When Tony Delgado moved to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria’s devastation, he wasn’t just looking to provide temporary relief—he saw a much bigger opportunity. While many were focused on immediate recovery efforts, Delgado recognized the potential to rebuild Puerto Rico into a thriving hub for technology and innovation. His vision? To transform the island into a global leader in tech entrepreneurship, creating jobs, empowering locals, and sparking a new era of economic growth.

Delgado’s plan for Puerto Rico centers around digital entrepreneurship and the power of the internet to create opportunities for anyone with the right skills. Through his educational platforms like Disrupt University and initiatives like Disrupt Week, Delgado is equipping Puerto Ricans with the tools they need to compete on a global scale, all while fostering a culture of innovation that rivals Silicon Valley.

The Power of Digital Entrepreneurship

The core of Delgado’s vision is the belief that technology can bridge economic divides and allow people to create their own wealth. “All you need is WiFi and a dream,” Delgado frequently says. This philosophy underpins his efforts to teach Puerto Ricans how to leverage the power of the internet to create online businesses, learn tech skills, and generate multiple income streams.

Through Disrupt University, Delgado offers courses that teach everything from e-commerce to coding, helping students develop real-world skills that can be applied immediately. The platform’s focus on digital entrepreneurship is especially important in Puerto Rico, where traditional job opportunities have been limited in the wake of economic challenges and natural disasters. By empowering individuals to create their own opportunities, Delgado is helping foster a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs ready to shape Puerto Rico’s future.

Disrupt Week: Sparking Innovation in Puerto Rico

One of Delgado’s most ambitious initiatives is Disrupt Week, a seven-day festival designed to bring together tech entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders worldwide. Modeled after South by Southwest (SXSW), Disrupt Week offers workshops, panel discussions, and networking events aimed at inspiring innovation and collaboration. Delgado’s goal is to make Puerto Rico a global destination for tech talent, attracting investors and entrepreneurs who want to be part of the island’s transformation.

During Disrupt Week, local entrepreneurs have the chance to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable mentorship, and showcase their ideas to a global audience. Delgado sees the event as a catalyst for creating a tech ecosystem in Puerto Rico that encourages innovation and provides the infrastructure needed to support startups and new ventures​.

Building a Tech Ecosystem from the Ground Up

Delgado’s efforts to build Puerto Rico’s tech ecosystem don’t stop with education and events. He is actively working to create an environment where innovation can thrive. This includes supporting the development of co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators that provide the resources and mentorship needed for startups to succeed.

In addition, Delgado has partnered with universities and local organizations to ensure that young people in Puerto Rico have access to world-class education in technology and entrepreneurship. By fostering collaborations between local talent and international experts, he’s creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and helping build a community of innovators passionate about driving Puerto Rico’s economic recovery​.

A Vision for Puerto Rico’s Future

Delgado’s long-term vision is to position Puerto Rico as a leading tech hub in the Caribbean. He believes that the island’s strategic location and talented and resourceful population make it the perfect place for tech-driven innovation. His work is focused on turning this vision into a reality by building the infrastructure and providing the education needed to support a thriving tech sector.

“I want Puerto Rico to be known as a place where innovation happens,” Delgado says. “We have the talent, we have the drive, and now we’re creating the opportunities to make that happen.”

Tony Delgado’s plan to turn Puerto Rico into a hub for innovation is ambitious, but his work through Disrupt University, Disrupt Week, and his broader efforts to build a tech ecosystem on the island are already making an impact. By teaching the island’s youth the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to connect with global leaders, Delgado is laying the groundwork for a tech revolution in Puerto Rico.

As the island continues to recover from the challenges of recent years, Delgado’s vision offers hope for a brighter economic future—one built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of technology.

Published by: Martin De Juan