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    Hawaiian Airlines Starts Starlink Internet Service Over the Pacific Ocean

    Hawaiian Airlines launched a new high-speed inflight internet service on Monday, becoming the first major carrier to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

    Staying connected while traversing between the U.S. continent and Hawaii—one of the most geographically remote archipelagos in the world—will become as effortless as using your home internet, Hawaiian Airlines said in a press release following an FAA certification test flight.

    The service debuted on a Hawaiian Airbus A321neo aircraft (N228HA) flying from Honolulu to Long Beach. It utilizes Starlink’s low-latency broadband satellite network to provide fast inflight Wi-Fi that allows activities like video streaming, gaming, video calls and more.

    The Wi-Fi is free and available as soon as passengers board without needing to register or pay. It will roll out across Hawaiian’s A321neo fleet over the next few months as more planes are activated, eventually coming to all 18 A321neos by spring.

    In a statement, Chris Liebertz, Hawaiian’s senior director of engineering, said the airline is “offering our guests a travel experience unlike any other airline flying to and from the Hawaiian Islands.”

    According to Will Seidel, SpaceX’s director of Starlink engineering, Hawaiian worked closely with SpaceX to install custom-designed aviation antennas on the A321neos to connect to Starlink’s network of satellites in low Earth orbit. This allows a seamless signal handoff between satellites so guests enjoy uninterrupted connectivity even on long over-water flights.

    Before receiving FAA certification for Starlink, Hawaiian and SpaceX jointly tested the Wi-Fi performance in real-world conditions on several flights. Employees used their personal devices to stream media, game, transfer files and more to fine-tune the service quality.

    “During these tests, employees streamed shows and movies, played video games with friends, downloaded and uploaded large files, worked in real time, and scrolled on social media,” Liebertz explained. “Each assessment then allowed us to fine-tune the service.”

    The successful inflight demos plus ground testing allowed the FAA to certify Starlink for Hawaiian’s full A321neo fleet. Once fully deployed, Hawaiian expects to expand the service to its new Boeing 787s once delivered.

    Liebertz—who has been close to the project since before it was announced in April 2022—said the launch represented a major collaborative achievement between the companies after working closely since announcing their partnership last April. He said Hawaiian’s guests will find the technology to be “game-changing” for future air travel.

    A select group of Hawaiian Airlines employees were invited to a special charter flight between Honolulu and Hilo to test the Starlink Wi-Fi using their various personal devices.

    Rolling Out the Service

    Before the public launch, Hawaiian and Starlink “worked alongside the FAA to verify that our aviation terminal (antenna) met strict safety standards,” Seidel explained.

    No ‘Tech’ in Hawaii Governor’s Annual Address

    Hawaii Governor Josh Green yesterday delivered his second annual ‘State of the State‘ address. The theme was “Coming Together to Heal,” addressing the aftermath of the deadly Maui wildfires, but Gov. Green also laid out his broader policy priorities for 2024.

    The word “technology” or “tech” was not mentioned in the nearly 5,000-word speech, although renewable energy and sustainable agriculture were called out as priorities. In contrast, his first address in 2023 did reference “green technology.”

    The governor ran through “other important opportunities for our state which will help diversify our economy”—they included Aloha Stadium development, the film industry, the search for a new UH president, and “an open travel corridor” with Japan (which isn’t exactly diversified from tourism).

    “We will invest in sustainable agriculture to have more food security for our state and we’re prioritizing energy research and development, with the goal of becoming a hydrogen hub someday in the future,” he added.

    As usual, Hawaii’s high cost of living was a theme.

    “We must find additional ways to reduce the cost of housing, food, and healthcare, and make Hawaiʻi more affordable for our people,” Gov. Green said. “Despite working multiple jobs — more are living paycheck to paycheck than before the pandemic.”

    His address did not mention workforce development or training, remote work, STEM education, artificial intelligence, or cryptocurrency.

    Images: Office of the Governor.

    Ten Hawaii entrepreneurs sought for next product accelerator cohort

    Mana Up, a Hawaii-based initiative designed to scale local product businesses globally, announces its search for 10 emerging entrepreneurs to join its ninth cohort. Mana Up’s accelerator program is designed to infuse Hawaii-based product companies with resources, training, sales channels and more with the goal to increase revenues and jobs in the local community. 

