Xavier Ocasio, Author at Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust https://prsciencetrust.org/author/xocasio/ Puerto Rico is a global innovation hub Mon, 11 May 2026 19:53:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program https://prsciencetrust.org/sbir-sttr/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:00:59 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=26887 The SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program provides 1-to-1 matching funds for Phase I & II SBIR/STTR proposals to promote and increase commercialization of research

The post SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

The Trust offers the scientific and hi-tech entrepreneurship community in Puerto Rico its SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program to incentivize local technology oriented small business firms and researchers to compete for SBIR/STTR grant awards. Firms receiving a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award will receive a dollar-to-dollar matching grant from the Trust, up to $100,000 and up to $200,000 for Phase II.

If you have questions, please contact
Alexis Chamorro at alexis@colmena66.com

The post SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Funds to grow and advance Science and Technology Research https://prsciencetrust.org/arg/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:52:12 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=26881 The Advanced Research Grant facilitates funding to take your locally developed projects to the next level.

The post Funds to grow and advance Science and Technology Research appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

The Advanced Research Grants Program (ARG) is a solicited proposal mechanism that aims to provide funding for advancing science and technology projects developed locally. The goal is to bring these projects to a level where they can be further developed using alternative funding sources (such as federal R&D funding, angel and private investments, and others) and/or commercialized through licensing, sales, acquisitions, vertical venture integration, or a combination of these methods.

Funding Opportunity, up to $150K

We are looking for the next research breakthrough in fields like life science, technology, health, agriculture breakthroughs of researchers in fields like life science, technology, health, agriculture, aerospace, and much more!

  • Information/Communications Technology and Cybersecurity

  • Medicine and Public Health

  • Other related sciences

  • Physical Sciences and Aerospace

  • Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

  • Biotechnology and Life Sciences

  • Clean Technology and Renewable Energy

  • Electronics, Engineering, and Math

Info Session

Discover your path!

Are you ready to apply?

The ARG application process consists of two phases: Letter of Intent (LOI) and Full Proposal.

Interested applicants must first submit an LOI. The applicant will have the option to apply under one of the following categories:

  • Basic/Translational Research
  • Technology/Product Development for Commercialization.

The LOI submission period is now closed.

Deadline: January 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM (AST) This call is not accepting applications, it is currently under reviewing process. Join our newsletter to stay informed about future opportunities.

Refer to the guidelines for more information before applying.

The post Funds to grow and advance Science and Technology Research appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Avanzando hacia la Justicia Ambiental: apoyo y colaboración en comunidades costeras en Puerto Rico https://prsciencetrust.org/avanzando-hacia-la-justicia-ambiental-apoyo-y-colaboracion-en-comunidades-costeras-en-puerto-rico/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:51:16 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32046 El Centro Caribeño del Aumento del Nivel del Mar lidera una iniciativa vital en colaboración con el PRSTRT, la NASA y el Global Resilience Institute para abordar desafíos ambientales en La Margarita, Salinas. Este proyecto emplea datos de observación terrestre para reforzar la justicia ambiental en áreas costeras, combinando tecnología avanzada y sabiduría local [...]

The post Avanzando hacia la Justicia Ambiental: apoyo y colaboración en comunidades costeras en Puerto Rico appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

El Centro Caribeño del Aumento del Nivel del Mar lidera una iniciativa vital en colaboración con el PRSTRT, la NASA y el Global Resilience Institute para abordar desafíos ambientales en La Margarita, Salinas. Este proyecto emplea datos de observación terrestre para reforzar la justicia ambiental en áreas costeras, combinando tecnología avanzada y sabiduría local en esfuerzos para mejorar la resiliencia y gestión de recursos, e identificar y mitigar problemas ambientales exacerbados por el clima extremo y el mal uso de los terrenos. El enfoque colaborativo busca empoderar a los residentes de la comunidad, proporcionándoles herramientas para una mejor adaptación y planificación.  Para más información, puedes visitar el sitio web de la NASA aquí.

