First team from a Caribbean university to enter the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge to be hosted in Dubai in September

The University of the West Indies, (The UWI) Mona, Jamaica. Monday August 5, 2024  — A team of four enterprising students from The UWI, Mona Campus, is set to make their mark on the global hospitality industry with an innovative fabric they created to address pressing issues of air pollution and excessive energy consumption in the industry. 

Abigale Forbes, Katrina Chin, Judane Whittaker, and Dedranae Davis, under the guidance of Dr. Michelle McLeod from the Mona School of Business and Management, designed PZYLO (zy-lo) to help purify indoor air while simultaneously providing natural insulation. Its versatility allows for seamless integration into various hospitality settings, from hotel rooms to airline cabins.

"We identified key challenges in the hospitality industry related to air pollution and energy consumption. To address this, we developed PZYLO, which not only absorbs indoor air pollutants, purifying the air but also acts as a natural insulator, reducing the need for extensive air conditioning use," Ms Forbes explained.   Forbes said PZYLO can also be used as a versatile tapestry or wall covering, thereby minimising reliance on toxic chemical paints. Its design flexibility allows it to seamlessly integrate into various environments, from hotel room walls to seat coverings in airline cabins.

This design earned the team a spot at the finals of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge which will be held in Dubai this September. The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a globally recognised competition for students hosted by Hotelschool The Hague, seeks innovative solutions to industry challenges. Of the two UWI Mona teams that reached the quarterfinals, one advanced to the Americas Semi-Finals at Florida International University. The team's subsequent qualification for the finals alongside Cornell University is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication.

The UWI Mona team will vie for the top prize in Dubai against competitors from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The experience has already equipped the students with invaluable skills in entrepreneurship, pitching, and investment readiness. The UWI's partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation in developing these teams underscores the region's commitment to sustainable tourism.

"Presenting on such a global stage is thrilling. It’s a chance to showcase our hard work and innovation to the world. I believe it’s such an accomplishment how much effort we’ve put in. We hope to represent ourselves, the University, Jamaica and the wider Caribbean well and look forward to the feedback and potential opportunities that might arise from such a high-profile presentation," Ms Forbes said.

The journey to the finals has been marked by challenges, including tight deadlines and intense competition. However, the team's unwavering determination, coupled with effective time management and strong teamwork, has propelled them forward. Now, as they prepare to showcase their innovation on the global stage in Dubai, the students are filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Being the first team from a Caribbean university to enter the competition, I speak for the whole team when I say that I am filled with great pride to be representing the region on such a prestigious global stage. This opportunity highlights the innovative and game-changing spirit that our community possesses, and I do believe that I have a responsibility to accurately and positively represent that." Ms Forbes said.

Beyond the potential commercial success of PZYLO, the team's participation in the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge has equipped them with invaluable skills in innovation, pitching, and business development. The experience has solidified their career aspirations and instilled in them a deep sense of pride in representing the Caribbean on the world stage.

"My career goal is to be a strategist within the Ministry of Tourism. Having pitched an actual product, I've honed my ability to communicate ideas effectively. This skill will be invaluable when presenting marketing campaigns or new initiatives within the tourism industry. This experience has also boosted my confidence and public speaking abilities. I believe that being able to present ideas confidently is crucial in any role." Ms Forbes added.

With the finals fast approaching, The UWI Mona team is focused on delivering a compelling presentation that will captivate the international jury and position PZYLO as a leading solution for a more sustainable future.

Dr Michelle McLeod expressed immense pride in the students' achievement. "The UWI has brilliant Caribbean minds. We just need to find the right channels and create the right opportunities to highlight Caribbean ingenuity," Dr McLeod said.