The Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable and the University of Hawaiʻi will host the . This year鈥檚 conference is The Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative鈥檚 Forum on Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, Cybersecurity and will be held October 10–11 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

糖心Vlog官方 President will be one of three Hawaiʻi university presidents opening the conference with a discussion on preparing students for the future innovation economy.

“The Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative is one of our four strategic directions and can only succeed through valuable partnerships like our relationship with the Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable,” Lassner said. 鈥淭he Future Focus Forum is intended to raise awareness in the community of the many sectors in which we have opportunities to stimulate an innovation economy that creates great jobs for our next generation.鈥�

The forum will feature presentations, interactive panel discussions, “poolside chats” and a networking reception, offering attendees opportunities to learn more about emerging technologies, research and ways to engage in, and contribute to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 growing innovation and technology industry.

Featured presenters include:

• Peter Matlock, director of commercialization, Joint BioEnergy Institute; Lawrence Berkeley National Lab/Tropical BioTech Entrepreneur
• Josh Sullivan, best-selling author of The Mathematical Corporation; senior vice president, artificial intelligence lead; digital, analytics and strategy lead, Booz Allen Hamilton

Registration information

The registration fee for the Future Focus Forum is $150 ($75 for students with ID) and includes continental breakfast and lunch on both days. For more information and to register, visit the .

The University of Hawaiʻi has received a $3 million grant from national education non-profit to continue the advancement of career pathways in Hawaiʻi. In addition, the provided a $300,000 grant to amplify the work across the state.

The goals of the combined philanthropic investments are to:

• Sustain the industry-led sector partnerships to advance economic development and develop workforce solutions, while establishing a governance structure to provide oversight to statewide strategic planning.
• Enhance Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) career pipeline by:
  • Aligning the Department of Education鈥檚 Career and Technical Education pathways with 糖心Vlog官方 and advancing initiatives to improve 糖心Vlog官方 students鈥� math and English scores to better position them for successful careers as they transition from high school to postsecondary education.
  • Developing 糖心Vlog官方 STEM academic pathways in Engineering, Information Communications Technology, Biological Sciences, and Environmental and Physical Sciences for the transition from community college to 4-year campuses.
  • Bridging the success gap in STEM for students from underrepresented groups.
• Provide integrated student support to help students face fewer barriers to achieving their academic and career plans.
• Enhance and promote the Hawaiʻi Industry Sectors website to be more user-friendly for students and policymakers. This includes linking to 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 nationally award-winning online graduation pathway system, STAR.

In 2016, 糖心Vlog官方 received a to launch the Building Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Innovation Economy and Workforce initiative. The initiative builds on and advances two of 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 key strategic directions—the and . The overarching goal is to expand the state鈥檚 economy beyond tourism and military spending to create high-quality, living-wage career opportunities for residents, while working to ensure graduates have the skills that employers want and need.

“Our goal is to prepare Hawaiʻi鈥檚 students and our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow in a manner that is highly informed by employers and supported by educational pathways from K–12 to college to career,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President . “Strada鈥檚 remarkable investments are paving the way for others like the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to join us and take the positive momentum even further. It is gratifying and energizing to partner with national and local funders who recognize and believe in our groundbreaking work that is increasingly becoming a model for other states.”

Impact highlights to date

• Eight industry-led sector partnerships in banking/finance, IT, engineering, food manufacturing, healthcare (Oʻahu and Maui), and agriculture (Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi) launched in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. The sector partnership convenings provide a venue for industry to collectively address opportunities for growth as well as challenges; and partner with economic and workforce development, education, and other stakeholders to build solutions.
• 237 state, county, and nonprofit employees received STEM training/certification through the STEM Workforce Fund.
• 16.2 percent increase in enrollment and completion rates for minority students under-represented in STEM fields across the 糖心Vlog官方 System between fall 2014 (2,432 students) and fall 2017 (2,825 students). Degree completion increased 18.3 percent from 415 students in FY 2015 to 491 students in FY 2017.
• Developed and aligned STEM academic pathways to increase student enrollment, persistence and transfer. For example, the engineering pathway was aligned so that all associates degree coursework counts towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补.
• The launch of the award-winning website which uses data visualization to align Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic and workforce needs with degree offerings at 糖心Vlog官方.
• Enhanced statewide data and reporting tools have allowed 糖心Vlog官方 to create dashboards and develop a culture of data use to inform policy decisions. For example, the STEM dashboard allows faculty/staff to track progress on STEM enrollment, transfer, retention and graduation.