Además, este proyecto conjunto entre el PRSTR T, el Global Resilience Institute y los participantes de la Comunidad La Margarita, fue presentado en la Conferencia de la American Geophysical Union (AGU) del 2023, celebrada del 11 al 15 de diciembre en San Francisco, California. La presentación en AGU23 permitió a los colaboradores del proyecto compartir avances y explorar futuras aplicaciones de los datos de observación terrestre en la promoción de la justicia ambiental en comunidades vulnerables. Este evento proporcionó una plataforma para discutir cómo la tecnología y la integración comunitaria puede apoyar mejor a las comunidades costeras de Puerto Rico ante desafíos ambientales y la toma de decisiones basada en datos.

The post Avanzando hacia la Justicia Ambiental: apoyo y colaboración en comunidades costeras en Puerto Rico appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Advancing Environmental Justice: Support and Collaboration in Coastal Communities in Puerto Rico https://prsciencetrust.org/advancing-environmental-justice-support-and-collaboration-in-coastal-communities-in-puerto-rico/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:46:02 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32039 The Caribbean Center for Rising Seas is leading a vital initiative with the PRSTRT, NASA and the Global Resilience Institute to address environmental challenges in La Margarita, Salinas. This project uses earth observation data to strengthen environmental justice in coastal areas, combining advanced technology and local wisdom in efforts to improve resilience and resource [...]

The post Advancing Environmental Justice: Support and Collaboration in Coastal Communities in Puerto Rico appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

The Caribbean Center for Rising Seas is leading a vital initiative with the PRSTRT, NASA and the Global Resilience Institute to address environmental challenges in La Margarita, Salinas. This project uses earth observation data to strengthen environmental justice in coastal areas, combining advanced technology and local wisdom in efforts to improve resilience and resource management, and identify and mitigate environmental problems exacerbated by extreme weather and poor land use. The collaborative approach seeks to empower community residents by providing them with tools for better adaptation and planning.  For more information, you can visit the NASA website here.

In addition, this joint project between the PRSTRT, the Global Resilience Institute and participants from the La Margarita Community was presented at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2023 Conference, held 11-15 December in San Francisco, California. The presentation at AGU23 allowed project collaborators to share progress and explore future applications of Earth observation data in promoting environmental justice in vulnerable communities. This event provided a platform to discuss how technology and community integration can better support Puerto Rico’s coastal communities in the face of environmental challenges and data-driven decision-making.

The post Advancing Environmental Justice: Support and Collaboration in Coastal Communities in Puerto Rico appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Milo Climate Action Academy https://prsciencetrust.org/milo-climate-action-academy/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:05:33 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32771 A pioneering 12-week virtual program in Puerto Rico that empowered university students and recent graduates to harness satellite data and develop innovative climate change solutions for local communities.

The post Milo Climate Action Academy appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

The Milo Climate Action Academy is an innovative educational initiative aimed at empowering university students and recent graduates in Puerto Rico to develop creative solutions for addressing climate change. Over the course of 12 sessions, held from August 19th to December 7th, 2024, participants explored the use of satellite data to devise solutions focused on mitigating climate change impacts.

This initiative, a collaboration between the Milo Space Science Institute of the Arizona State University and the Research Grants Program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, brought together 139 participants from 53 municipalities across Puerto Rico.

139

Participants

53

Municipalities across P.R.

Empowering Youth Climate Action

102

Participants completed the academy

Milo Climate Action Academy

Focus areas in Puerto Rico

  • Forest Health & Restoration
  • Coastal Zone Management

  • Agricultural Sustainability

  • Urban Planning & Infrastructure Resilience

  • Water Resources Management

Milo Climate Action Showcase

The Milo Climate Action Showcase marked the culmination of the MILO Climate Action Academy. During the event, 102 participants presented 28 groundbreaking projects aimed at addressing climate challenges in Puerto Rico, showcasing their climate  solutions to a diverse audience. It also served as a platform for the emerging climate leaders to network with academics, industry leaders, and other professionals passionate about advancing climate action and exploring how their ideas can shape Puerto Rico’s future.

The event concluded with the awarding of five top projects for their exceptional contributions to creating a sustainable future for Puerto Rico.

What we
accomplished

Innovation

Teams designed and presented 28 innovative solutions to a panel of judges, with five awarded for best performance.

Connections

Participants connected with peers and space and climate experts from Arizona State University, the Caribbean Center for Rising Seas, the Puerto Rico Committee of Experts on Climate Change, and the NASA Climate Resilience Program.

71

Students

31

Early Career

28

Solutions

5

Awards

Showcase Winners

1st Place

Enhancing Forest Resilience in Puerto Rico: A Remote Sensing Approach to Invasive Species.

