Formerly known as Pre-Accelerate VI, the USVI Idea Incubator—an initiative of the UVI Research and Technology Park—is now accepting applications for its fall 2025 cohort. The free, 15-week program provides ambitious Virgin Islanders with a step-by-step framework for launching and growing a web or mobile app—without needing a software background.
Designed to onboard aspiring founders into the tech startup world, the USVI Idea Incubator delivers training in product development, startup best practices, and tech business fundamentals. Beginning on Oct. 30, the program includes weekly virtual sessions, along with in-person engagements during the first and final weeks.
“This program was heaven-sent at the perfect time in my app journey. The training empowered me with exactly what I needed in order to bring my app to life. I went from knowing nothing about app development to feeling like nothing is impossible in this space despite not having a software background,” said past program graduate Steve Lowe, Founder of MyEstateShieldVI.
The program’s framework has been described as, “… a bridge to opportunity,” by billionaire philanthropist and investor Robert F. Smith, who has long championed inclusive entrepreneurship nationwide.
“Supporting local entrepreneurs is a key part of our mission here at the RTPark,” adds Amanda Spann, Entrepreneurship Program Manager at RTPark. “A major barrier for non-technical founders is simply not knowing what they don’t know. The average first-time founder loses over $50,000 in inefficiencies, missteps, and wasted time trying to figure things out. 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.”
Participants will be immersed in workshops, webinars, and one-on-one mentoring to help them validate ideas, refine business models, launch products, and polish their pitch.
By the end of the program, founders will:
• Improve their understanding of startup best practices
• Validate their idea with customers
• Expand their network to include successful founders and investors
• Enhance their professional brand
• Refine their business model and revenue streams
• Become more proficient at pitching their startup to potential co-founders, accelerators and customers
• Map out a plan for the next year of growth
“The USVI Idea Incubator is a launchpad for the next generation of Virgin Islands innovators,” said Eric Sonnier, Executive Director at RTPark. “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. This incubator helps close that gap and creates a community of entrepreneurs who are equipped not just to dream big, but to execute at scale.”
Who Should Apply:
• Are currently based in the US Virgin Islands
• Have a startup idea or business concept that can be delivered and deployed as a web or mobile app
• Have an innovative tech or tech-enabled business idea that addresses a USVI challenge or can scale globally
• Are a passionate, aspiring founder willing to dedicate 10+ hours per week to work on your business
• Consider yourself committed, ambitious, and disciplined enough to meet weekly milestones and complete the program
• Have a reliable and stable internet connection, as the program will primarily be conducted online
Additional Requirements:
• No professional services i.e. consulting
• Idea has generated less than $50,000 in revenue to date
• Idea has raised or received less than $100,000 in total investment (e.g., equity, convertible notes, government grants, academic grants)
• Commitment to Accelerate VI Code of Conduct & Attendance Policy
To apply, visit https://uvirtpark.net/incubator. Applications must be received by Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. AST.
About the UVI RTPark
The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) is a specialized economic development organization committed to attracting and supporting technology and knowledge-based businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through incentive programs, strategic partnerships, and workforce initiatives, RTPark strengthens the region’s innovation economy and creates sustainable community impact.
