Parallel18, the program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (FCTIPR), held the DemoDay for the sixth generation (Gen.6) of its pre-acceleration program pre18. Twenty-two local companies presented their products, services and achievements after completing 12 weeks of mentorship and business education.
During the pre-acceleration program, the sixth-generation pre18 startups received specialized mentorship in areas including legal, financial, brand development, digital marketing and capital raising. They also established valuable business connections and took an active part in "GiveBack" (community giving) initiatives.
All companies participating in pre18 received a $25,000 grant to help advance their ventures.
The selected companies represent a range of industries: artificial intelligence, consumer goods, food technology, online auctions, agricultural technology, logistics and supply, health, digital commerce, education, real estate, human resources, business automation and legal technology, among others, representing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the Island.
The entrepreneurs come from towns including Aibonito, Añasco, Barceloneta, Bayamón, Caguas, Carolina, Dorado, Guaynabo, Ponce, San Juan and Toa Baja. In addition, 42% of the companies have female representation.
The participating companies
The 22 companies participating in this sixth edition (cohort) were: Eessii, Agro Lab PR, Active Arena, Balanceada, Boribids, Homemash, WAOK, IncentivesPRO, Intelicargo, La Quinta Nube, Lavanda Holistic Clinic, Let's Fuel, Mofongo Jobs, My Cloud Menu PR, Laia (Nabori Labs), Next Cycle Foods, Pairon, Rent Smart, Tribuna AI, Tugurú, Verte and WUJU.
Dr. Héctor Jirau, executive director of Parallel18, expressed satisfaction with the success achieved by this generation.
"We are delighted with the progress of these companies. Our goal was for all of them to be on the market by the end of the program, and not only did we achieve that, but many experienced significant growth. This demonstrates the potential and quality of our entrepreneurs."
"The commitment and determination shown by these startups reflect the entrepreneurial vitality of Puerto Rico. Seeing how these 22 companies have flourished and prepared to expand into other markets fills us with pride, knowing that the support provided has been fundamental to their development. As a Trust, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing to back these entrepreneurs, ensuring they keep contributing to the economic growth of our Island and beyond," said Eng. Lucy Crespo, chief executive officer of the FCTIPR.
During the event, several companies offered awards to standout startups, including the "Foundation Award" from Deca Analytics, valued at more than $21,000, given to a promising startup to boost its growth in the Puerto Rico market. The startup selected to receive this award was WUJU.
The People's Love Award, decided by public vote, recognized the most popular company. On this occasion, the company that received the most votes was AgroLab. The winning company received $1,000 and business mentorship sessions provided by Banco Popular, one of the event's main sponsors.
In total, 184 Puerto Rican companies have successfully completed the pre18 program, with 53 of them going on to participate in the international acceleration program P18.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
