iWeek was launched earlier today October 25, 2019 at a press conference led by Acting Premier and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Honourable Kye M. Rymer and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Sharie B. deCastro.

The first Innovation Week (iWeek), which will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and the wider community to gain access to a plethora of knowledge and resources, will be held from October 28 to 31, 2019.

iWeek and its programme are a joint initiative between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the European Union (EU). The week of events is being funded by the EU under the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Innovation Programme.

‘Innovators can be handsomely rewarded’- Hon deCastro

The programme is being executed under Hon deCastro’s portfolio. Addressing reporters, she said: “The BVI can be the brain bank of the world, churning out ideas on how to tackle issues that affect people, places and businesses. And, for those ideas, innovators can be handsomely rewarded.”

Hon deCastro further stated it is the duty of Government to do all it can to ensure businesses, especially new businesses and small business, feel supported and surrounded by tools that continue to make them feel like conducting business in the Virgin Islands is still worthwhile.”

Innovative Business Lab

Innovation Week is also designed to herald the opening of the Innovative Business Lab to be opened in 2020.

“The establishment of this lab is our tangible way of supporting businesses and new startups in a space designed to nurture their brand and assist their clients to be able to conduct business with them in a professional environment.”

Hon deCastro said the objective is for businesses to have for the first time a home to call their own outside the walls which they pay to house their operations.

Upon the opening of the lab, on a weekly and monthly basis there will be opportunities for collaboration, interaction and partnership fostered in an environment designed for entrepreneurs to win.

2020, which echoes an old campaign slogan of Hon deCastro, is anticipated to be a year of vision and innovation.

iWeek itinerary:

On Monday, October 28, 2019 Hon deCastro will take the time to speak to persons directly about Innovation Week and more about the Innovative Business Lab through a virtual launch.

On Tuesday, October 29 from 5:30pm, several young business owners will participate in a forum where their experiences in business will be given an ear and document in addition to their input garnered on the Innovative Business Lab. “Anyone interested is also invited to join from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Maria’s by the Sea’s Tortola Room.”

On Wednesday, October 30 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm, is the Tech Talks. Similar to the popular TED Talk series, these sessions will be open to the public and will bring together the brightest BVI minds innovative in business to share their best practices.

On Thursday, October 31, which is dubbed STEM Day, will involve the youngest minds to STEM: science, technology, engineering and math and its daily applications within our lives. Through the process of exploration and discovery, young people will learn by doing STEM activities while enjoying themselves in an environment that develops critical thinking and problem solving.

Later that evening, there will an exhibition and competition for the logo for the Innovative Business Lab. This will begin at 5:30pm and end by 7:30pm.

Graphic artists will also have the opportunity to design a logo with a dedicated font using signature pantones for the Innovative Business Lab. Logos must be easily transferable to collaterals like brochures, presentation slides and business cards and other promotional material like shirts, mugs and other paraphernalia. A trophy and an iPad Pro will be up for grabs.