The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust is one of 60 organisations selected to receive a “Build to Scale” grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The entity received $648,104 in funds that must be matched by public and private entities in Puerto Rico.

Administered annually by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), the “Build to Scale” programme aims to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and startup capital. The EDA investments support innovation industries such as agriculture technology (agtech), the blue economy, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and health technology.

The Science Trust will use the grant, obtained through the EDA’s Venture Challenge, to develop “BioLeap: A Life Sciences Innovation Incubator Programme.”BioLeap is a life sciences innovation incubator programme that aims to increase economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship within the industry, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence-driven medical technology, and genomics.

BioLeap is a life sciences innovation incubator programme that aims to increase economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship within the industry, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence-driven medical technology, and genomics.

That's fantastic news for the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust! Being chosen as one of the recipients of the "Build to Scale" grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce is a significant achievement. This grant will undoubtedly aid in advancing their initiatives and projects. Additionally, the requirement for matching funds from both public and private entities in Puerto Rico emphasises collaboration and investment from various sectors, potentially fostering substantial growth and innovation in science, technology, and research within the region.

The "Build to Scale" programme, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), serves as an annual initiative geared towards propelling technology entrepreneurship. Its focus on expanding inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and startup capital is essential for fostering a diverse and thriving entrepreneurial landscape. The investments made by the EDA cater to innovation industries, encompassing sectors such as agriculture technology (agtech), the blue economy, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and health technology. By targeting these specific industries, the programme not only bolsters technological advancements but also addresses critical areas with significant potential for growth and societal impact. This strategic allocation of resources supports a spectrum of innovative endeavours, promoting economic development and technological progress.