“Improving outcomes and opportunity for the students of Hawaiʻi has always been a critical part of our mission as we work to strengthen pathways between education and employment for all Americans,” said Bill Hansen, president and CEO of Strada Education Network. “The University of Hawaiʻi System has become a leading innovator in higher education, working alongside local and government leaders to improve student success and build the state鈥檚 talent pipeline. We鈥檙e honored to support this work and to be joined by collaborative partners like the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to sustain and scale these innovative programs in Hawaiʻi.”

Terry George, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation president and CEO added, “For Hawaiʻi to truly thrive, K–12 and higher educational opportunities must reflect labor market needs and lead to family sustaining wages. We are pleased to partner alongside Strada Education in helping the University of Hawaiʻi enroll far more students in career pathways that prepare them for in-demand jobs and obtain a degree that employers actually value. Working together, we can help Hawaiʻi鈥檚 youth to fulfil their most ambitious dreams.”

President made his report to the at their meeting on November 16, 2017.

Highlights include:

• ()
• Congressional visits ()
• Tax reform and higher education ()
• Programs serving Native Hawaiian and underrepresented students ()
• Defense-related programs ()
• ()
• ()
• Green-tariff initiative with HECO ()
• 糖心Vlog官方 places third in cybersecurity competition ()
• Leeward CC‘s Waiʻanae Moku ()
• ()
• Agriculture grants ()
• ()
• 糖心Vlog官方 Strategic Directions ()
• Hawaiʻi Graduation Initiative ()
• Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative ()
• 21st Century Facilities ()
• High Performance Mission-Driven System ()
• Strengthen relationship with 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation ()
• Indigenous-serving institution ()
• Sustainability initiatives ()
• 糖心Vlog官方 Strategic Directions ()
• William “Billy” Richardson ()

View previous reports to the board.

The University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 award-winning startup accelerator, , was named one of only 20 national winners of the . This marks the third year in a row that the University of Hawaiʻi accelerator has won the competition, which includes a $50,000 cash award.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 was the only winner from Hawaiʻi in this year鈥檚 SBA鈥檚 Growth Accelerator Fund competition, which is designed to draw attention and funding to parts of the country with gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Winners were selected by experts in entrepreneurship, investing and business plans from both inside and out of the federal government and based on applications and pitch videos submitted by the finalists.

“We are pleased to have our XLR8糖心Vlog官方 program take home this prestigious SBA national award once again,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation . “It further validates our continuing efforts under the to diversify the state鈥檚 economy by creating a third economic leg based on the commercialization of 糖心Vlog官方 research.”

Building on XLR8糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 national recognition

This award builds upon the national recognition garnered by XLR8糖心Vlog官方 in 2017, which also includes being named one of the top 30 accelerators in the country by Forbes. XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

“We are honored, once again, to have won this award and be counted among the top accelerator programs in the country,” said Omar Sultan, co-founder and managing partner of XLR8糖心Vlog官方 and . “The SBA鈥檚 recognition over the past three years has helped shine a national spotlight on the strong and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Hawaiʻi and on the innovations generated by 糖心Vlog官方 research.

In accepting the SBA award, the winning accelerators will be committing to bi-annual reporting of metrics on jobs created, funds raised, startups launched, corporate sponsors obtained and more. These metrics will allow the SBA to better understand accelerators and their impact, and to develop long-term relationships with the startups and constituents in these innovative and entrepreneurial communities.

Launched in 2014 as a public-private partnership between 糖心Vlog官方 and Sultan Ventures, XLR8糖心Vlog官方 has mentored and trained five cohorts consisting of 24 companies. In total, these companies have created more than 100 jobs and generated over $5 million in revenue, nearly all of which remains in Hawaiʻi.

