The Hawaii tech and innovation scene is like the Islands themselves, global in mindset even if a bit remote, spirited even if a bit on the small side.
Knowing some of the people involved in such a remote and tight-knit community could prove invaluable for startups and entrepreneurs. Areas of innovation in the Islands range from biotech and agriculture to transportation and tourism, and everything in between.
This guide is meant to be a starting point.
COMPANIES TO KNOW
Volta Charging | Electric vehicle charging network that was part of Blue Startups' inaugural Hawaii cohort in 2013. The company has since gone on to place nearly 2,000 free EV charging stations in 23 states, and it went public in early September. | CEO Scott Mercer
Oceanit | Mind-to-market company founded in 1985 that develops and migrates fundamental science to real-world applications. | CEO Patrick Sullivan
Nalu Scientific | Developer of high-end sensors and systems like microelectronics for astrophysics and high-energy physics experiments as well as consumer markets. | CEO Isar Mostafanezhad
Blue Planet Energy | Provider of battery storage solutions for homes, businesses and humanitarian energy projects such as the Blue Ion HI. | CEO Chris Johnson
Pacxa | Technology provider and systems integrator that works with nearly 400 businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. | President Kelly Ueoka
DRFortress | Data center that serves wireless service providers, cable companies and internet service providers. It offers colocation services, cloud computing, and 24/7 technical support for customers. | President Fred Rodi
Farm Link Hawaii | Online grocer that connects local farmers with buyers, including restaurants, businesses, and individuals. | CEO Rob Barreca
Parklinq | Parking app that allows users to reserve select stalls in Urban Honolulu either ahead of time or on the spot, generating income for the stall owners. | CEO Tyler Saenz
TurnoverBnB | Worldwide marketplace app to broker opportunities between vacation rental operators and cleaning services. | CEO Assaf Karmon
Hyprlift | Designer of a futuristic building transportation concept meant to eventually replace conventional elevators in skyscrapers. | CEO James Hutchinson
Referentia Systems | Honolulu-based cybersecurity specialist that has garnered awards for its partnership with the U.S. military to protect power grids. | CEO Nelson Kanemoto
Cetra Technology | Provider of consulting services for internet-based technologies and devices including managed services, cybersecurity, and physical security. | CEO Michael McMurdo
Hawaii BioTech | Biotechnology company focused on the research and development of vaccines for both established and emerging infectious diseases. | Interim CEO Richard Sherman
DataHouse | Deliverer of tech solutions like system modernization and managed services for entities in government, health care, education and banking. | Co-presidents Eddie Ontai and Hong Phan
Belt Collins Hawaii | Engineering and architecture consulting firm founded in Hawaii in 1953 that specializes in shaping sustainable outdoor environments. It is in the process of integrating into Bowers + Kubota, which bought it last year. | CEO Aaron Akau
Holoholo | Ridesharing app designed as a local alternative to Lyft and Uber and gives bonuses to drivers with green vehicles. | CEO Cecil Morton
PEOPLE / ORGANIZATIONS TO KNOW
Incubators, accelerators, and funders
Blue Startups | Accelerator focused on helping scalable-tech companies compete globally, and organizer of East Meets West annual conference for investors and entrepreneurs from Asia, Hawaii and North America. | Managing partner Chenoa Farnsworth
Mana Up | Accelerator with a focus on Hawaii entrepreneurs that hopes to "sustain our local community through economic diversification, high-quality jobs, givebacks, investment, and a regenerative culture of entrepreneurship." | Co-founder Meli James
Elemental Excelerator | Incubator focused on the nexus of climate tech and equity locally, nationally and internationally with 117 portfolio companies and $43 million awarded to startups to date. | CEO Dawn Lippert
Hawaii FoundHer | Accelerator tailored to Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian women and mother entrepreneurs in tech, fashion, health and wellness, the food industry and keiki education. | Co-founders Isabella Hughes and Gloria Lau
XLR8HI | Its preX program is designed for local entrepreneurs who want to get to "X," which "can be launching or pivoting your business, obtaining funding, rapidly increasing customers, or getting into accelerator programs." | Co-founder Omar Sultan
Earthshot Ventures | A new venture capital fund spun out of Elemental Excelerator, Earthshot aims to connect climate tech hardware and software companies to a global network of investors and policymakers.
Hawaii Angels | An investment network for private equity investors to share opportunities and expertise. Members of the organization have invested more than $50 million in hundreds of companies since its founding in 2002.
Hawaii Venture Capital Association | HVCA serves as a connector between entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader business community through monthly events, an annual awards gala and advocacy work — all with the goal of bolstering the venture community.
Funder Hui | Founded during the pandemic, this hui was created in an effort to strengthen relationships and capacity of Hawaii funders and philanthropists.
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Brigham Young University Hawaii
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NOTE: This guide will be updated over time. Did we miss a person, company or organization that should be included here? Let us know by emailing bmcinnis@bizjournals.com.