    The Mana Up business program is a comprehensive six-month program that includes workshops, mentorship connections, access to sales channels, and resources to help locally-based companies expand. The program aims to significantly boost participants’ revenue while addressing business challenges such as manufacturing, hiring, marketing, and more.

    The criteria for applications are:

    • Company headquarters must be based in Hawaii
    • Company produces a food, beverage, fashion, accessories, beauty, home or other consumer product
    • Products elevate Hawaii through authentic connection, resource or storytelling
    • Products are well suited for potential international expansion
    • Business owner has full-time commitment to company
    • Company currently has $100,000+ in annual revenue (preferred)

    In 2023, Mana Up received 160 applicants for 10 spots in the program. After an intensive selection process, 11 local companies’ were selected for the eighth cohort. The culminating event, the Mana Up Showcase, attracted over 1,800 in-person attendees and garnered more than 125,500 online viewers worldwide. Mana Up also manages a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting 100% Hawaii-based companies. As part of its retail initiative, House of Mana Up has expanded its footprint with a new location on Kaua‘i at Koloa Village. Last year, the company also supported the first-ever Hawaii pop-up in Japan – Aloha Market Powered by Mana Up – at the Tokyo Haneda Airport and saw record-breaking sales.

    For those interested in applying for Mana Up’s ninth cohort, Mana Up will be hosting two informational sessions. The first session will take place on Tuesday, February 13 at 2 p.m. via Zoom, and the second will be an in-person session on Thursday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. To register for either of the informational sessions, visit bit.ly/4217Kqe or bit.ly/3SlyI8B.

    Companies interested in applying for the latest cohort can submit applications by Wednesday, February 21, at https://manauphawaii.com/pages/apply, with Cohort 9 set to kick off in late May and will run through November 2024.

    About Mana Up

    Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund for Hawaiʻi-based products growing to markets globally, with the mission to increase economic opportunity and jobs for the people of Hawaiʻi. To date, 85 local companies have participated in the six-month accelerator program that provides expansion opportunities and helps solve business challenges. For more information about the accelerator program, visit www.manauphawaii.com, and to shop House of Mana Up, visit https://houseofmanaup.com

    Mana Up is supported by Kamehameha Schools, Castle & Cooke Hawaii, Bank of Hawaii, ALTRES, Hawaiian Airlines, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, Innovate Hawaii, American Savings Bank, Ulupono Initiative, Young Brothers, UHA Health Insurance, Pineapple Tweed, Shopify, Foodland and Dole.

    Hawaii State Hackathon Returns In-Person, Awards Student Teams Cash

    High school, college teams create solutions to modernize community services.

    Two high school teams and a team from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa took the top honors at the Eighth Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) on Nov. 18 on the UH West Oʻahu campus.

    The HACC solicits challenges from state departments and community groups and asks student, amateur, and professional coders to develop technology applications to help solve specific problems during a four-week period.

    The HACC was created to encourage engagement between Hawaii residents and the local technology community to modernize state functions and services for a more effective, efficient, and open government. Another objective of the hackathon is to strengthen the pipeline of the IT workforce, and expand the tech industry in our state.

    HACC 2023
    Photo: Hawaii Office of Enterprise Technology Services.

    Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke told the teams gathered during the presentation and judging event that their efforts can make people’s lives better.

    “In this competition, you have the opportunity to help address some of the state’s most challenging issues such as homelessness and housing,” Lieutenant Governor Luke said. “Using coding, you are asked to identify a problem, find ways to help address the issue, and make it easier for the end user to utilize the application. What you folks do can improve people’s lives and being here speaks volumes about who you are as individuals.”

    Mililani High School team MHS HAKK took first place in the high school category and a $1,500 prize for their work to develop a solution for a challenge to help underinsured or uninsured individuals find and access affordable healthcare in Hawaii.

    Cassidy Ibanez is the team captain and members include Courtney Hisamoto, Kyle Bain, Nolan Carlisle, Miles Hackeny, Toby James, Kyler Ching and Jourdan Hung.

    In the coded category, first place and a $4,000 prize went to team VENGEN for their design to create a web portal to facilitate civic engagement around rebuilding Lahaina, Maui, including surveys, forums, sharing design concepts with visual and data models for economic, environmental analysis.

