RGV Startup Week has announced its lineup, featuring six flagship programs scheduled across the week of April 24 through May 2, with events hosted in Brownsville and partner cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
More premiere events will be announced. In addition, dozens of panels, workshops, networking sessions, and community-driven programming will be held throughout the week across Brownsville and partner cities.
Keynote: Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director of Dr. Simi USA
Monday, April 27 | 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. | eBridge Center, Brownsville
Soler Mallet leads the U.S. expansion of one of Latin America’s most recognizable brands. With more than 25 years of experience building global consumer brands, including leadership roles at Krispy Kreme Mexico, Taco Holding, and Grupo Axo, his keynote will explore how bold ideas cross borders, how community-first businesses create lasting loyalty, and what the Valley’s entrepreneurs can learn from one of the most unexpected viral brand stories in global retail. Attendance is free. RSVP required.
Insights Unplugged Tuesday, April 28 | 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. | eBridge Center, Brownsville
A special edition of the eBridge Talks panel series, Insights Unplugged brings together industry leaders for a moderated conversation followed by audience Q&A. Previous editions have featured topics ranging from social media and influencer strategy to space industry development, drawing speakers from NASA, the Greater Brownsville EDC, and other regional and national organizations.
Youth Panel Tuesday, April 28 | 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. | eBridge Center, Brownsville
This year’s Youth Panel, titled “What Is and Is NOT Helping Young People Achieve Their Dreams and Thrive in Our Community,” is a candid conversation with young leaders and students about education, career paths, and entrepreneurship. The panel centers on the voices of youth, offering a platform for the next generation to speak openly about the barriers and opportunities they see in the Rio Grande Valley.
2 Minutes for $2,000 Open Pitch Competition Tuesday, April 28 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | eBridge Center, Brownsville
Returning for its second year, this high-energy pitch competition gives entrepreneurs two minutes to present their business idea to a live audience, which votes to award $2,000 in funding. In its 2025 debut, 17 entrepreneurs took the stage. The competition is open to founders at any stage and demonstrates how community support can propel ideas forward.
Startup Texas Pitch Fest Wednesday, April 29 | Evening (Time TBA) | eBridge Center, Brownsville
Startups completing the Startup Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator program take the stage to pitch in front of investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders. The accelerator, a joint initiative of BCIC and UTRGV ECC, is an intensive program focused on scalability and commercialization for tech, software development, and light manufacturing companies. Startup Texas Pitch Fest is where ideas meet capital, feedback, and opportunity.
Frontera Leadership Institute Demo Day Thursday, April 30 | 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. | eBridge Center, Brownsville
The culmination of the Frontera Leadership Institute (FLI), a program sponsored by BCIC that equips emerging leaders ages 18 to 26 with skills in technology, product development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The 2026 cohort has been building community-centered projects since January, and Demo Day is their opportunity to pitch those ideas in front of a live audience and panel of judges. FLI is free and open to the community.