2nd Place

Strategies to improve the resiliency of small farmers in Puerto Rico after extreme meteorological events Agricultural Sustainability: Soil Health Management and Monitoring in Santa Isabel.

3rd Place

Examining how specific weather patterns influence bacterial growth and distribution in Puerto Rico’s aquatic environments/

4th Place

Electrical Oasis in the central region of the Puerto Rico.

Building a Climate Resilient Future for Puerto Rico

by empowering participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to turn their climate solutions into reality. Through the MILO Climate Action Academy, we connected participants with experts across various fields, providing valuable insights and guidance.

We also presented additional resources such as funding opportunities and entrepreneurship programs to help bring their innovative ideas to life.

By supporting these emerging leaders, we are equipping them to tackle climate change, mitigate its effects, and improve the quality of life for Puerto Rican communities.

Success Stories

An exciting journey that challenges participants to involve themselves in their own future.

It was mind opening to see the communities problems and to learn how to make a positive impact.

My experience at the academy was extremely helpful. I was able to develop my communication and problem-solving skills while learning about climate change and remote sensing tools.

Good source to find pathways to future professionals.

Resilience toolkit experience!

“The Milo Institute welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who may or may not have experience in remote sensing and earth science. We are opening doors to students, companies, and government agencies to increase access to timely space data and innovation for as many people as possible.”

David Thomas
Executive Director
The Milo Space Science Institute

“We are proud to have facilitated this opportunity for students and professionals to be trained in the MILO Academy concept. This aligns with our mission to invest in and develop the capabilities to advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the welfare of its citizens through innovation, science, technology, and research.”

Eng. Luz A. Crespo
Chief Executive Officer
Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust

“This pilot academy will not only impact our local communities but will also serve as a model for implementation in countries like Australia and Ecuador. This achievement fills us with immense pride and reaffirms our mission to create positive change on a global scale.”

Andreica Maldonado
Director, Research Grants Program
Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust

“We want to give them the ability to bring resilience to the communities that they care about and empower them to identify, address, and take action to help their community become more resilient when it comes to climate change.”

Sheri Klug Boonstra
Director of Workforce Development
Milo Space Science Institute

Program that promotes this initiative:

The post Milo Climate Action Academy appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Predominan en Puerto Rico los contagios de nueva variante de COVID-19 https://prsciencetrust.org/predominan-en-puerto-rico-los-contagios-de-nueva-variante-de-covid-19/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:34:18 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=33043 Predominan en Puerto Rico los contagios de nueva variante de COVID-19 Se trata de la KP.2, que pertenece al subgrupo denominado “FLiRT” y que también lidera los casos en Estados Unidos. Ver Artículo Completo Acerca del Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico El [...]

The post Predominan en Puerto Rico los contagios de nueva variante de COVID-19 appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

Predominan en Puerto Rico los contagios de nueva variante de COVID-19

Se trata de la KP.2, que pertenece al subgrupo denominado “FLiRT” y que también lidera los casos en Estados Unidos.

Acerca del Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico

El Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico, tal como se describe en la Ley Pública 214, es una organización sin fines de lucro creada en 2004 para promover la participación y creación de empleos en la isla en la economía global del conocimiento mediante la promoción de la inversión y el financiamiento de la investigación y el desarrollo de la ciencia y la tecnología. Al invertir en investigación y comercialización de tecnología, el Fideicomiso sirve como catalizador para la creación de empleos y la retención de residentes de la isla altamente calificados y, a menudo, bilingües. También es responsable de la política pública de Puerto Rico para ciencia, tecnología, investigación.

The post Predominan en Puerto Rico los contagios de nueva variante de COVID-19 appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Visit by the International Committee of the State Managers Association for Floodplain Dialogues https://prsciencetrust.org/visit-by-the-international-committee-of-the-state-managers-association-for-floodplain-dialogues/ Fri, 10 May 2024 18:43:48 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32029 The Caribbean Center for Sea Level Rise acted as co-host for an expedition to Puerto Rico by the International Committee of Floodplain Managers. The week-long visit, which extended to various regions of the island, aimed to facilitate discussions on current flood management practices. Meetings were held with officials, scientists, and private sector representatives in [...]