“With only 20 awards available this year, the two tiered selection process made the competition even more difficult,” said Jane Sawyer, director of the SBA鈥檚 Hawaiʻi District Office. “Our team is extremely pleased that XLR8糖心Vlog官方 once again was recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 top accelerators.”

Potential game-changing research from three professors were highlighted at the 糖心Vlog官方 Tech Showcase held on October 18 at the Bankers’ Club at First Hawaiian Center. Presentations from the fields of oceanography, tropical medicine and tropical agriculture were made to an invitation-only audience of more than 30 local investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

“These are three examples of the world-class research being continuously conducted at the University of Hawaiʻi that seek and engage the major issues facing us today,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation . “Through vehicles like this showcase, we hope to develop and strengthen community awareness and investment in the and its goal to help diversify the state’s economy through the creation of a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem based on 糖心Vlog官方 research.”

Presentations

Revolutionizing climate and ocean change research sensors
Associate Professor of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 showcased his work on oceanographic technological innovations and solutions, which are low-cost, do-it-yourself embedded system sensors that would replace expensive and overly complex commercial sensors and equipment in his field. Glazer’s research could revolutionize the monitoring of environmental factors pertinent to climate and ocean change research by making sensors readily available, affordable and accurate.

Monitoring Zika virus infection
Professor described his development of a superior serodiagnostic assay capable of specifically identifying Zika virus infections from other related viruses. As microcephaly has become an international concern, Wang’s procedure can monitor the Zika virus infection during pregnancy for at-risk mothers. Wang is with the of the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s .

Developing insecticides for specific pests
Professor of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 highlighted his research on monoterpenoids from select essential oils for toxicity effects on agricultural, storage and household pests. His acquired data from testing compounds alone, in combination and at different concentrations and formulations, could be useful in the development of insecticides for specific pests.

The annual event, sponsored by the , the 糖心Vlog官方 and the , was created to increase the awareness of 糖心Vlog官方’s cutting-edge research and is a component of 糖心Vlog官方’s efforts under the Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative.

C. David Ai has been appointed director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, as well as chief innovation officer of the . Ai will be responsible for the management of intellectual property (IP) and 糖心Vlog官方-developed technology assets through his oversight of three inter-related offices. Ai鈥檚 appointment was approved on August 24 by the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents and he is set to begin his official duties on March 15, 2018.

“We are very pleased and fortunate to have a person with the impressive credentials, knowledge and experience of David to lead the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 tech transfer and commercialization efforts into the future,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation . “In our push to become a leader of technology commercialization in the Asia-Pacific region, his stewardship of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization will be absolutely vital to that effort and to the success of the Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative.”

Ai will lead the (formerly known as Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development or OTTED), that will develop, implement and manage 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 IP and technology licensing functions, including the active solicitation of invention disclosures from researchers. Ai will also lead 糖心Vlog官方 Ventures, a newly created office that will be responsible for intellectual property and technology licensing, education and the development of commercial partnerships to help drive and stimulate opportunities for economic growth. He will work closely with the Strategic Grants Development Office, a newly created entity to assist and mentor 糖心Vlog官方 faculty, students and post-docs, alumni to navigate the complex development and application process associated with private research funding, including large multi-investigator grants.

“I am thrilled to join the University of Hawaiʻi System, and to help drive the innovation agenda with all the colleagues on 10 campuses and in research institutes under one umbrella,” Ai said, “Hawaiʻi has a long and proud history of diversity, which is the most important ingredient of innovation—to observe the world from a unique angle. I look forward to this unique and exciting challenge.”

More about C. David Ai

Ai comes to the University of Hawaiʻi from the City University of Hong Kong, where he served as director of knowledge transfer, leading the university鈥檚 IP commercialization operations for the past three and a half years—concurrently leading an intense push into China鈥檚 vast business and industrial world, while developing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem on campus.