    Ethan Chee is the captain of the UH Mānoa student team and members include Timothy Huo, Michelle Leano, Eda Cadiena and Marissa Halim.

    In the low/no code category, team T777+ took first place and a $4,000 prize for their response to the affordable healthcare challenge. The team is from a mix of high schools also took second place in the high school category.

    Joshua Li is the team captain and members include Brix Kozuki, Jacob Osada, Max Chin and Leo Zhang.

    The 2023 HACC was sponsored by the State of Hawaii Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) in partnership with the University of Hawaii. State Chief Information Officer Doug Murdock said the team’s submissions were presented in-person for the first time since the 2020 restriction and judged by a group of technology professionals.

    “We were very pleased with the quality and creativity of the submissions this year and having the presentations live, in-person added to the excitement,” Murdock said. “These teams took the challenges to heart and did their best to provide solutions.”

    By the Numbers

    • 187 participants

    • 64 high school students

    • 39 teams created

    • 26 projects submitted

    • 22 code-based and four no/low code projects

    • 21 finalists

    ChallengeTeam NameCaptainAffiliationAdvisorHS ResultsOpen Results
    Affordable HealthcareMHS HAKKCassidy IbanezMililani High SchoolBlaise Hanagami1st
    Affordable HealthcareT777+Joshua LiMixed High SchoolTiger Li2nd1st No Code
    ITS Ask UsHōʻemiBrandon DordeWaipahu High SchoolCindy Takara3rd3rd No Code
    Marine DebrisHiapoKaren SabogSolo2nd No Code
    ITS Ask UsDarkModeMicah TiltonUH Manoa2nd Code
    Lahaina ProjectVENGENEthan CheeUH Manoa1st Code
    Marine DebrisFrosty IceGiorgio TanUH Manoa3rd Code

    HACC 2023 – included 5 challenges:

    • University of Hawaii – ITS Ask Us Challenge

    • Tyler Hawaii – Affordable Healthcare

    • Hawaii Pacific University CMDR (Center for Marine Debris Research) – Large Marine Debris Reporting, Dispatching

    • Maui Institute of Art and Technology – Lahaina Digital Twin Project

    • Zero Waste Oahu – Reusable Takeout Program App

    Sponsors for the event include Transform Hawaii Government, Hawaiian Airlines, Verizon, Google for Government, Tyler Technologies, Microsoft, eWorld Enterprise Solutions, Salesforce, Hawaii Data Collaborative, AT&T and AWS.

    Partners include IMAG Foundation, the Hawaii Department of Education Computer Science Team, UH Mānoa Information & Computer Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, and the Hawaii Technology Develop Corporation.

    For more information, visit https://hacc.hawaii.gov.

    ThriveHI Awarded $300,000 Federal Grant to Cultivate Hawaii’s Technology Ecosystem

    The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $300,000 federal grant to ThriveHI, a Hawaii-based nonprofit, to support the growth of technology entrepreneurship in the state.

    ThriveHI is one of 60 organizations across 36 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico that received a total of $53 million in Build to Scale grants this year from the EDA. The grants are designed to “accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital,” according to the agency.

    With the funding, ThriveHI plans to facilitate “network building, strategic alignment, and increased collaboration” within Hawaii’s technology ecosystem over the next two years, the organization wrote in its grant proposal.

    Specifically, ThriveHI will create an official statewide network of nonprofits, businesses and individuals committed to developing Hawaii’s technology sector.

    “We will identify knowledge gaps in our network and strategically source organizations across the islands that will most contribute to the growth Hawaii’s tech ecosystem and cultivate an inclusive field that involves various sectors that intersect with tech (e.g., education, government, venture capital),” the proposal states.

    The proposal was largely drafted by Sonia Romero, who will serve as ThriveHI Executive Director.

    ThriveHI also aims to use a data-driven approach to identify the technology niches where Hawaii is most likely to succeed.

    “We plan to commission a research report… to gain a data-backed understanding of the tech niches where Hawaii has the highest probability of success,” the proposal says.

    The results of the study will help guide the creation of a strategic plan for ThriveHI’s network.

