Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — RGV Startup Week, the Rio Grande Valley’s premier celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, announced Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director of Dr. Simi USA, as the keynote speaker for its 2026 edition. Soler Mallet will take the stage on Monday, April 27, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the eBridge Center in Brownsville, delivering a keynote that is free and open to the public. With more than 25 years leading iconic global brands and a front-row seat to one of the most talked-about brand launches on social media in recent years, his session promises to be one of the most compelling conversations the Valley has ever hosted.
RSVP: https://bcic.us/simi
About RGV Startup Week 2026
Now in its third edition, RGV Startup Week will run April 24 through May 1, 2026, and is headquartered in Brownsville, with events across partner cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The week-long celebration brings together students, early-stage founders, established companies, investors, and ecosystem partners through a mix of keynotes, workshops, pitch competitions, and community activities. Building on a remarkable 2025 edition that drew 1,850 registrants, 168 speakers, 95 sessions, and generated 3.56 million content views, the 2026 edition is set to be the biggest yet.
RGV Startup Week is co-organized by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) in collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center (ECC). Past keynote speakers include Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, underscoring the event’s growing national and international prominence.
About the Keynote: Ramón Soler Mallet
Ramón Soler Mallet leads the U.S. expansion of Dr. Simi, one of Latin America’s most recognizable brands. As Commercial Director of Dr. Simi USA, he is responsible for shaping the brand’s retail and digital strategy as it enters the American market. Dr. Simi is part of Farmacias Similares, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the world, with more than 11,000 locations across Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and the United States, built around the mission of making healthcare more accessible and affordable. Known for its viral presence and cultural impact across social media, Dr. Simi has become a global phenomenon, capturing attention far beyond traditional retail and redefining how brands connect with communities.
With more than two decades of experience building consumer brands, Soler previously worked with Nexxus Capital platforms, serving as Director of Krispy Kreme Mexico and COO of Taco Holding, a multi-brand restaurant group, while also sitting on the Krispy Kreme Latin America board. He later oversaw the Tommy Hilfiger and Crate & Barrel brands in Mexico for Grupo Axo. He has also served on the board of SinDelantal (prior to its acquisition by Just Eat), Give Move, and Mind.
His keynote session, rooted in the philosophy of “lo mismo, pero más barato” (“the same, for less”) explores how bold ideas cross borders, how community-first businesses create lasting loyalty, and what the Rio Grande Valley’s entrepreneurs can learn from one of the most unexpected viral brand stories in global retail.
“The Rio Grande Valley is the kind of community Dr. Simi hopes to serve — a place with strong culture, resilience, and entrepreneurial energy. I’m looking forward to a genuine conversation, sharing ideas, and connecting with the people who make this region special.”
— Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director, Dr. Simi USA
Organizer Perspectives
“At BCIC, we are intentional about building platforms that elevate the Rio Grande Valley and position our region as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. RGV Startup Week is a reflection of that commitment. Bringing Ramón Soler Mallet and the Dr. Simi story to our community is about more than a keynote, it is about exposing our entrepreneurs to bold, globally relevant ideas that challenge and inspire what is possible here at home.”
— Cori Peña, President & CEO, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
“At UTRGV, we are committed to advancing a dynamic innovation ecosystem that empowers students, founders, and industry leaders. We believe entrepreneurship education is most impactful when individuals can see themselves reflected in real-world success stories. Ramón Soler Mallet’s journey spanning industries, borders, and a deep commitment to community embodies the global perspective and transformative leadership we strive to cultivate. We are proud to co-organize an event that brings this level of inspiration and opportunity to the Rio Grande Valley.”
— Linda Ufland, Director, UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center
Event Details & Free RSVP
Attendance at the keynote session is free. Space is limited and expected to fill quickly. RSVP is required.
| Date: Monday, April 27, 2026 |
| Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location: eBridge Center, Brownsville, Texas |
RSVP: https://bcic.us/simi
