RTPark
Entrepreneurship

Startup Battle USVI Is Back

In partnership with Southern Equity, the UVI Research and Technology Park, and the University of the Virgin Islands, Startup Battle USVI returns to St. Thomas to spotlight early-stage founders and student entrepreneurs across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The high-energy pitch competition brings together innovators, investors, and ecosystem leaders for a night of bold ideas, live storytelling, and opportunity on stage.

This year's competition will award $100,000 in total investments, including $80,000 for early-stage startups and $20,000 dedicated to student-led startups. Selected finalists will pitch live in front of investors, founders, and industry leaders, while gaining mentorship, visibility, and the chance to refine their pitch at a critical stage of growth.

Key Dates

  • Applications opened: January 20
  • Applications close: February 19 at 11:59PM AST
  • Semi-Finalist Pitch Day (virtual): March 5
  • Competition: March 26

Who Should Apply

  • Founders with operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Early-stage startups
  • Student-led startups
  • Innovators with bold, scalable ideas
  • Builders who are creating something from nothing

What to Expect

  • A high-energy, live pitch competition
  • $100,000 in total investment
  • Walk-up songs, stage lights, and real audience energy
  • Networking with investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders
  • Dedicated investment category for student-led startups

Accelerate VI - Propelling Tech Startups in the U.S. Virgin Islands

By The
Numbers
27
Startups Supported
$3M
Revenue Generated
$7M
Capital Raised
By The Numbers
27

Startups Supported
$3M

Revenue Generated
$7M

Capital Raised

Accelerate VI is a core initiative at RTPark designed to propel early-stage tech startups and entrepreneurs. This accelerator program offers invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping businesses scale from the U.S. Virgin Islands to global markets.

It plays a crucial role in fostering high-potential enterprises, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth in the region.


Mentorship &
Networking
Participants gain access to industry leaders and business experts who provide critical insights and support, helping entrepreneurs fast-track their growth.
Collaborative
Workspace
The Accelerate VI Coworking Space offers a modern, collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Focus on
Innovation
The program emphasizes growth in key sectors such as technology, fintech, sustainability, and health tech, aligning with RTPark's vision to transform the U.S. Virgin Islands into a thriving tech hub.

With five successful cohorts to date, Accelerate VI has cultivated startups that span diverse industries.

Success stories like Boomerang Eats and Grind Basketball have secured international expansions and substantial investments, underscoring the program's impact.

Entrepreneurship & Community Advancement

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of our community advancement initiatives. Through programs like Accelerate VI, RTPark fosters not only economic development but also the creation of high-quality job opportunities that directly impact our local community. Startups cultivated within this ecosystem drive innovation, support local talent development, and contribute to programs like the Professional Pathways and STEM Enrichment initiatives, ensuring that Virgin Islanders have access to career-building opportunities in the tech and knowledge-based sectors. By joining Accelerate VI, entrepreneurs gain the tools and connections they need to overcome challenges, position themselves for long-term success, and contribute to the region's economic development.

Interested in learning more? Contact amanda.spann@uvirtpark.net.


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