An upcoming conference aims to connect technology and engineering companies with potential government customers.
Pacific Tech 2022, formerly known as the Hawaii SBIR Conference, will take place Oct. 24-26 at the Hawaii Convention Center.
Hosted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the Hawaii Technology & Development Corporation, the event will bring together innovative businesses with government customers, investors, prime contractors, and other supporting government agencies.
Businesses will have the chance to learn about funding and commercialization opportunities.
Cindy Matsuki, the Small Business Innovation Research program manager with HTDC, told PBN that the event “is focused on small Hawaii tech and innovation companies that are looking to work with the federal government and help them solve their challenges.”
“Pacific Tech 2022 is targeting tech and innovation companies from Hawaii and the Pacific region, in order to build relationships and partnerships with Hawaii companies to form stronger teams to take advantage of the funding vehicles and contracts here in Hawaii as well as nationally,” Matsuki said.
The event will feature panel discussions, informational sessions and networking opportunities. Speakers will include representatives from government entities, contractors, and funders.
“Companies will have a chance to schedule one-on-ones with some of the speakers and hear directly from the customer what their needs are,” Matsuki said.
Matsuki noted that the event also will include an opportunity for businesses to learn about the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, which provide funding for research and development.
“Companies that are new to federal government funding and SBIR programs will gain tips on how to win these awards,” she said. “Companies that have experience with SBIR/STTR and are looking to commercialize their technology will have the opportunity to engage with government customers or prime contractors as well as showcase their technologies.”
According to HTDC, Hawaii tech and engineering firms received $25 million in SBIR and STTR funds in 2021.
The event also will include a tech showcase, where businesses can demo their technology to the prospective customers. Matsuki said the showcase will provide “a valuable opportunity for the customers in attendance to fill technology gaps or find new vendors to work with.”
Organizers said they expect about 150 attendees from throughout the Pacific and the West Coast, as well as federal agency representatives.
“The ideal outcome for this event would be for small businesses to gain a new customer, find a partner, or sign a contract,” Matsuki said. “Our goal is to bring the companies together with the customers to grow business and solve challenges.”
For more information and to register, visit htdc.org/pacifictech.