    Additionally, ThriveHI plans to break down communication barriers between organizations to improve coordination and collaboration within Hawaii’s technology ecosystem.

    “By implementing this strategy, we aim to leverage the collective efforts of various actors in Hawaii’s tech ecosystem, overcome the challenges posed by our geographical location, and pave the way for a robust, resilient, and diversified economy,” the proposal states.

    Building a Tech Ecosystem in Hawaii

    ThriveHI said Hawaii has long sought to diversify its economy beyond tourism by growing its technology and innovation ecosystem. However, previous efforts were often conducted in isolation.

    “Given Hawaii’s geographical remoteness and limited resource availability, the State must work together as a cohesive movement to build a tech hub,” ThriveHI wrote.

    The organization said the Build to Scale grant will be “a significant boost” in helping it serve as a “field catalyst” to convene organizations and align them behind a strategic vision to cultivate Hawaii’s entrepreneurial tech sector.

    ThriveHI was established in 2022 as a fiscally sponsored project under the Pacific American Foundation.

    Since its founding, the organization has built connections with over 60 groups in Hawaii working to expand the local technology ecosystem. ThriveHI has also grown its newsletter to over 500 subscribers.

    “We have successfully cultivated a newsletter with a readership of over 500 individuals 60 tech-ecosystem building organizations and collaborated on 27 events in partnership with five of these organizations,” the proposal states.

    Overcoming Challenges

    ThriveHI recognizes potential challenges in completing the economic study for Hawaii due to academic bureaucracy and securing full buy-in from stakeholders for its strategic plan.

    But the organization said it has already built strong partnerships in Hawaii’s ecosystem that will help mitigate these obstacles.

    ThriveHI also said it is prepared with both conservative and aggressive spending strategies depending on the level of follow-up funding after the grant period.

    Upon completing the two-year grant period, ThriveHI plans to expand the project’s impact by applying for additional funding opportunities and soliciting support from network member organizations.

    “Our dedication to the long-term success of the ThriveHI Field Catalyst Development Study is unwavering,” the proposal states. “We have proactively devised strategies to overcome anticipated challenges and have mapped out a clear plan for continuing and expanding our operations even after the grant period ends.”

    The Venture Challenge and Capital Challenge

    The Build to Scale program was comprised of two competitions this year — the Venture Challenge and the Capital Challenge.

    According to the EDA, the program aims to “accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital.”

    In announcing this year’s recipients, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the Build to Scale program “aims to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital.”

    The Venture Challenge supports programs that enable high-growth technology entrepreneurship and promote inclusive access to proven entrepreneurship models.

    ThriveHI was awarded an Ignite grant under the Venture Challenge tier, which provides funding to plan and launch new tech-based economic development strategies.

    The Capital Challenge meanwhile increases access to capital in communities where risk capital is limited through support for investment funds, networks and training programs focused on equity-based financing.

    In total, the 60 Build to Scale grantees will provide $55 million in matching funds, with support coming from an array of public and private sources.

    “Investing in scalable startups and expanding access entrepreneurial capital will yield good-paying jobs, economic resiliency, and equitable growth in communities throughout America,” added Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo.

    The grants are part of the Build to Scale program administered annually by the EDA and funded under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act.

    Honolulu Software Development Firm RVCM Acquired

    RVCM—formerly RevaComm—has been acquired by Virginia-based IntelliBridge, the company announced today.

    RVCM is a security-centered, agile software development company that has recently pivoted to focus on government clients and contracts. The firm, which employs nearly 200 employees in 29 states, developed and deployed next-generation, custom software applications for federal agencies and holds several government contract vehicles that pave the way for future assignments.

    IntelliBridge is a leading provider of advanced technology, intelligence, and mission support solutions to homeland security, federal law enforcement, defense, and civilian agencies. It’s based in McLean, Virginia, and is a portfolio company of Washington, D.C.-based private investment firm Enlightenment Capital.

    “Both organizations are mission-driven, bringing to bear the best solutions for our customers, while also providing our employees with opportunities for growth in a diverse and welcoming environment,” said RVCM CEO and founder Elden Ito on LinkedIn. “Through our collective knowledge and capabilities, we will be able to better support our customers and employees, ultimately driving more successful outcomes.”

