build local expertise, strengthen research and digital infrastructure, and ensure that AI solutions respond to regional priorities.

The conference will also explore practical applications of AI and smart systems in areas critical to regional development, including healthcare, education, agriculture, climate and disaster resilience, public-sector transformation and economic development.

Persons can register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4bvo9Cgu10-dP0TgjU2bHUydO0-TVhNKpazBrbTAkYtURENFMlRXUFQyREtYRFkxRTk5WEhJR01OTi4u