For Immediate Release
UVI Research and Technology Park Publishes 2022 Annual Report Highlighting Powerful Progress in Community and Economic Development
Self-sustaining technology hub reports continued innovation in workforce development, start-up support and STEM education
St Croix, US Virgin Islands – April 30 2023 – Embracing full transparency and an ongoing commitment tocommunity revitalization, for the second consecutive year the UVI Research and Technology Park (RTPark) has published its annual report, which is available in full on its website, uvirtpark.net.
2022 marked both the 20th anniversary of the RTPark entity, created in 2002 through the USVI Legislature, and a year of significant growth as the economic diversification engine rezoned property in preparation to break ground ontheir first major real estate development project, Tech Village; approved financing for the VI Catalyst Fund’s first two recipients, both innovators in technology and sustainability; conducted the second year of their youth coding program, VI STEM Kids, and saw graduates of its business catalyst program, Accelerate VI, make real impact in cryptocurrency and food delivery and win a high-profile, territory-wide start-up battle.
“Welcoming our 82nd company into the RTPark’s mature enterprises program is a critical milestone that reflects therapid growth of our business attraction portfolio and tech ecosystem,” said RTPark CEO Peter H. Chapman. “We’ve expanded into new sectors, including agriculture and sustainability innovation, the creative economy, as well ashealthcare and life sciences, and we are especially excited about the potential of Tech Village, our mixed-use hub for agriculture technology and research, to drive growth and development in the region.”
The RTPark’s VISTA+ workforce development program aims to increase local talent recruitment and job postings in STEM fields, and through a new partnership with the Virgin Department of Labor, the program's capacity hasexpanded and continues to equip the next generation of tech leaders from right here in the USVI with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Throughout 2022, RTPark team members were also invited to panels and conferences as thought leaders sharingindustry-leading expertise and case studies of territory success with international audiences.
Sydney Paul, the RTPark’s Senior Manager for Business Intelligence and Marketing said that it was important to the organization that they not only share resourceful data on their programs and progress but give the community adeeper look at the people in our community involved in our growing tech ecosystem.
"Transparency and accountability are at the heart of our commitment to economic and community development and we are proud to showcase the progress made at the RTPark, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team and tech community,” Paul said. “With the release of this report, we hope to continue building on this momentum and toinspire others to join us in our mission to drive growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands."
Edward Thomas, RTPark Board Chairman, elaborated, “Our board remains dedicated to supporting the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit that are critical to creating a sustainable future for our community.”
“Our partnerships with corporate partners, civic organizations, UVI, and several other government agencies havestrengthened, enabling us to expand our reach and impact,” Thomas said.
Click to read the report
For More Information, Contact:
Sydney Paul
sydney.paul@uvirtpark.net
Phone: 340-474-0922