San Juan, Puerto Rico - August 12, 2026 - After seven editions transforming lives and businesses in Puerto Rico, the Boricua Entrepreneur Fest (BE Fest), returns on Friday, September 4, 2026, to the Puerto Rico Convention Center with a renewed agenda, new experiences, and a celebration that marks a milestone for the island's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event is presented by the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust and its entrepreneurship pillar programs, Colmena66, Fase1 and parallel18, along with Mastercard, Rural LISC, and Nest as co-presenters.
BE Fest gathers everything an entrepreneur needs in one place: knowledge, mentors, resources, allies, and community. This year, under the motto "Come to connect, stay to grow," the event expects to welcome over 2,000 attendees ready to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.
"The Trust's mission is to accelerate innovation and economic development in Puerto Rico from our strategic pillars: scientific research, public health, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship. BE Fest represents how that commitment comes to life by connecting talent, knowledge, capital, and collaboration so that more people can create and grow businesses with the potential to transform our island into a globally recognized innovation hub," said Eng. Lucy Crespo, Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust.
The agenda for this eighth edition will include:
- 30+ educational sessions led by experts in access to capital, marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), incentives, finance, and more business content.
- 60+ business support resources at The Hive Expo, a space to discover programs, initiatives, and opportunities designed to boost businesses at any stage and industry.
- Mentor Hub with more than 20+ mentors available for 1:1 sessions with business leaders who have walked the path and are ready to share what they've learned.
- 20+ leaders in Fase1 Coffee Talks sharing their stories in authentic conversations, coffee in hand.
- 15+ service providers at the BE Marketplace specializing in marketing, legal services, human resources, and more, all under one roof.
- 20+ local businesses at the Pop Up Markets where attendees can purchase purposeful Boricua products and connect directly with their creators.
- BE Boricua Pitch Competition, where entrepreneurs will compete live for cash prizes in front of a panel of experts, and the public can get an up-close look at the businesses innovating in Puerto Rico.
- Enactus National Social Enterprise Competition, the national competition that brings together young entrepreneurs with solutions for a more sustainable Puerto Rico will be held for the first time at BE Fest.
- Networking (or the BE Fest after-party) to end the day in style while creating genuine connections with entrepreneurs, mentors, and speakers in a celebratory atmosphere.
BE Fest 2026 coincides with a year of celebration: Colmena66 celebrates 10 years of building Puerto Rico's entrepreneurial ecosystem. A decade connecting and strengthening the Business Support Network, which today brings together more than 200 organizations across all regions of Puerto Rico.
To commemorate this decade of impact, BE Fest 2026 will also be the stage for the launch of the new edition of the 2025 State of the Entrepreneurial Community Report, a look at the trends and evolution of entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico.
Among the speakers for this eighth edition are: Mariela “Mela” Pabón, Norwill Fragoso, Israel Lugo, Elsa del Pino, Héctor Westerband, Claudia Ramos, Michelle Arce, among many others who will participate in the event's various tracks.
Visitors will also discover how companies Açai Express and Sacató managed to grow, expand, and build successful brands in the “Growth & Scale” track. Additionally, under the “AI & Innovation” track, speaker Elsa del Pino will discuss how artificial intelligence and innovation are changing the way business is done. Topics such as pricing strategy, permits, compliance, and risk management will also be covered. Meanwhile, in the “Trends” track, attendees can meet the key individuals who are transforming the gastronomy, sports, creative industries, and entertainment sectors.
"Reaching our eighth edition of BE Fest in the same year that we celebrate a decade of Colmena66 is a moment that fills us with pride and gratitude. This event is a reflection of what we have built together over so many years: a stronger, more connected, and more resourced entrepreneurial ecosystem than ever before," said Bárbara Rivera, Executive Director of Colmena66.
The Municipality of San Juan has also joined the BE Fest celebration. Miguel A. Romero Lugo, Mayor of San Juan, emphasized that: "In San Juan, we continue to create the conditions for our entrepreneurs and business owners to grow, innovate, and turn their ideas into new opportunities. Our participation in the Boricua Entrepreneur Fest allows us to directly bring the Municipality's services, tools, and incentives to those who drive our economy, while strengthening our commitment to make the Capital City a space where entrepreneurship and doing business are increasingly accessible."
"Puerto Rico has extraordinary entrepreneurial talent that deserves the opportunities and support needed to grow. At Mastercard, we know that when a small business advances, our communities and economy grow too. That's why, through Mastercard Strive and alongside organizations committed to business development, we continue to bring entrepreneurs the tools, connections, and resources they need to build sustainable and impactful businesses," said Pablo Cuarón, Mastercard Country Manager for Puerto Rico.
"The collaboration between Rural LISC and Colmena66 reflects the power of strategic alliances in strengthening Puerto Rico's entrepreneurial ecosystem. At Rural LISC, we are honored to support efforts that connect entrepreneurs with resources, support networks, and growth opportunities. Together with allies like Mastercard and Nest, we continue to drive initiatives like the BE Boricua Pitch Competition to expand access to tools and opportunities that help small businesses thrive," highlighted Sandylane Oquendo, Senior Program Officer for Economic Development in the United States and its territories at Rural LISC.
More information and tickets available at befestpr.com. You can also contact Colmena66 through social media, by writing to info@colmena66.com or by calling 787-525-4111.
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About the Science, Technology & Research Trust: The Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214,204, as amended, is a private, non-profit organization created in 2004 to boost the Island's participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investment and financing in science and technology research and development. It invests in, facilitates, and develops capacities that continuously advance Puerto Rico's economy and the well-being of its citizens, through companies based on research and development, science and technology, public health, and innovation. With the goal of Puerto Rico becoming a globally recognized innovation hub. The P.R. Science, Technology & Research Trust was also designated one of 31 Tech Hubs in 2023 to lead the PRBio Tech Hub, with a multi-sector consortium on the Island. For more information: www.prsciencetrust.org.
About Colmena66: Colmena66 is a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust and a member of the SourceLink community, a network of over 80 entrepreneurial ecosystem builders in the U.S. Its mission is to facilitate entrepreneurship by connecting people with the right resource at the right time so they can develop successful businesses in Puerto Rico. It is the only organization on the island that works with all types of businesses at any stage of development. As an integrator of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Colmena66 analyzes gaps and works hand-in-hand with the Business Support Network in Puerto Rico to address them. Colmena66's resource network is composed of more than 250 organizations that provide business support throughout Puerto Rico. These organizations represent the public sector, the non-profit sector, and academia. For more information, visit www.colmena66.com.
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