From 2008 to 2014, Ai served as senior IP licensing associate and licensed patent attorney for the Office of Technology Licensing at Stanford University, where he shaped the university鈥檚 China strategy and spearheaded their technology transfer efforts into the country. While at Stanford, Ai also negotiated and drafted IP licenses, managed patent prosecution, marketed more than 300 inventions and served as liaison to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.

Additionally, he has more than 20 years of experience in various management and administrative positions within large corporations and venture companies such as vice president at NYSE-listed Varian Medical Systems and CEO at several startups, as well as chief advisor at Hitachi Corporate VC in the Silicon Valley.

Ai received his bachelor of science degree in psychology from National Taiwan University, master of science degree in computer science from Indiana University, master of business administration degree from Stanford University, and juris doctor degree from Santa Clara University. He is also a licensed patent attorney in California.

The Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable and the will be hosting the third annual . The conference will be held October 4–5, 2017 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 innovation sector continues to make strides, one of the featured keynote speakers at this year鈥檚 conference is NASA Astronaut Col. E. . Fincke, who joined NASA in 1996, served on two missions aboard the International Space Station and as a mission specialist aboard the last spaceflight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in May 2011. His combined extra-vehicular activity time from all three missions of 48 hours and 37 minutes, places Fincke 10th on the list of most spacewalk time.

“This year, we are fortunate that Col. Fincke will join our conference to discuss the outlook of space exploration and astronomy across the nation and its impacts on our state,” said Rich Wacker, Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable chairman. “The forum will also focus on matters relating to disaster management, cybersecurity and innovation to ensure that the local businesses and the academic communities understand these key growth areas for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy.”

The forum will feature presentations, interactive panel discussions, “poolside chats” and a networking reception, offering attendees opportunities to learn more about emerging technologies, research, and ways to engage in, and contribute to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 growing innovation and technology industry.

University of Hawaiʻi President added, “糖心Vlog官方 is committed to continue partnering with local businesses and government to help drive innovation in Hawaiʻi. Future Focus provides us the opportunity to share our progress and capabilities as we also listen to and learn from leading experts in key growth areas in which our is working to help diversify the state鈥檚 economy and create more living-wage jobs.”

Featured presenters include:

• Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone, commanding general, U.S. Army Cyber Command
• John Roth, director of business development, Sierra Nevada Corporation鈥檚 Space Systems
• Adelina Kamal, executive director, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management

The event will also feature the public launch of CyberHawaiʻi, a partnership of local federal, state, county, private industry, professional organizations and academia combining efforts to implement a “cyber-ecosystem” to defend Hawaiʻi against cyberattacks. CyberHawaiʻi is aligned by CyberUSA, a non-profit “community of communities” governed by its members, established to enhance information sharing between states and improve cyber resilience at all levels of participation—local, regional and national—all while connecting the cyber ecosystem of the U.S and its allies.

Registration information

The registration fee for the conference is $100 ($50 for students with ID), which also includes continental breakfast on both days and lunch and a reception on the first day. .

University of Hawaiʻi spinouts Adnoviv, LLC; Radial3D and SNR Analytics, Inc. (SNRAI) were invited to present at the prestigious showcase of university technologies held on June 28, 2017 at California State University, Los Angeles.

Presentations were made to an invitation-only audience of over 200 investors, entrepreneurs, and faculty and staff from the participating universities. The University Hawaiʻi spinouts were invited to participate in the showcase by the 糖心Vlog官方 Office of Technology Transfer, Arizona State University Technology Transfer and the Los Angeles Venture Association.

Adnoviv

Adnoviv’s intelligent occupancy sensors were developed by and of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 . The company’s True Presence Occupancy Detection Sensors are the first to employ Doppler radar “life-signs” sensing technology to detect true human presence in indoor spaces to avoid the cost and nuisance associated with erroneous power switching.

Radial3D

Radial3D, developed by a team led by Scott Lozanoff of the , is a collaborative platform that allows medical students and healthcare professionals to work together to view medical imagery and share their diagnosis. It is a 3D web-based medical imaging platform that is accessible from any web-connected device and any VR/AR device.