The post Visit by the International Committee of the State Managers Association for Floodplain Dialogues appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

The Caribbean Center for Sea Level Rise acted as co-host for an expedition to Puerto Rico by the International Committee of Floodplain Managers. The week-long visit, which extended to various regions of the island, aimed to facilitate discussions on current flood management practices. Meetings were held with officials, scientists, and private sector representatives in Puerto Rico to assess progress following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Key topics of interest included an analysis of the current flood risk profile, ongoing mitigation and adaptation efforts post-hurricanes, and the exchange of knowledge and information on best practices and innovations.

The post Visit by the International Committee of the State Managers Association for Floodplain Dialogues appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Visita del Comité Internacional de la Asociación de Gerentes Estatales de Valles Inundables https://prsciencetrust.org/visita-del-comite-internacional-de-la-asociacion-de-gerentes-estatales-de-valles-inundables/ Fri, 10 May 2024 18:43:48 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32038 El Centro Caribeño para el Aumento del Nivel del Mar actuó como coanfitrión para una expedición a Puerto Rico del Comité Internacional de Gerentes Estatales de Valles Inundables. La visita, que se extendió durante una semana y se extendió a distinas regiones de la isla, tuvo como objetivo sostener discusiones sobre prácticas actuales de [...]

The post Visita del Comité Internacional de la Asociación de Gerentes Estatales de Valles Inundables appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

El Centro Caribeño para el Aumento del Nivel del Mar actuó como coanfitrión para una expedición a Puerto Rico del Comité Internacional de Gerentes Estatales de Valles Inundables. La visita, que se extendió durante una semana y se extendió a distinas regiones de la isla, tuvo como objetivo sostener discusiones sobre prácticas actuales de gestión de inundaciones. Se llevaron a cabo encuentros con funcionarios, científicos y representantes del sector privado en Puerto Rico para evaluar el progreso luego de los huracanes Irma y María, en 2017. Algunos temas clave de interés incluyeron un análisis del perfil actual de riesgo de inundaciones, los esfuerzos de mitigación y adaptación en curso después de los huracanes, y el intercambio de conocimientos e información sobre las mejores prácticas e innovaciones. 

The post Visita del Comité Internacional de la Asociación de Gerentes Estatales de Valles Inundables appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Episode: Preserving Our Coastlines https://prsciencetrust.org/episode-preserving-our-coastlines/ Wed, 08 May 2024 18:14:33 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32020 Listen to the interview with Architect Fernando E. Pabón Rico and Geologist Maritza Barreto Orta, Ph.D., about the challenge of coastal erosion and preserving the use and enjoyment of our coastlines. In this episode of "Arquitecture Today” presented by CAAPPR we explore sustainable strategies, innovative technologies, and effective policies for managing these precious ecosystems [...]

The post Episode: Preserving Our Coastlines appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

Listen to the interview with Architect Fernando E. Pabón Rico and Geologist Maritza Barreto Orta, Ph.D., about the challenge of coastal erosion and preserving the use and enjoyment of our coastlines. In this episode of "Arquitecture Today" presented by CAAPPR we explore sustainable strategies, innovative technologies, and effective policies for managing these precious ecosystems in the face of climate change. 

The post Episode: Preserving Our Coastlines appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>
Episodio: Preservando Nuestras Costas https://prsciencetrust.org/episode-preserving-our-coastlines-2/ Wed, 08 May 2024 18:14:33 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=32023 Escucha la entrevista con el arquitecto Fernando E. Pabón Rico y la geóloga Maritza Barreto Orta PhD., sobre el desafío de la erosión costera y la preservación del uso y disfrute de nuestras costas. En este episodio del podcast "Arquitectura Hoy", del Colegio de Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, exploraremos estrategias sostenibles, tecnologías innovadoras [...]

The post Episodio: Preservando Nuestras Costas appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>

Escucha la entrevista con el arquitecto Fernando E. Pabón Rico y la geóloga Maritza Barreto Orta PhD., sobre el desafío de la erosión costera y la preservación del uso y disfrute de nuestras costas. En este episodio del podcast “Arquitectura Hoy“, del Colegio de Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, exploraremos estrategias sostenibles, tecnologías innovadoras y políticas efectivas para gestionar estos valiosos ecosistemas ante el cambio climático.

The post Episodio: Preservando Nuestras Costas appeared first on Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

]]>