LAUNCH YOUR IDEA FASTER

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition

An innovative Ideate Programme and pre-seed initiative where entrepreneurs have access to resources to identify and validate a clear idea to commercialise.

About The Competition

We’re inviting all problem solvers, big thinkers, and go-getters, like you, to participate in the annual Cayman Islands Business Design Competition. Enterprise Cayman is dedicated to creating engaging programmes that empower individuals and growing businesses to develop and launch innovative products, services, and ventures. This competition provides a dynamic platform where innovators can connect in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity—a place where individuals, local businesses, and global ventures can thrive!

Successful applicants will participate in hands-on training sessions and workshops focused on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint—a five-phase process designed to help competitors reduce the risks of bringing new ideas to market. Over four weeks, competitors will refine and validate their business concepts with additional guidance from professional advisors before presenting a final pitch to a panel of judges — think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank”!

2025 Business Design Competition Finalists:

ALYX – Your customizable AI for Mind & Emotional Well-being. Support, guidance and care, anytime, anywhere by Emanuela Passaniti
AssessMind – Instant online dyslexia assessments by expert tutors — affordable, accessible, and tailored to your needs by Brandon McBride and Amelia Kemp
ChipIn – Smart Payments for shared moments by Shannon Hill and Lodeane Kelly
Cogniscent Learning – Revolutionising education through AI-driven personalised learning by Michael Staniewicz
Cornmeal Cabinet – A community-based bartering application fostering social growth through cash-free exchanges by Aleigha General
E-KYC by Blockchain – Simplifying customer due diligence through innovation by Kenneth Adumekwe, Yoshneck Mutomba, and Moti Mashiah
EmpowerAbility Academy – Transforming futures beyond high school by Dr. Eustache Placide and Dr. Annette Murphy
Greens Distribution – Eco-friendly solutions for a cleaner tomorrow by Albis Amaya
StateMate – AI-driven financial reporting for effortless US GAAP compliance by Bahadur Lal
The Sunny Collective – Where Caribbean art meets the world by Aleksandra Andzic and Fernando Dorneles

Download Official Rules & Judging Criteria

Why take part?

Validate your Idea Faster

Access Professional Support

Meet Like-minded Entrepreneurs

Develop your Profile & Public Speaking Skills

Competition Timeline

2025 Competition Dates

1 November 2024 - Competition Opens - Applications now closed
29 January 2025 - Online Info Session 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
31 January 2025 - Application Deadline
24 February 2025 - Finalists Announced (Online)
1 March 2025 - Design Day - Part One! Competitors dive into business-focused workshops centred on the Ideate stage of the Design Sprint, exploring creative solutions and refining their concepts. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm*
1 March 2025 - Networking Event! Connect with fellow competitors and industry experts. 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Signal House*
15 March 2025 - Design Day - Part Two! Continuation of Ideate-focused workshops to deepen design thinking and concept development. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm*
29 March 2025 - Design Day - Part Three! Public Speaking Workshop & Pitch Day Practice with panel feedback to prepare for final presentations. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm*
30 March 2025 - Deadline for Competition Pack and Pitch Deck Submission*
5 April 2025 - "Pitch Day" - Think "Cayman Islands Shark Tank" 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Invite Only) + Livestreamed Event (Open to All)
5 April 2025 - Awards Dinner (Invite Only)
7 April 2025 - Winners Announced Online

* Attendance mandatory in order to qualify for and participate in the Pitch Day event.

Additional Resources

Design Thinking "Tech Talks".
Watch the discussion online here.

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Who can apply?

The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is open to all residents of the Cayman Islands over the age of 18 years. Participants may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four persons.

What type of project can I enter?

Competitors can apply by entering a new product idea, a new service, or new feature that they wish to validate and bring to market.

You might already have an existing business and your team is considering launching a new product, OR you might have an idea for a brand new business.

How much does it cost to enter?

Thanks to the generous support from Cayman Enterprise City, the Cayman Islands Business Design Competition is 100% FREE to apply! 10 successful projects and finalists will be invited to participate each year.

What can you win?

Project of the Year

For a business design that shines above and beyond competition expectations. The grand prize for the "Project of the Year" is USD $10,000 plus wraparound business services. Sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City.

The Innovation Award

For an innovative business design that is inspiring, new and/or unconventional. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by ZEAL.

Sustainability Award

For an innovative business design that champions regeneration and sustainability, showcasing inspiring, new, and unconventional approaches. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by JB Advisory Services SEZC.

Community Impact Award

For a business design that makes a difference in our local and/or global communities. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize and wraparound business services. Sponsored by eShore.

People's Choice Award

For a business design that takes home the honor of being the community's favorite, and that stands out to individuals. Win a USD $2,000 cash prize. Sponsored by Cayman National Bank (CNB).

What do competition finalists receive?

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.

What do participants have to say?

"I've had people say to me, ‘Hey, I have this business idea, should I join the competition? Is my idea good enough?’ Just give it a go because it's not necessarily about winning the prize. It's about the resources they provide during the competition."

“It was an incredible experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and motivated me to turn my ideas into reality."

"The Design Weekend was amazing. Very informative, 4 years of college packed in one weekend, loved it!"

"I felt supported and well guided throughout the entrepreneurship crash course."

"I loved the "buzz" of enthusiasm in the room. The diversity of finalists, across different ages, ethnic origin, gender, backgrounds, etc., helped make us feel that we really belonged in the room, which encouraged such wonderful participation and interactivity. Thank you."

Instructors & Project Advisors

Melesia Adderley

Competition Instructor, Founder and CEO of Women's Haven

Baltasar Aroso

Project Advisor, Co-Founder and Lead Engineer of BitFashioned

Thais Ducent

Competition Instructor, Director at Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD)

Rich Dyer

Competition Instructor, Co-Founder at Massive Media

Kaitlyn Elphinstone

Project Advisor, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at Cayman Enterprise City

Bruce Gordon

Competition Instructor, Co-founder and Creative Director at ZEAL

Khurram Hassan

Project Advisor, Managing Partner at Advantage Consulting, LLC

Darren Jack

Project Advisor, Previous Executive Director at EY Cayman Ltd

Rudolph Johnson

Competition Instructor, Managing Director of Meta Agile SEZC

David Manouchehri

Project Advisor, Director at ai.moda

Bartosz Mozyrko

Competition Instructor & Project Advisor, Product Manager at GoDaddy

Carolee Nunez

Competition Instructor, Trademark Examiner at CIIPO

Edmund Read

Competition Instructor and Project Advisor, CEO of Force10 SEZC and CCO at UFOFLEET

Walker Romanica

Project Advisor, Owner of Cayman Spirits Company

Cassandra Shea

Competition Instructor, Head of Theatre & Festivals at Cayman National Cultural Foundations

George Wauchope

Project Advisor, Founder and CEO of Emailchaser

Omara Whittaker

Competition Instructor, Intellectual Property Registry Officer at CIIPO

Brianna Wilson

Project Advisor, Founder and Creative Director of The Design Space

Programme Sponsors

Programme Partners

Competition Archives

A first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, the inaugural Business Design Competition took place 27 March 2021 at the Harquail Studio Theatre. View past projects and event videos by accessing the competition archives...

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