USM Students Invited to Join Kingdom Startup Program
April 8, 2026
USM students are invited to apply for the Kingdom Startup Program 2026, a 6-week entrepreneurship experience focused on solving real Caribbean challenges. Applications are open until May 29, with opportunities to build ideas, gain mentorship, and pitch in Aruba.
The University of St. Martin (USM) is inviting its students to take part in an exciting regional opportunity with the launch of the Kingdom Startup Program (KSP) 2026, a 6-week summer entrepreneurship program designed to turn ideas into real-world solutions.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Aruba and the University of Curaçao, the program brings together students from across the Dutch Caribbean to work on real challenges affecting their communities. From sustainability and healthcare to tourism and digital innovation, participants will explore issues that matter and develop practical, impactful solutions.
The program follows a hands-on, “learn by doing” approach. Over the course of six weeks, students will work in small teams to identify problems, build and test ideas, and receive guidance from experienced founders, mentors, and industry experts. The experience will conclude with a final showcase in Aruba, where students will present their ideas.
One of the key strengths of the program is its accessibility. Students do not need to have a business idea to apply. Instead, the program is open to those who are curious, motivated, and ready to collaborate and learn through experience. Applicants can register individually or as part of a team of two to three students.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to step outside of the classroom and gain real-world experience,” said USM. “It allows them to build practical skills, connect with peers across the region, and explore entrepreneurship in a meaningful way.”
Interested students are encouraged to apply before the deadline of May 29, 2026 via www.kingdomstartupprogram.com
Students who would like more information or guidance before applying can reach out to Jan van Beek at jan.vanbeek@usm.sx
or Shobhan Giterson at shobhan.giterson@usm.sx. An information session will also be announced in the coming weeks.
The Kingdom Startup Program is part of a broader effort to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the region, empowering the next generation of Caribbean thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers.
Latest News →
Developed in collaboration with the University of Aruba and the University of Curaçao, the program brings together students from across the Dutch Caribbean to work on real challenges affecting their communities. From sustainability and healthcare to tourism and digital innovation, participants will explore issues that matter and develop practical, impactful solutions.
The program follows a hands-on, “learn by doing” approach. Over the course of six weeks, students will work in small teams to identify problems, build and test ideas, and receive guidance from experienced founders, mentors, and industry experts. The experience will conclude with a final showcase in Aruba, where students will present their ideas.
One of the key strengths of the program is its accessibility. Students do not need to have a business idea to apply. Instead, the program is open to those who are curious, motivated, and ready to collaborate and learn through experience. Applicants can register individually or as part of a team of two to three students.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to step outside of the classroom and gain real-world experience,” said USM. “It allows them to build practical skills, connect with peers across the region, and explore entrepreneurship in a meaningful way.”
Interested students are encouraged to apply before the deadline of May 29, 2026 via www.kingdomstartupprogram.com
Students who would like more information or guidance before applying can reach out to Jan van Beek at jan.vanbeek@usm.sx
or Shobhan Giterson at shobhan.giterson@usm.sx. An information session will also be announced in the coming weeks.
The Kingdom Startup Program is part of a broader effort to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the region, empowering the next generation of Caribbean thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers.
Latest News →
