Applications Open for 5th Cohort of USVI Tech Startup Accelerator

ST. CROIX - - The UVI Research and Technology Park (RTPark) announced today that applications are now open for the 2024 cohort of Accelerate VI (AVI), a startup accelerator  which supports the growth of the local tech ecosystem by helping tech entrepreneurs scale their  businesses in the USVI. The program has a strong focus on companies in the territory, but could possibly work with a startup who is not from the territory but can benefit the territory in some way.

Selected participants for the hybrid program will embark on a targeted 12-week journey in which they will participate in weekly guided trainings, be coached by subject matter experts and connected to a suite of leading business mentors specializing in their niche. The structured business curriculum aims to not only provide a roadmap of growth and development tutorials but to help groom participants to be the entrepreneurs of the future.

Accelerate VI applications are open to all persons who are 18 years or older with a technology-enabled  company. The deadline to apply is Friday January 12th at 11:59 pm.  Applicants may only submit one application per cohort and must adhere to the following  criteria:

  • Are registered or willing to be registered to do business in the US Virgin Islands
  • Past the idea stage: has at least a MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or has already launched
  • Has the ability to scale into national/ global markets 
  • Technology-focused company with proprietary software (No Professional Services)
  • Raised or received less than $2,000,000 in total investment (e.g., equity, convertible notes,  government grants, academic grants, digital currency, etc.) 
  • Commitment to completing the entire Accelerate VI program

Startups from the following sectors are strongly encouraged to apply; however all sectors will be  considered: Sustainability Solutions and Renewable Energy, Financial Technology, Health Care, EdTech, and Sports Tech. 

“Accelerate VI is a catalyst for innovation, providing a dynamic platform for tech entrepreneurs to propel their businesses to new heights,” said RTPark Director of Entrepreneurship Eric Sonnier. “With a focus on scalability and fostering a diverse range of technology sectors, this accelerator is a key driver of entrepreneurship in the US Virgin Islands."

Since its launch in 2019, Accelerate VI has supported four cohorts and 22 startups from the Virgin Islands and beyond through the program. In total, AVI startups have generated over $2.5 million in revenue and raised over $7 million in capital for their businesses.

With a goal of generating long-term economic growth in the USVI, the RTPark is committed to fulfilling  all aspects of its legislative mandate, including early-stage business incubation and acceleration. Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems are the foundation of resilient economies. As the territory’s center for  technology and knowledge-based businesses, the RTPark empowers Virgin Islanders to nurture innovative ideas and build sustainable solutions locally in the territory. 

Startups interested in participating can learn more and apply at https://www.acceleratevi.com/apply-accelerator. Interested entrepreneurs can direct questions to Entrepreneurship Associate Amanda  Spann at amanda.spann@uvirtpark.net. 

To learn more about the RTPark or Accelerate VI, please visit uvirtpark.net and acceleratevi.com and  respectively. 

For media and partnership inquiries or interview requests, please contact the RTPark’s Associate Director of Marketing  and Communications, Sydney Paul at sydney.paul@uvirtpark.net. 

###