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Press release
Parallel18 announces P18 Gen. 14, with 16 startups from 9 countries and $1.6 million in investment
The acceleration program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust will offer a $100,000 investment to boost the selected local and international startups.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – June 8, 2026 – Parallel18, an entrepreneurship program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRSTRT), announced the 16 startups selected for the fourteenth generation of its international acceleration program P18, which will begin on Monday, July 6. For 16 weeks in Puerto Rico, these companies will participate in bootcamps, establish strategic business connections, gain access to parallel18’s investor network, and receive a $100,000 investment.
The announcement is backed by a solid track record: cumulatively, P18 has received over 9,000 applications, graduated 320 companies—41.3% Puerto Rican—and distributed $13.3 million in seed capital, according to the program’s most recent impact report. In Generation 13 alone, startups reported a combined valuation of $88.5 million and $1.95 million in revenue generated during the cohort.
“For the Trust, it is essential to invest in disruptive solutions that drive the economy and the well-being of citizens through entrepreneurship. P18 plays a key role in our mission to consolidate Puerto Rico as a center of innovation with international prestige,” highlighted Eng. Lucy Crespo, Chief Executive Officer of the PRSTRT.
The cohort brings together a diverse group representing industries such as EdTech, Health, Biotechnology, EdTech, among others, with startups from Argentina, Australia, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and the United States.
Among the selected local companies are two graduates of the BioLeap life sciences incubation program: Cultimar Technologies, which expands marine aquaculture capabilities to deep-sea fish sustainably, and Diversia Health, whose patented technology redefines clinical research by integrating participants and trials through advanced connectivity.
“During the curricular programming, the companies will be exposed to bootcamps focused on the transition from theory to practice for capital raising and investor relations management. Likewise, the founders will have the opportunity to visit local companies and participate in networking events, among other initiatives designed to integrate into Puerto Rico’s innovation ecosystem. We are extremely excited about the synergy that will develop in the coming weeks,” anticipated Dr. Héctor Jirau, Director Executive of parallel18.
In addition, P18 startups that raise private capital can benefit from the parallel18 Ventures subprogram and its matching fund, Matching Fund, a co-investment initiative designed to leverage the capital they secure and accelerate their growth. The fund focuses on entrepreneurs who raise capital from institutional and angel investors and who experience accelerated growth thanks to their innovative and scalable solutions.
Furthermore, participating P18 companies will benefit from the parallel18 Connect initiative. This resource is designed to foster and facilitate business opportunities between startups and corporate partners, cultivating relationships that drive innovation and growth. For startups, this means scaling their innovations and gaining market traction; for corporations, it means staying competitive through innovative solutions.
Meet the Official P18 Gen. 14:
Bootup Studios [USA, information technology]
Bumii [Colombia, HR Tech]
Comuhack [Chile, EdTech/Artificial Intelligence]
Comexsoft [Spain, Artificial Intelligence/Retail Analytics]
Cultimar Technologies [Puerto Rico/Aquaculture]
Delfi a la moda [USA, Artificial Intelligence/Commerce]
Diversia Health [Puerto Rico, HealthTech/Clinical Trials]
GOW Credit [Mexico, FinTech/SME Lending]
Kiddo [Colombia, Insurtech]
Monte Caldera [USA, Biopharmaceutical]
Pawer [Chile, Pet Health/Insurtech]
Roxxem [USA, EdTech/Artificial Intelligence]
SkinCheck [USA, Digital Health/MedTech]
Soy Menta [Argentina, HealthTech/ Clinical Management]
Surtly [Uruguay, Artificial Intelligence]
Totex Energy [Australia, Climate Tech/Renewable Energy]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is parallel18?
Parallel18 is a global startup accelerator and investment platform that offers startup founders from all over the world access to high-quality business training, mentorship, connections and investment resources to help them scale globally.
The program is part of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, a private non-profit organization created with the goal of maximizing Puerto Rico’s participation and creation of jobs in the global knowledge economy by promoting investment and financing of science and technology research development.
Our mission is to invest and accelerate startups while positioning Puerto Rico as a unique hub for innovation and technology-driven solutions.
At parallel18, we have three main programs, P18 an accelerator for international startups, BioLeap an incubator for Life Sciences startups, and Xpand a growth-stage community of startups.
