The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition finalists advance to Compete for Project of the Year, cash prizes, and wraparound business support services. 

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (20 March 2025) – Enterprise Cayman has announced the nine finalists advancing in the 2026 Cayman Islands Business Design Competition, its flagship programme supporting the growth of Cayman-born ventures. Now in its sixth year and sponsored by Cayman Enterprise City, the competition equips participants with expert mentorship, wraparound business services, valuable professional networks, and the chance to win up to USD $16,000 in cash prizes. 

“The Cayman Islands Business Design Competition continues to strengthen Cayman’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by giving founders the structure, mentorship, and confidence to move from idea to execution,” said Charlie Kirkconnell, Chairman of Enterprise Cayman and CEO of Cayman Enterprise City. “What’s especially exciting is seeing how quickly these teams evolve once they begin working alongside experienced mentors and peers. That collaborative energy is where real innovation starts to take shape."

2026 Business Design Competition Finalists Include:

1. DAYHIREKY – A trusted platform connecting Caymanians and residents to flexible, short-term job opportunities by Erika Wilson 
2. EcoTwin Cayman – A digital twin platform helping buildings and infrastructure optimise sustainability decisions with data by Dr. Eustache Placide, Carrie Giann Smith Martin, and Shevon Campbell 
3. Haven – A discreet voice-activated emergency response tool designed to help users get support fast by Benjamin Bates  
4. LetsGo – A smart public bus solution enabling real-time tracking and more reliable commuting by Saaleha AbrarAli 
5. Operator Intelligence Engine (JP Yield Studio) – A decision-intelligence tool helping investors pressure-test real estate deals before committing capital by Goodman Powery 
6. P4.com – A decentralised edge-compute network turning idle resources into usable compute and potential earnings by Patrick Kennedy, Vincent Ross Lirio, and Christian Erhardt 
7. Rikus – An AI-powered procurement platform simplifying the full journey from scope to payment by Robson Lima 
8. The Home Equity Exchange (HEX) – A new approach to unlocking home equity through fractional ownership and tradable housing exposure by Paul Saputo 
9. Tiny Tide Interactive – Building Cayman’s video game ecosystem through local talent development and game production by Sarah Harrison 

The 2026 competition received over 40 submissions, with the top finalists selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of judges. Each submission was assessed holistically, considering the team’s understanding of the problem, the project’s feasibility, impact, and overall desirability. Finalists have now begun the programme’s workshop phase, kicking off their first intensive ‘Design Day’ held on Saturday, 14 March 2026. During these sessions, participants work closely with instructors and experienced founders to challenge assumptions, refine their ideas, and strengthen their business models ahead of the final pitch.  

As the competition progresses, teams will continue to develop their concepts with guidance from a network of Cayman’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals, including:  

• Melesia Adderley, Founder and CEO of Women’s Haven
• Lauren Christie, Head of Accounting and Advisory at HLB Berman Fisher
• Rich Dyer, Co-founder of Massive Media
• Isobel Forde, Head of Global Mobility at Cayman Enterprise City
• Bartosz Mozyrko, Product Manager at GoDaddy
• Cassandra Shea, Head of Theatre & Festivals at Cayman National Cultural Foundations
• Ty Thomas, Chief Media Officer at MuscleWiki SEZC
• Ryan Watson, Founder of MuscleWiki SEZC
• George Wauchope, Founder and CEO of Emailchaser
• Brianna Wilson, Founder and Creative Director of The Design Space
• The Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office

“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, Programme Manager at Enterprise Cayman. “It’s about fostering innovation in a collaborative environment where creativity and ambition can thrive. With this year’s new Pitch Day format, we’re looking forward to creating an even more engaging experience for finalists and guests alike, while showcasing the energy, growth, and ingenuity behind each project.”

The competition wraps up with a live "Pitch Day" event, where finalists will take the stage to present their refined business idea to a panel of judges, similar to "Shark Tank" or "Dragons’ Den", and compete to win top honours and prizes: 

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.
• Community Impact Award — Celebrating a business that makes a meaningful difference in the Cayman community, with a cash prize of USD $2,000.
• People’s Choice Award — Awarded to the community’s favourite business idea, with a cash prize of USD $2,000.

Members of the public are invited to attend the competition's "Pitch Day" event where teams will present their projects to a panel of judges. The event is set to take place on Saturday, 18 April 2026, 2:00PM - 6:00PM at The Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. For more information to to RSVP email innovate@enterprisecayman.ky or visit the Pitch Day event page.