    “More customers using RVCM technologies means a more secure world, which is why we’re thrilled to join IntelliBridge,” Ito added in a press release. “The company’s world-class leadership team, national prominence, and genuine commitment of its employees make it the perfect home for RVCM.”

    “RVCM’s deep technology expertise in developing secure software platforms and their unique approach to human-centered design make them a wise addition to a company like IntelliBridge,” said Cass Panciocco, IntelliBridge president and CEO. “Together, RVCM and IntelliBridge can create more secure organizations and a safer world through technology.”

    Ito founded RVCM in 1990. Now, he will join the IntelliBridge board of directors.

    RVCM delivers scale, speed, and security for government agencies and enterprises in Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, and Virginia. The company serves commercial and government customers nationwide, such as the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Central Pacific Bank, and the Hawaii State Department of Health.

    “Finding RVCM, as agile and operationally disciplined as any Silicon Valley tech firm, flourishing from the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a great example of how we drive growth and continue to build our company,” said Matthew Candy, chief growth officer of IntelliBridge. “We identify the best technologies, talent, and cultural fits from far and wide, bring them together under the IntelliBridge umbrella, and deliver instant value and enhanced capabilities to our existing customers while opening doors to new opportunities.”

    By joining forces with RVCM, IntelliBridge sais it will provide even more value to taxpayers by helping large government organizations leave behind archaic technology and bring their systems into the modern age.

    RVCM’s roots are in human-centered design, which has continued to guide its expansion into DevSecOps (development, security, and operations) software applications, agile software development, and cloud-based digital transformation. Key initiatives include:

    • Puckboard, a custom application developed for the U.S. Air Force that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and optimize aircraft and crew scheduling, flight logging, and currency management
    • Platform One, a modern cloud-based DevSecOps platform that supports the rapid and secure delivery of mission applications for the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense
    • batCAVE, a development and production platform that provides a fast, simple, and secure way to deploy software applications to the cloud by streamlining redundant tasks in highly regulated environments
    • Aolytix is a cloud infrastructure management tool that leverages graph analytics to offer visibility into cloud resource utilization and configuration to make real-time, informed decisions

    After Maui Wildfires, Tech Community Unites to Restore Connectivity

    In the wake of the recent devastating wildfires that swept across Maui, a grassroots collaboration between technology organizations worked quickly to deploy satellite internet connectivity at key locations across the island.

    “Witnessing the wildfires’ devastation and the subsequent breakdown of crucial telecommunications, the urgent need for reliable connectivity became immediately apparent,” said Bernice Kissinger, vice president of Hawaii tech non-profit Pacific Impact Zone (PIZ).

    PIZ partnered with SMX, a prominent tech company known for deploying communications technology in remote areas. Together, they shipped over 50 Starlink satellite internet terminals and power generators to Maui within days of the fires starting.

    “The local defense technology community is a tight-knit group and is accustomed to collaborating, so we knew once we got the ball rolling, our Oahu and Maui partners already knew how to get things done together,” said Kevin Miyashiro, CEO of Pacific Impact Zone.

    The Starlink systems, developed by SpaceX, were positioned at critical locations in West Maui, especially in Lahaina where residents had no power or communications. The internet terminals provided communications for first responders and charging stations for residents.

    The Maui Tech Hui, comprising defense contractors like Boeing and local startups, had already deployed some Starlink units by partnering with Maui companies, said Daron Nishimoto, a former Boeing and KBR executive now with the Maui Economic Development Board.

    “Maui is one giant extended family, and efforts like this show how quickly ohana takes care of ohana,” Nishimoto said. “We also grew our extended ohana with lifelong bonds with the SMX team.”

    SMX focused on addressing immediate needs with a holistic disaster management approach. “Our ability to provide technology solutions and deploy Starlink terminals was driven by our commitment to support and restore,” said Shannon Tolliver, SMX Vice President.

    Other Maui-based partners included Mahi Pono and Alpha.

    As recovery continues, PIZ, SMX, Maui Tech Hui, and others remain committed to aiding the community and learning from the experience.

    Annual Cloud Innovation Summit Returns in August

    The event was created to promoting innovative technologies, digital transformation, and enabling the workforce.