SNRAI

SNRAI is a technology company focused on the discovery and validation of molecular signatures for precision immunotherapy applications. Developed by and his colleagues at the , SNRAI is an analytical pipeline that seeks to develop a portfolio that will provide “companion” diagnostics for existing antibodies that target specific checkpoint genes in a given cancer, or suggest cancers for which an antibody targeting a specific checkpoint gene should be developed.

Both Adnoviv and Radial 3D are graduates of XLR8糖心Vlog官方, the University of Hawaiʻi’s multiple award-winning proof of concept center and venture accelerator program.

“I’m pleased that we were invited to First Look LA for a third consecutive year,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation .聽“It further validates our continuing efforts under the Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative to help diversify the state’s economy through the creation of a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem based on 糖心Vlog官方 research.”

More about First Look LA

First Look LA is a full-day showcase of emerging technology investment opportunities from premier research institutions in Southern California and Arizona, including Caltech, USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Children’s Hospital LA, City of Hope, and Arizona State University.

, 糖心Vlog官方 vice president for budget and finance and chief financial officer, shares his analysis of the 2017 legislative session to date.

The is now entering its final month for 2017, and in the next few weeks both the and the will be meeting in joint conference committee to deliberate their disagreements with each other’s draft of the state budget and to eventually settle on appropriation decisions for every state department and agency.

The deliberations will be watched by all state agencies including the . Prior to the beginning of the legislative session, 糖心Vlog官方 submitted a very lean request for additional general fund support of $28,700,000 in FY18 and $29,600,000 in FY19. All requests aligned with the four strategic directions which include: , , and .

The Governor’s Executive Budget, which was submitted in December 2016, included a total of $21,900,372 for FY18 and $21,834,372 for FY19 for 糖心Vlog官方. However in early February, the governor sent down a message significantly reducing his December budget request due to the Council of Revenue’s downward forecast, and the only item which remained was $5,000,000 in each year for the .

In March of 2017, the House draft of the state budget only provided six school psychologists for a total of $600,000 appropriation, but transferred four extension agents from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa to the State Department of Agriculture for a total of $330,000, which provided 糖心Vlog官方 with a net gain of $270,000.

At the beginning of April, the Senate passed its version of the budget, which provided $3,000,000 in each year for the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center; $350,000 for concussion awareness; $240,800 for Heʻeia Reserve; $1,290,000 for Title IX compliance; $400,000 for positions to help with the management of 糖心Vlog官方’s capital projects; and $1,829,000 for the Hawaiʻi Promise Program.

With uncertainty in the trajectory of state tax revenues and pressure from on-going collective bargaining negotiations, it is likely that very few additional requests will be funded by the Legislature.

Since the conference committee meetings on the budget will begin shortly, below is a synopsis of how 糖心Vlog官方 has fared this session.

Much of the university’s request is not included in either the House or Senate version of the budget—although, it appears the Senate was marginally more supportive of the university’s overall request than the House.

For the capital improvement projects budget, the initial 糖心Vlog官方 request was for $452.6 million over the two-year biennium. That amount was reduced by the governor to $150 million in his request submitted to the Legislature in December 2016. The House draft of the budget provided $150.5 million, although that was separated into 50+ individual line itemed projects. The Senate draft provided only $62.8 million for capital projects.

The following table shows the four main categories:

• Major projects: Whole building renovations or new structures
• Minor projects: A only category that focuses on smaller improvements
• Renew, improve and modernize (RIM): Projects that prioritize classrooms, laboratories and student spaces centered around improving the learning environment; and
• Planning: Initiatives that support or deliver long-term development plans that strategically align with the core mission of the campus.

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Once the conference committee meetings start, much will need to be discussed, and we will need to wait for the end of session to see how the university fared. The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 4, 2017.

The University of Hawaiʻi announced that two of its accelerator programs, and the 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College (MFIC) at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College, were recipients of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2016 Growth Accelerator Competition awards. This marks the second straight year that both programs received the prestigious award and a $50,000 cash prize.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 and MFIC are two of the 85 winners selected across 37 states and the District of Columbia who will collectively receive a total of $4.25 million to boost the economic impact of accelerators. The purpose of the SBA’s annual competition is to draw attention and funding to parts of the country where there are gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including those not readily supported by the private sector.

