JPS /Marubeni's I-Lab now open and full of energy

• October 30 2019
• http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer-daily-biz/jps-marubeni-s-i-lab-now-open-and-full-of-energy-this-7-million-lab-is-said-to-be-the-cusp-of-energy-and-technological-innovation_178405

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in collaboration with Marubeni Power International on Tuesday, commissioned its Innovation lab (I-Lab) into use. This Lab is expected to be the transformative solution to providing university students/ interns and graduates with the ability to find creative solutions and effect real life changes in the energy industry.

Speaking at the official launch of the facility held at the JPS's head offices in New Kingston, Emanuel DaRosa, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of JPS said that the lab was born out of the new reality with which many companies are faced today, wherein innovation must be a way of life, especially in the energy industry which is moving at an unprecedented pace.

“In order to stay ahead or even keep up with the rapid changes in the industry, we must innovate. We have learnt that it is almost impossible for innovation to occur in an environment in which we are constantly kept busy with the everyday growing demands of our customers. One has to be intentional in a 96-year-old organisation such as JPS, where some things have been done in a particular way for decades. That's why the innovation lab is essential and creates space for that separate but not completely apart from the everyday operations of the business,” he said.

The lab, he continued, will provide an environment in which new recruits, as well as more experienced energy experts can work together to arrive at new solutions for real industry challenges. He then went on to thank his partners at Marubeni and the University of the West Indies (UWI), with whom they have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for making the lab a reality.

Mo Majeed, chief operating officer (COO) at Marubeni expressed elation at the official opening of the lab, which he deemed to be a part of cutting-edge technology and innovation. He said that his company, which has been in business for over 150 years currently operating in 67 countries out of 136 branches, is providing varied services to the energy industry.

He noted that JPS has made significant investment in technology in the past five years with an aim to improve service to customers and to tap into the global disruptor space.

“The I-Lab serves to explore new opportunities for JPS, it provides graduates with valuable work experience in the energy industry , it enhances risk-taking abilities, it incubates a new culture, provides clear alignment of academic programmes with industry needs , drives growth and development, accelerates innovation and mitigates risk with all aimed at improving value of service to the customer,” he said.