    This year Hawaii Cloud Innovation Summit is focused on the theme of “Laulima: Working Together to Future Proof Hawaii’s Economy,” bringing together all sectors of the economy and highlighting the importance of collaboration to drive growth and success.

    The event is complimentary to all registered attendees and will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The conference aims to unify diverse participants from various sectors, including local businesses, healthcare institutions, education, government, and defense. These diverse attendees will be able to engage in a rich exchange of ideas, best practices, and insights, all focusing on digital transformation through cloud technology.

    Courtesy TRUE

    Through engaging keynote presentations, informative panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical insights to leverage digital transformation and innovation to drive economic growth and protect the local economy. The summit will also focus on the importance of enabling the workforce to meet the demands of the digital age, highlighting the need for continuous learning and development to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

    Public and private technology leaders are shifting to the cloud as part of their digital transformation strategy. Moving from traditional on-site servers to the service-based cloud model supports greater agility, productivity, and efficiency while reducing costs and enabling faster innovation.

    “Technology has impacted the global landscape and it is critical for our local businesses and community to access the knowledge, resources, and connections to stay competitive in the marketplace,” said Leilani Farinas, executive director of TRUE. “The Summit provides a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and inspiration to help Hawaii organizations succeed.”

    “Our public sector leaders’ efforts to modernize can be activated by our collective ability to innovate, resource, convene and facilitate. The summit is a tent pole event that allows us to collaborate, explore novel solutions and bring our community together to effectively work towards a more modernized government,” said Christine Sakuda, executive director of Transform Hawaii Government.

    “Cloud solutions can drive a range of benefits including accelerating economic resilience and sustainability, facilitating innovation and collaboration, and solving community problems,” said Eddie Ontai, president of DataHouse. “World-class experts and local industry leaders will share their experiences on how to successfully navigate the challenges of shifting to the cloud.”

    Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke will deliver the opening keynote address. The conference will feature informative panels and breakout sessions with thought leaders from the public and private sectors.

    Additional keynote speakers include:

    Angela Shippy, M.D., Amazon Web Services (AWS) Senior Physician Executive

    Angela A. Shippy, MD, MHA, FACP, FHM is Amazon Web Services’ Senior Physician Executive and Clinical Innovation Lead, Healthcare. In this role, Dr. Shippy brings clinical and operational leadership experience and perspective to advancing cloud technology adoption to support, enable, and activate patients and providers. Previously, Dr. Shippy served as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical & Quality Officer at Memorial Hermann Health System where she had system-wide oversight for accreditation, clinical quality, employee and patient safety, lab, and pharmacy. Prior to Memorial Hermann, Dr. Shippy served as Chief Medical Officer of HCA’s Gulf Coast Division and as Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center where she practiced as a hospitalist. She earned a B.S. in biology from Texas A&M University and an M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she also completed her residency in internal medicine. Dr. Shippy has served on local, state, and national councils and committees and held volunteer faculty positions at Baylor College of Medicine, UT Health-Houston, and The Institute of Healthcare Improvement. She currently serves as a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Board and on advisory committees for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Houston and The Houston Area Women’s Center.

    Steve Comstock, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Enterprise Technologist

    Steve Comstock is a transformative C-suite technologist with over 30+ years of experience in driving global business transformations with cloud scale digital architectures, AI/ML driven insights and creating new revenue streams. Steve comes from Platform engineering and data analytics background. Steve works with AWS customers’ C-suites and executive leaders as a strategic digital and technology transformation advisor providing cloud, cyber & AI/ML expertise. He currently in the Western region of the United States as an Enterprise Technologist for AWS.

    Prior to joining AWS, he was the CIO for CBS Interactive, responsible for the overall technology where he led global engineering, architecture & Cybersecurity teams. He was part of the team who launched Paramount+, CBSN (Digital News), digitally streamed the Superbowl twice, and was the technical leader for a ComScore 6 ranked company.  Before CBS Interactive, Steve was the VP of Customer Experience/Engineering with Sendmail, Inc..  He led the QA, Customer Experience, Engineering, and led multiple organizational transformations. 

    Before Sendmail, he held various roles with Oracle Corporation, bringing new products to market, testing and verifying customer readiness, and was the key implemented of “eating our own dog food”.  During this time, Steve developed and implemented agile change control, resiliency testing, and led a number of organizational transformations.

