The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has launched the BuccaneersQuest Competition, an opportunity for UVI students across all disciplines to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative ideas. Sponsored by 13D Research & Strategy, this university-wide competition invites students to tackle real-world problems and propose groundbreaking solutions, with cash prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000 for the top ideas.
Nelson Pizarro, the Kiril Sokoloff Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Special Assistant to the President of the University, emphasized the value of this competition. “BuccaneersQuest provides a unique opportunity for UVI students to step outside their classrooms and put their knowledge to work practically and meaningfully. This competition fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to identify real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions that can have a tangible impact. We’re excited to see the creativity and innovation that will come out of this competition.”
Students seeking help with preparing their submissions can participate in workshops, offered via Microsoft Teams, on the following dates:
Submissions for the competition are due by Nov. 12, 2024, at 8 p.m. The top eight finalists will present their ideas to a panel of judges during the final presentation round on Nov. 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. The first-place winner will receive $1,000, second place $750, and third place will take home $500. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to turn their ideas into reality, gain valuable experience, and be recognized for their innovative solutions,” said Professor Pizarro.
St. Thomas-based 13D Research and Strategy, a long-time philanthropic supporter of UVI, is a global research firm and the namesake of UVI’s 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center, which serves as a hub for students, entrepreneurs, startups, researchers and businesses, providing them with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into reality.
To learn more and get started, students should visit Welcome to BuccaneersQuest: The UVI Concept Contest. For more information, contact Dr. Nelson Pizarro at nelson.pizarro@uvi.edu.
For more media inquiries, contact Tamika Thomas Williams, UVI director for Public Relations at pr@uvi.edu.
