News

The 2025 Cayman Islands Business Design Competition, produced by Enterprise Cayman and sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City, is helping to accelerate the development of Cayman-born business ventures by support budding entrepreneurs in launching new ideas. The annual competition, now in its 5^th year, provides participants with access to professional support networks, wraparound business services, and up to USD $18,000 in cash prizes.

“The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition continues to play a pivotal role in the development of a dynamic innovation ecosystem for Cayman’s entrepreneurs,” said Charlie Kirkconnell, CEO of Cayman Enterprise City and Chairman of Enterprise Cayman. “By promoting knowledge-sharing between new projects, subject matter experts, and experienced founders, the competition actively fuels business innovation.”

2025 Business Design Competition Finalists Include:

1. ALYX – Your customisable AI for mind and emotional well-being by Emanuela Passaniti
2. AssessMind – Instant online dyslexia assessments by expert tutors — affordable, accessible, and tailored to your needs by Brandon McBride and Amelia Kemp
3. Cogniscent Learning – Revolutionising education through AI-driven personalised learning by Michael Staniewicz
4. Cornmeal Cabinet – A community-based bartering application fostering social growth through cash-free exchanges by Aleigha General
5. E-KYC by Blockchain – Simplifying customer due diligence through innovation by Kenneth Adumekwe, Yoshneck Mutomba, and Moti Mashiah
6. EmpowerAbility Academy – Transforming futures beyond high school by Dr. Eustache Placide and Dr. Annette Murphy
7. FlexPay – Making group payments flexible, easy, and effortless by Shannon Hill and Lodeane Kelly
8. Greens Distribution – Eco-friendly solutions for a cleaner tomorrow by Albis Amaya
9. StateMate – AI-driven financial reporting for effortless US GAAP compliance by Bahadur Lal
10. The Sunny Collective – Where Caribbean art meets the world by Aleksandra Andzic and Fernando Dorneles

The 2025 competition received just under 20 submissions and the top 10 finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of judges. Each submission was examined holistically, considering the team’s understanding of the problem, as well as the project’s feasibility, impact, and desirability. Finalists will now take part in a series of workshops which include three intensive ‘Design Days’, where they will work closely with instructors and seasoned entrepreneurs to refine their concepts and perfect their pitches. The competition culminates in a ‘Pitch Day’ where participants will pitch their final projects to a panel of judges, similar to Shark Tank or Dragons’ Den.

"The annual competition serves as a launchpad for Cayman’s entrepreneurial talent, providing invaluable mentorship, supportive resources, and a range of connections to help participants transform ideas into viable businesses,” said Alyssa Manderson, Senior Programme & Events Coordinator at Enterprise Cayman. “It’s about fostering innovation in a collaborative environment where creativity and ambition can thrive. We’re excited to see how these projects evolve and look forward to the energy and ingenuity that will be showcased in the final presentations."

Competitors will have the opportunity to refine their business concepts with guidance from some of Cayman’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals, including:

• Melesia Adderley, Founder and CEO of Women’s Haven
• Rich Dyer, Co-founder of Massive Media
• Dr. Mark Giddarie, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Professor at University of South Florida (USF) and the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI)
• Bruce Gordon, Co-founder and Creative Director at ZEAL
• Rudolph Johnson, Managing Director of Meta Agile SEZC
• Bartosz Mozyrko, Product Manager at GoDaddy
• Edmund Read, CEO of Force10 SEZC and CCO at UFOFLEET
• Ty Thomas, Chief Media Officer at MuscleWiki SEZC
• The CI Centre for Business Development
• The Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office

Finalists have just under six weeks to prepare for the ‘Pitch Day’ where they will present their final projects and compete to win top honours and prizes:

• Project of the Year — Grand prize of USD $10,000 awarded to the most outstanding business design. Sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City.
• Innovation Award — For an innovative business design that is inspiring, new, and/or unconventional, with a cash prize of USD $2,000. Sponsored by ZEAL.
• Sustainable Innovation Award — Recognising a business design that champions regeneration and sustainability, with a cash prize of USD $2,000. Sponsored by JB Advisory Services SEZC.
• Community Impact Award — Celebrating a business that makes a meaningful difference in the Cayman community, with a cash prize of USD $2,000. Sponsored by eShore.
• People’s Choice Award — Awarded to the community’s favourite business idea, with a cash prize of USD $2,000. Sponsored by Cayman National Bank (CNB).

Each finalist will receive a ‘prize pack’ which includes:

• 1-year complimentary access to Launch Labs Studios, which includes professional co-work and meeting spaces at CEC’s Signal House.
• Invitations to Launch Labs Studios Workshop Series an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by Brava.
• Access to CEC Member events and networking opportunities throughout 2025.
• Reduced rate of incorporation with HSM.
• 90% discount on HubSpot for Startups.
• Marketing support services including professional headshots by ZEAL.
• Business development and outbound support by Emailchaser.
• Continued mentoring support for award winners by Emerge Technology Lab.

“We can’t thank our competition sponsors and programme partners enough for their support in empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Cayman Islands,” added Manderson.

Members of the public are invited to tune into the livestream of the competition’s ‘Pitch Day’ event, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of judges. The ‘Pitch Day’ is set to take place Saturday, 5 April 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. For more information visit enterprisecayman.ky or email innovate@enterprisecayman.ky