Applications are now open as the UVI Research & Technology Park announces the return of Startup Battle to the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering $100,000 in total investment to early-stage founders and University of the Virgin Islands student entrepreneurs through a live pitch competition on St. Thomas this March.
The 2026 U.S. Virgin Islands competition is produced in partnership with RTPark Client Southern Equity, the UVI Research & Technology Park, and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).
Startup Battle is a curated pitch competition designed for founders building tech-enabled businesses and early-stage startups seeking to accelerate growth. The program brings together entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors to support companies at critical stages of development.
Throughout the competition, selected participants refine their ideas with experienced mentors, sharpen their storytelling, and pitch to active investors with a focus on early-stage company building. The pitch competition is open to all early-stage founders in the territory.
The competition culminates in a live “Final Battle,” where the top five finalists take the stage to present their companies before a panel of judges and a live audience. This year, the program will award $100,000 in total investment capital, including $80,000 for USVI-based, early-stage startups and $20,000 dedicated to UVI student-led startups, reinforcing Startup Battle’s commitment to strengthening the local innovation pipeline.
Startup Battle’s return to the U.S. Virgin Islands builds on its mission to support founders in emerging and underrepresented ecosystems by connecting them with capital, mentorship, and national investor networks.
“Building something from nothing is hard—with or without help,” said Southern Equity founder Allen Nance. “Startup Battle exists to increase the odds for founders by giving them access to feedback, capital, and relationships that can materially change the trajectory of a company.”
For the UVI RTPark, Startup Battle represents the power of client-driven investment to generate real, measurable impact—supporting entrepreneurs while strengthening the broader community.
“Our clients are more than companies operating in the Virgin Islands—they are true partners in building our innovation ecosystem. Through their investment and commitment, they help fund and fuel our community advancement initiatives, expand workforce opportunities, and strengthen the pipeline for local entrepreneurs. We’re especially grateful for partners like Southern Equity, whose $100,000 investment reflects a shared focus on empowering founders in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bringing Startup Battle back underscores what’s possible when private capital, mentorship, and local talent come together to support innovation at every stage,” said Eric Sonnier, Executive Director of the UVI RTPark.
A central feature of this year’s competition is a dedicated track for University of the Virgin Islands students, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding pathways for student innovation.
“This student track reflects our commitment to putting students first. Through our collaboration with the Research & Technology Park and its clients, we’re creating opportunities that encourage creativity, bold thinking, and real-world problem solving. We’re investing in the next generation of innovators—students who are developing their skills here at UVI and learning to take risks, think boldly, and build solutions for the future,” said Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands.
The impact of Startup Battle’s investment model is already visible in the Virgin Islands. The first Startup Battle winner, Boomerang Eats, competed against four other finalists—selected from dozens of applicants—and secured a $100,000 investment. Founded on St. Croix by brothers Khalid Saleem and Zayd Saleem, the company launched as a locally built food delivery app and job creator within the Virgin Islands’ growing gig economy. Four years later, Boomerang Eats is thriving and has expanded operations from St. Croix to St. Thomas—demonstrating how targeted capital and mentorship can translate into sustained growth, resilience, and real economic impact.
This year’s program will begin with a Mentor Pitch Day on March 5, where selected startups receive structured feedback to refine their pitches and business models. The competition concludes with the Final Battle on March 26, hosted live at the UVI Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas.
Applications are now open until February 12 to founders building tech-enabled startups with operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including individuals and teams in the idea, prototype, or early-revenue stages. A separate, dedicated track is available for UVI student founders.
To apply or learn more, visit: https://uvirtpark.net/startupbattle
