University of Technology, Jamaica to Pilot Smart Code Postal Addressing System in Jamaica

 

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) is set to mobilize $15 million initiative to implement a digital technology service including cloud services, and training to pilot a digital notification system at five post offices across Jamaica, with a focus on underserved communities.


For the first time, YSmart Data Limited has developed smart codes for Jamaican communities. These codes are like zip codes, but include a four-digit extension tied to precise locations and specific landowners.


At the finals of the 2025 Sagicor Innovation Challenge on April 22, 2025, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica, announced the university's plans to mobilize JMD $15 million in cloud services, technology, and training to improve the country's postal service. Dr. Brown highlighted that many Jamaicans still lack formal addresses, emphasizing the need for digital solutions to address this gap. “In the modern era, there are improvements we can make,” he stated. The initiative aims to digitize mail notifications at five non-delivery post offices by 2026.


Dr. Brown stressed the importance of staying ahead in the fast-evolving technological landscape, stating, “Every day something new is announced. Both companies and the university must adapt.” To keep pace, UTech, Jamaica has introduced new academic programmes designed to prepare students for the digital age, emphasizing lifelong learning.


Kevin McIndoe, Senior Director of Operations, Postal Corporation of Jamaica speaking at the event, expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential to improve postal service delivery. “We believe that our collaboration can drive significant improvements in postal service delivery, in line with Post Corp’s modernization efforts,” he noted.






McIndoe spoke during the event’s panel discussion titled: "Modernizing Jamaica’s Postal Service: How Can We Digitize Mail Notifications for Non-Delivery Post Offices by 2026 Using Low-Cost Technology?"


Commenting on new developments, the postal rep commented, “connectivity is key. Out of 238 locations we have stable internet, which is critical to support local courier service and other new services.” He added, “What we are looking at now is a single platform that customers can interact with the post office through. We call it informed delivery. Once you sign up on our platform you will receive notification and indicate whether you want it delivered and to which address.”


McIndoe continued, “The post code solution would make all of this more efficient. Already, the post office has a very good transport network for 238 locations. What we are not good at is technology. But we have the transport network. Partnerships will fill those gaps so we can deliver better services to the public.”


Natalie Bennett, Chief Product Officer at YSmart Data limited explained “If the post office can figure out the addressing system everything works well and helps all industries and systems-data entry, urban planning, risk management, everything becomes easier. The Post office should be the leader in this solution.”


She stated, “As we move into the 21st century and as we think if what a digital future looks like this (missing addresses) is no longer acceptable. Smart codes ensures accurate and safe delivery, in an end to end system. Regardless of what is being delivered you want to get it on time and securely.”


“We are developing Jamaica’s first zip plus four code. We are able to pinpoint locations with accuracy in every location. Every property, every parcel of land has a premise ID. They give addresses tied to name of the addresses so they are able to send mail to the right location every single time. Access to information is an inalienable right,” she said.


Using smart data in delivery services helps businesses avoid returned mail, potentially saving them millions in losses.


Bennett concluded, “We need the government to adopt these codes to build a better Jamaica. The post office of the future opens access and becomes the conduit for new and improved services. Smart codes are transforming Jamaica one address at a time”


McIndoe stated, “Address codes and addressing is key. In Trinidad and Tobago postcodes are used. To do a similar project in Jamaica the municipality or government in charge of land is key. This is another partnership needed.”


Christopher Brown, Programme Director for BIGEE at the Development Bank of Jamaica explained, “At the development bank, here is an opportunity, a unique one for agencies of the government to technology companies to partner with YSmart. The DBJ has a number of different ideas that can take the ideas mentioned from the Sagicor Innovation competition to the next level.”






Now in its fifth year, the Sagicor Innovation Challenge is a joint initiative between the Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited and the University of Technology, Jamaica through the Sagicor Innovation Lab created to engage students at the University in innovating problem solving and developing impactful solutions. The Challenge is designed to equip young innovators with tools to transform bold ideas into viable, scalable businesses. Each year, the competition highlights tech-powered solutions that tackle Jamaica’s most pressing real-world challenges across sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and public safety by leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT).


This year’s Sagicor Innovation Challenge began on March 3, 2025, attracting over 20 teams. After rigorous workshops, prototype development, and business validation, ten teams delivered fast-paced elevator pitches in the first round of the finals held on April 22 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Following this round, four teams were selected as finalists and were invited to present a second, more detailed investment pitch to the panel of judges.


Angel Pinnock, a standout University of Technology, Jamaica student from the School of Computing and Information Technology, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science took home the grand prize of JMD $1,000,000Angel Pinnock was awarded JMD $500,000 in cash, with an additional JMD $500,000 to support the development of her business through UTech, Jamaica’s Technology Innovation Centre (TIC). The Faculty of Engineering and Computing will also receive JMD $100,000 to pursue an innovative project.


Pinnock’s innovative solution, Gully Guard will provide cutting-edge flood-sensing technology that promises to revolutionize the way Jamaica tackles devastating gully flooding and dumping. Gully Guard, the core solution of her business, FloodSense, addresses the urgent and recurring problem of gully flooding across Jamaica, a hazard that causes severe property damage, loss of life, and billions in recovery costs each year. This will also address the problem of illegal dumping. By using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Gully Guard is smart, a modular barrier system that moves with the flood, preventing debris from obstructing the gully bed and ensuring optimal water flow.


Gully Guard works by preventing debris and blockages from entering the gully bed, ensuring optimal water flow and protecting infrastructure. It features a rope-pull net closure system with automatic sealing powered by magnets, making cleanup easier. Each unit can hold up to 3,000 pounds of litter. The real-time data collected by these sensors is integral to the system’s ability to monitor environmental conditions, track potential flood risks, and issue early warnings to communities and emergency response agencies. This critical early warning system allows residents and responders to act proactively and avoid disaster. The solution also provides gully management tools designed to help reduce the government’s annual flood-related expenditure, estimated at JMD $2.5 billion, by up to 50%.