The country's young technology experts will show off their skills, and interact with major local and international players in the information communication industry, at an exposition to be held later this month.

The event will culminate Digital Jam 2.0, a job-creation initiative being undertaken by the Ministry of Youth and Culture in collaboration with the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development, and communication firms, FLOW and LIME.

Hundreds of young people are expected to participate in the three-day event slated to begin tomorrow and run until Saturday at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna told a recent JIS News Think Tank that the event will expose young people to job prospects and avenues to start their own businesses.

an 'app' contest

A key feature of Digital Jam will be an 'app' contest where some 200 teams of young Jamaicans will compete to develop specific applications, mobile or web-based.

Digital Jam 2.0 comprises a programme of events, competitions and other activities, which seek to open employment opportunities for technology-driven youths, who are either unemployed or enrolled in institutions.

It is being financed through grant funding and other inputs totalling upwards of US$200,000. Since the launch on May 8, young people have been introduced to trends, training, job and entrepreneurial opportunities in the virtual economy, while showcasing their talents, ideas and successes.