    Steve started his career with the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), where he developed software that supported various functions for on station operations worldwide including the three US Antarctic research bases. Steve considers himself industry agnostic and believes that every technology decision starts with business value enabled by the unique convergence of IoT, Cloud, Data Lake & powerful analytics powered by AI/ML, increased connectivity, and rapid service delivery.

    Mo Ramsey, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Global Leader, Disaster Response and Humanitarian Affairs

    Maurice “Mo” Ramsey is Amazon Web Services’ Disaster Response and Humanitarian Leader. In this role, Mo brings significant business and technology leadership experience advancing cloud technology adoption to support, enable, and activate humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) missions for customers, partners, and communities.

    Previously, Mo served in the US Army (active) from 1992 to 1997. He was honorably discharged in 1997 as a disabled veteran.  He has served in leadership roles such as Director at Slalom Consulting over Advanced Infrastructure and Strategy (serving as a CIO ‘on demand’ resource); Sr. Director, Cloud at CenturyLink (formerly Tier3); and GM of Advisory Services at Lighthouse; and, most recently, Area Practice Lead, Professional Services, Nonprofits with AWS.

    Mo earned a B.A. from Columbia College and holds multiple business and technology certifications.

    The annual event is presented by the TRUE Initiative, a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating a diverse and sustainable economy through tech enabling Hawaii, and Transform Hawaii Government, a nonprofit that advocates for government modernization to improve access, efficiency and cost-savings within government programs and services.

    The Hawaii Cloud Innovation Summit is sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its APN partners, who are facilitating the content offerings, providing insights, and technical expertise to help drive Hawaii’s community toward a cloud-first future.

    Registration is required to attend the Hawaii Cloud Innovation Summit. Tickets are available online at:

    https://HCIS2023.eventbrite.com

    For more information, visit

    https://www.datahouse.com/Hawaiʻi-cloud-innovation-summit/

    Mana Up Brand Accelerator Selects 11 Companies for Eighth Cohort

    Mana Up, a local accelerator for Hawaii-based consumer brands, announces 11 companies that will participate in its annual six-month program this year, joining 74 companies who have graduated from Mana Up’s accelerator since it started its accelerator in 2018.

    Following Mana Up’s history of receiving a record-breaking number of applications with each cohort, this year is no different. Mana Up saw 149 local companies apply for its eighth cohort, interviewed 56, and announced the 11 companies accepted into this year’s program.

    The companies will participate in a six month accelerator that includes weekly workshops, curated mentor introductions, access to sales channels and customized goal setting. Special perks of this year’s program include a customized brand brief articulating each company’s key narratives, a 2-minute video spotlight, and a feature in the 2023 Mana Up Showcase, among many other benefits.

    “With another year of record-breaking applications, we’re even more convinced of the continuing need and opportunity to support this industry with resources, capital and growth channels,” says Meli James, co-founder, Mana Up. “We’ve got an impressive group this year, who will join the Mana Up Alumni that generate $61 million in annual revenue in aggregate and are growing on average 33% annually.  All of these companies are 100% headquartered in Hawaiʻi, adding jobs, revenue, community giveback and so much more.”

    Here are the 11 companies that make up Cohort 8:

