Applications are now open for the fall 2025 cohort of the U.S. Virgin Islands Idea Incubator, a free 15-week program run by the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park to help Virgin Islanders launch and grow tech startups. The deadline to apply is Oct. 10, with the program beginning Oct. 30, a press release announced.
Formerly known as Pre-Accelerate VI, the incubator provides step-by-step training and mentorship for entrepreneurs seeking to develop web or mobile applications without requiring a software background. Weekly virtual sessions are paired with in-person activities during the opening and closing weeks of the program, according to the press release.
“This program was heaven-sent at the perfect time in my app journey,” said Steve Lowe, a past graduate and founder of MyEstateShieldVI. “I went from knowing nothing about app development to feeling like nothing is impossible in this space despite not having a software background.”
The incubator has drawn praise nationally, including from philanthropist and investor Robert F. Smith, who called it “a bridge to opportunity.” RTPark officials say the program is designed to reduce inefficiencies that cost first-time founders significant money and time.
“A major barrier for non-technical founders is simply not knowing what they don’t know,” said Amanda Spann, RTPark’s entrepreneurship program manager. “The average first-time founder loses over $50,000 in inefficiencies, missteps, and wasted time. The Idea Incubator was launched to bridge that gap — to flatten the learning curve, reduce unnecessary costs, and provide a roadmap that allows Virgin Islanders to confidently bring their ideas to life”
Throughout the program, participants will refine business models, validate ideas with customers, and receive one-on-one mentorship. By the end, graduates will have improved pitching skills, expanded professional networks, and mapped out a growth plan, the press release stated.
“The USVI Idea Incubator is a launchpad for the next generation of Virgin Islands innovators,” said Eric Sonnier, RTPark’s executive director. “As we work to build an inclusive and sustainable tech ecosystem in the territory, we recognize that access to education, mentorship, and networks is absolutely critical”
Applicants must be based in the Virgin Islands with an innovative tech or tech-enabled idea that can be delivered through a web or mobile app. The program excludes professional services businesses and is open to founders whose ventures have generated less than $50,000 in revenue and raised less than $100,000 in outside investment, the release stated.
Applications are available at uvirtpark.net/incubator and must be submitted by Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. AST.
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