Science Trust picks 52 entrepreneurs for Fase1 startup incubator cohort
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust has launched the fourth round of its Fase1 Intensive Program, selecting 52 entrepreneurs to turn early-stage ideas into viable businesses. The incubator received more than 145 applications for this cycle.
The selected participants represent 22 municipalities, including San Juan, Cayey, Yauco, Cabo Rojo and San Sebastián. Their projects focus on sectors such as technology, tourism and health care.
According to program organizers, the cohort is 62% women and spans multiple generations: 40% millennials, 31% Generation Z and 29% Generation X.
“We continue to support local innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Bárbara Rivera-Chinea, executive director of Fase1. “This time, we are adding 52 more projects with the potential to become successful ventures in Puerto Rico, and in some cases, even for the world.”
The 12-week program includes training and support, ending in a Demo Day this September. During the event, participants will present their ventures to an audience of business experts, potential investors and collaborators. Cash prizes, sponsored by the Science Trust, will also be awarded.
Since its launch in 2022, Fase1 has incubated 142 early-stage startups, referred to as “boristartups.” Of those, 23 have gone on to join other Science Trust programs, including pre18, a pre-acceleration program for early-stage startups, and BioLeap, which focuses on biotechnology ventures.
“Programs like this help facilitate the future economic development of Puerto Rico,” said Lucy Crespo, CEO of the Science Trust.
Fase1 is part of the Small Business Incubators and Accelerators Program supported by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing’s Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds.