    1. Liquid Life Hawaii creates super-food products such as cold-pressed juices and nutraceuticals using locally sourced ingredients with three health cafes on the Island of Hawaii. Founded by Ola and Puna Tripp from Hilo, Hawaii Island.
    1. Hobbs Tea offers a variety of organic and sustainably-grown tea from Hawaii that helps protect endemic Hawaiian species and their habitats. Founded by Jamie Chambers Lyons from Kalaheo, Kauai.
    1. Brianne & Co. is a handmade jewelry line crafted by Brianne Light. Her simple, minimalist jewelry collection features a variety of materials from local Kauai sea glass and shells to unique stones, genuine pearls and precious metals. Founded by Brianne Light from Koloa, Kauai.
    1. Maui Chili Chili Oil offers a condiment with a unique flavor that’s growing in popularity. Started during the pandemic, the company handcrafts small batch Szechuan-style chili oil with garlic and locally grown Maui onion. Founded by Deron and Kit Furukawa from Wailuku, Maui.
    1. Sweet Land Farm is a goat dairy and farmstead creamery born from founder Emma’s passion – combining her culinary training and family tradition of dairy farming. Founded by Emma Bello McCaulley and her father, Eric Bello from Waialua, Oahu.
    1. Kaka’ako Kasuals is a Native Hawaiian and wahine-owned footwear company that provides comfortable slippers and water shoes featuring designs that reflect the Islands – made for the entire ‘ohana. Founded by mother-daughter duo Napualani and Kiani Wong from Kakaako, Oahu.
    1. UBAE is a local confectionery inspired by the founders’ Filipino roots offering sweet treats made with ube from cheesecake to cookies. Founded by Adrienne-Joy and Jeremy Jataas from Honolulu, Oahu.
    1. Averylily is an interior design studio curating offering a move-in basics collection for new homeowners; bedding, bath, decorative throw pillows and tabletop. Founded by Avery Solmssen and Lily Kanter from Honolulu, Hawaii.
    1. Lotus & Lime is a mother-daughter fashion brand designed by Kim and Jade-Alexis Ryusaki that perpetuates both their Native Hawaiian and Japanese cultures through unique designs. Founded by Kim and Jade-Alexis Ryusaki from Honolulu, Oahu.
    1. Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals creates an exceptional line of healing flower essences, body care products and spa treatments using locally grown ingredients and inspired by the healing energy of Hawaii Island’s rain forests and the teachings of their Kumu. Using their training in Hawaiian plant medicine, energy healing and focusing on locally. Founded by Melia Goodenow from Keaau, Hawaii Island.
    1. Hawaiian Soda Co. crafts a healthier alternative to sodas inspired by the flavors of Hawaii and made with real fruit juice, crisp fizz, and prebiotics. The fizzy beverages have no added sugar or preservatives. Founded by Caesar and Gina Ho from Honolulu, Oahu.

    Mana Up Cohort 8 officially kicks off May 30 and culminates with its annual Mana Up Showcase event taking place on November 8 and 9, 2023.

    The eighth cohort application cycle yielded the following data:

    • Island: O‘ahu (58%), Hawaii Island (20%), Maui (14%), Kaua‘i (7%), and Moloka‘i (1%)
    • Income breakdown: $500,000+ (13%), $100,000-$500,00 (36%), under $100,000 (51%), representing at least $25 million in annual revenue combined.
    • Average percent of revenue generated from e-commerce: 40%
    • Top areas of needed improvement as reported by applicants: e-commerce, sales, distribution, and branding & packaging
    • Average employees: 3.51

    About Mana Up

    Mana Up is a business program for Hawaiʻi product entrepreneurs who are looking to grow to markets globally, with the mission to increase economic opportunity and jobs for the people of Hawaiʻi. To date, 74 local companies graduated from the six-month accelerator program that provides expansion opportunities and helps solve business challenges. House of Mana Up is our retail initiative with an online store and retail stores at the Royal Hawaiian Center and Prince Waikiki and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which highlights products and entrepreneurs who have participated in the accelerator. For more information about the accelerator program, visit www.manauphawaii.com.

    Hawaii Tech Companies Receive $2 Million for R&D

    The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) has awarded grants totaling more than $2 million to 15 Hawaii companies to support their research and development efforts toward new productions and solutions.

    “Hawaii companies are developing solutions to address important issues in food safety, health care, energy, and military support, which will have national and even international impacts,” said Len Higashi, executive director of HTDC. “Funding these types of projects not only enables companies to bring their products to market, but it also helps to build the state’s technology ecosystem and spurs innovation.”

    The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research program offers funding to companies that are developing new technologies, platforms, or processes, with a focus on the tech sector. Grants are awarded in three progressive phases, with each providing more extensive funding to get innovations to market. Companies must be recipients of federal Small Business Innovation Research grants to qualify for state-level funding.

    Phase 1 matching grants, which fund projects through the early stages of development, were awarded to eight companies:

    Eleven companies were awarded Phase 2 matching grants to accelerate the development of their projects to commercialization:

    About HTDC

    HTDC is a state agency attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s high technology industry by developing a flourishing technology industry that produces quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaii residents. HTDC is providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.htdc.org