New 14-week programme will equip founders with world-class startup support, investor readiness training, and access to Cayman’s innovation ecosystem. 

George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (10 April 2026) – Enterprise Cayman, the nonprofit workforce development initiative by Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with DMZ, Toronto Metropolitan University’s globally recognised incubator for early-stage technology startups. The new Launch Labs Incubator is an innovative programme that combines DMZ’s world-class incubator programming with high-impact, in-person touchpoints in the Cayman Islands. 

The 14-week incubator is designed to move entrepreneurs from foundational strategy to investor readiness. Open to both local and global applicants, the programme will support early-stage and growth-focused founders through a structured journey focused on validation, traction, growth, and pitching.

Delivered primarily virtual, the programme will be enhanced by in-person milestones in Grand Cayman, including a welcome retreat, participant meet-ups, and a final pitch event in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Investment Angel Society (CIIAS). This blended model is designed to connect founders with the Cayman Islands’ technology and innovation ecosystem, while expanding access to world-class networks in Toronto – ultimately accelerating commercial traction, market opportunities, and global business growth.
 
Sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), the incubator represents a continued investment in founder development and innovation-led economic growth in the Cayman Islands. “Partnering with DMZ strengthens our commitment to ensuring Caymanians and residents have greater access to the tools, networks, and support needed to build and scale successful businesses,” said Charlie Kirkconnell, Chairman of Enterprise Cayman and CEO of CEC. “DMZ will lead delivery of the virtual incubator through its proven methodology, while Enterprise Cayman anchors the experience locally through Cayman-based touchpoints, connecting founders to local support and ensuring the programme translates into meaningful, on-the-ground progress for Cayman-based entrepreneurs.”

The programme is structured into four distinct blocks, each lasting between two and four weeks and featuring a mix of workshops, peer feedback, and milestone checkpoints:
Block 1: Strategic Foundations (Weeks 1–4) – Market validation and customer alignment
Block 2: Customer Engagement & Lead Generation (Weeks 5–6) – Building a lead engine and driving revenue
Block 3: Financial Fluency & Growth Strategy (Weeks 7–11) – Scaling operations and mastering financials
Block 4: Finalisation & Founder Readiness (Weeks 12–14) – Finalising the pitch and preparing for growth

Participants will benefit from weekly virtual workshops, assignments, expert-led sessions, executive mentorship, goal-setting support, and fundraising preparation. In addition, founders will receive workspace access, networking opportunities, and community support through Enterprise Cayman’s Launch Labs Studios. Together, these elements are designed to help participants strengthen their business foundations, forge meaningful connections, and learn directly from CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs who have successfully launched, scaled, and funded high-growth ventures.  

Beyond the programme itself, alumni will remain connected to the wider DMZ and Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) networks, unlocking long-term value and continued opportunities for growth. Benefits include access to DMZ’s network of more than 6,200 founders, an invitation to join the Cayman Islands Venture Founders Society (CIVFS), and ongoing engagement with Cayman’s innovation ecosystem through invitations to more than 200 annual Enterprise Cayman and CEC events in the special economic zone.   

“The Cayman Islands is at a really exciting inflection point. With tech companies growing rapidly and strong economic momentum across sectors like finance and digital services, the foundation for a thriving startup ecosystem is clearly there,” said Sherif El Tawil, Senior Director of Programs and Global Operations at DMZ. “We’re proud to partner with Enterprise Cayman to bring DMZ’s global network and proven incubator model to local founders, helping them build bold, scalable companies right from home while connecting them to opportunities around the world.”

Pictured from left to right: Alyssa Manderson, Programme Manager at Enterprise Cayman; Charlie Kirkconnell, Chairman of Enterprise Cayman and CEO of Cayman Enterprise City; and Kaitlyn Elphinstone, Director of Enterprise Cayman and Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at Cayman Enterprise City; Alexandra Ali-Dib, Senior Manager, Global Programs at DMZ; Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director at DMZ. 

Alyssa Manderson, Programme Manager at Enterprise Cayman, said the incubator will combine expert-led support with the power of community to help founders move forward with clarity and momentum. “We’re excited to launch this dynamic incubator in collaboration with DMZ and give entrepreneurs a clear roadmap for growth and investment readiness,” said Alyssa Manderson. “Participants will gain practical guidance, connect with a driven community of founders, and receive support directly from individuals who have navigated the startup journey themselves. With the right environment, network, and mentorship, founders can build momentum, strengthen their ventures, and unlock lasting opportunities.” 

Applications will be assessed based on a range of factors, including the strength of the problem being addressed, the venture’s scalability and global potential, evidence of market validation, and the founders’ commitment to growth. Founders are invited to apply at enterprisecayman.ky. Travel is required for in-person events. For more information, contact innovate@enterprisecayman.ky.

Important Dates

• 10 April 2026 – Applications Open
• 3 June 2026 – Information Session
• 30 June 2026 – Deadline to Apply
• 20 July 2026 – Cohort Announced
• 1–2 September 2026 – Welcome Retreat (In-Person)
• 3 September 2026 – Welcome Reception & Networking Event (In-Person)
• 8 September–26 November 2026 – Virtual Workshops, Meetings & Optional In-Person Events
• 1–2 December 2026 – Peer-to-Peer Feedback Sessions & Pitch Retreat (In-Person)
• 3 December 2026 – Final Pitch Event (By Invitation)
• 4 December 2026 – Closing Reception & Community Celebration (In-Person)