University of Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Regional UC (CR-UC) implements specific activities through the Business and Economic Development Center at University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez and the University of Virgin Island-CELL, focusing on providing technical assistance, conducting applied research, and disseminating economic development initiatives. The proposed innovation activities encompass three main categories: 1) technical assistance for innovators and existing businesses, with a focus on Pre-Incubation phase (PI) (80%) and Growing Business (GB) (20%), 2) applied research supported by BEDC-UPRM and UVI-CELL to address challenges faced by PIs and GBs, leveraging resources within the entrepreneurial network, and 3) active dissemination of all economic development impacts within the region.  As a pivotal hub in the UPRM E-Ship Network, BEDC continues to expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem, collaborating closely with partners such as NSF I-Corps Site UPRM, Banco Popular's Echar Pa’Lante, Engine 4, West Chamber of Commerce, RISE Program of the Bravo Family Foundation, Grupo Guayacán, Parallel 18, and the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRTRUST). Additionally, ongoing collaborations with multiple NPOs and private organizations through the NPO SIED program further advance economic development efforts.  Also, during this period, we continued with the incubator and accelerator program Area-E and the BPPR Seed Fund program.   UVI-CELL includes partnerships with the Small Business Development Center, UVI School of Business Entrepreneurship Program, SCORE Business Mentoring, GCSEN Caribe, Veteran Affairs offices, and Digital Lending Innovation, among others.