Why Puerto Rico?
Startups struggle to find a bridge between Latin America and the U.S., and Puerto Rico is in the middle of the action. The island has a multicultural society: we share cultural aspects with the Latin American society; the influence and infrastructure of the United States, and also have a connected diaspora throughout the world. Our geographic location is very convenient, and Puerto Rico has a lower cost of living when compared to other innovation and tech hubs in the U.S. We have competitive taxation and business incentives under US laws that help you direct your money towards growth.
Where exactly is Puerto Rico located?
Puerto Rico is located in the parallel of latitude 18, hence the name of the program, since it highlights focusing on our strategic location between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Midway between North and South America, it is the perfect bridge to both continents and the world’s fastest-growing economies. Puerto Rico is serviced by many major airlines from gateway cities in the US. It is only a two-and-a-half-hour, non-stop flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York. You can also get direct international flight services to Bogota, Madrid, Frankfurt, London, and Panama City (this might change by season).
What is the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States?
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States. As a U.S. territory, it is subject to both federal and local laws and we share a common currency. This unique relationship guarantees economic, legal, and regulatory stability for investors and businesses. A couple of benefits include:
- Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. free trade zones and customs system
- A regulated banking system that is also insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC)
- Puerto Rico is under the protection of the Homeland Security Act
- Intellectual property protection under the U.S. legal framework
- Access to federal programs and funds for infrastructure, social projects, education, and research programs, among others
Who can apply to parallel18’s programs?
Anyone who’s over 18 years of age and has a startup ready to scale. These companies have to have some traction (sales or users), be in operations for three years or less, and a C-level founder must be willing to come to Puerto Rico for the duration of the program. The founder who comes in as the team leader must have equity in the company and must dedicate full-time to the startup. The companies must be incorporated in Puerto Rico or the United States (authorized to make business in Puerto Rico.) If your startup is not incorporated in any of these places, the program will provide you with the contacts of service providers who can help you in this process.
Who is going to review my application to parallel18?
Parallel18 has a multi-step judging process. After applications are closed, the parallel18 team does an internal screening to understand which companies comply with the program’s basic requirements. Those who advance to judging will be evaluated by a network of international evaluators recruited by the parallel18 team, using criteria provided by the program. Each startup is reviewed by at least three judges. Finally, a Selection Board, composed of players of the Puerto Rico entrepreneurial ecosystem, selects the startups that participate in each cohort. *Selection process may vary by generation.
Who is going to have access to my application?
The parallel18 team, the international judges, and the Selection Board will have access to your application. All documents are kept completely confidential and are not shared with external sources.
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
No, we speak Spanglish! All of parallel18’s communications will be in English and, being a bilingual country, lots of people speak or understand English. This might vary depending on the circumstances.
We are still a Spanish-speaking country though, so learning the basics is always recommended. If your first language is Spanish, we highly recommend that you learn English given that all activities will be in this language.
Will the program provide me with housing?
Parallel18 will provide local housing providers in the neighborhood. You can choose whether to use your grant money to cover your living expenses or cover the rent at your own expense and use the parallel18 funds fully for your company.
Will parallel18 provide me with health insurance?
No. Parallel18 will provide contacts with local health insurance providers. You must have evidence of valid health insurance if you want this expense to be approved as part of your budget. You must submit proof of your health insurance, which must cover you for the duration of the program, and show evidence before signing your grant contract.
Do I have to be incorporated in Puerto Rico?
The entity is the legal company duly specified in the application form behind the startup applying to the program. The entity needs to be incorporated or authorized to do business in Puerto Rico in the United States or Puerto Rico as a Corp. or LLC company. In the case that the company does not have a legal firm, the program will provide you with the contacts of service providers who can help you in this process. If you’re planning to apply for any of the tax incentives available for startups, you need to be incorporated into the Island.
I am a foreign entrepreneur, which Visa do I need to participate in the program?
We always encourage you to consult with your country’s U.S. embassy.
Which tax incentives apply to startups?
Startups can apply for several tax incentives according to their needs and the operations. If you want more information about tax incentives and startups visit Invest Puerto Rico.
Can non-profits apply?
No, parallel18 only accepts for-profit companies.
Questions?
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