“We are again pleased that XLR8糖心Vlog官方 and MFIC were recognized nationally by the SBA,鈥� said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation . “As we continue to build our innovation ecosystem through the aggressive commercialization of our research, this award is a validation of our efforts to help diversify the state’s economy.”

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized. To date, 19 companies have been developed through the program, generating more than $1 million in revenue and $8 million funding.

“It is a huge honor for us to be among the 2016 top accelerators. Winning a second time in a row speaks to the strength of Startup Paradise and the commitment to Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs,” said Tarik Sultan, co-founder and managing partner of XLR8糖心Vlog官方 and .

“There is a great camaraderie in Hawaiʻi among the entrepreneurial community and what we’re all working to achieve. The $200,000 coming into our State from SBA will support the continued growth of our startup community and accelerators holistically,” Sultan added.

Incubator for future food industry leaders

Through its Maui Food Industry X-Celerator Program, MFIC provides an incubator program to support businesses in the form of training, community resources and access to a certified commercial kitchen at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College. To date, the program has received 47 applications and graduated 24 businesses in two cohorts—of which 90 percent are women entrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to receive SBA national recognition and continued validation of 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College and our Maui Food Innovation Center programs for a second consecutive year,” said Chris Speere, site coordinator for the Maui Food Innovation Center. “The funding award speaks to the effort of our graduates, business, government, food industry leaders and community partners that help us build a successful and winning program.”

As competition winners, both XLR8糖心Vlog官方 and MFIC will report metrics such as jobs created, funds raised and startups launched. This will allow SBA to continue building upon its database of accelerators and their impact and to develop long-term relationships with the startups and constituents in these innovative and entrepreneurial communities.

“The creation of great, living wage jobs in Hawaiʻi through the establishment of a vibrant innovation sector is the goal of the ,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President . “National recognition like this illustrates the validity of our programs and the direction of our efforts to create at $1 billion innovation, research, education and training enterprise here in the islands.鈥�

In the official announcement, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said: ”SBA created the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition in 2014 as a way to make new connections and strengthen existing bonds within America’s small business support network, bringing entrepreneurs and innovators together and connecting them with local and national resources that support small business job creation and growth. These awards deliver on a longstanding commitment at SBA to strengthen and modernize these support systems especially in parts of the country where access to capital has been a major barrier to starting a business. This year’s winners show that our efforts are bearing fruit and further cementing our nation’s most pioneering accelerators, incubators and innovation hubs as major players driving America’s technology startup ecosystem.”

The announced the selection of eight teams for the fifth cohort of its accelerator startup investment program—. The startups in this round include digital technology providing athletes and physicians ways to identify, measure and monitor sports concussions; a lifesaving blood analysis smartphone platform; and a data collection and project management platform for conservation and agriculture customers.

The eight teams have the potential to receive $25,000 to $50,000 for completing the program and up to $100,000 in follow-up funding.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 cohort 5 finalists

• Smart Yields, a farm data analytics platform designed to enhance yields by providing critical crop protection alerts and real-time monitoring to enhance yields.
• HealthTech Apps, a mobile technology platform that provides athletes and physicians ways to identify, measure and monitor sports concussions reducing the risk of re-injury.
• OiOiOT, provides smart and IOT solutions on connected community projects through a patented secure bi-directional communication method.
• Herbavore, a horticultural hand tool company for professional and hobbyist growers that offers customizable, ergonomic and more efficient products.
• Radial3D, a web and mobile store app that facilitates shared viewing of medical images by clinicians and their patients within a Mixed Reality environment.
• iFirst Medical Technologies, a lifesaving blood analysis and management smartphone platform.
• Natural Resource Data Solutions, a platform for data collection and project management for conservation and agriculture customers saving time and money.
• Azimov Technologies, guidance and control technology for unmanned aircraft systems.

The teams are currently in the first phase of XLR8糖心Vlog官方’s intensive 16-week mentorship and investment program, where they will be assessing and developing their business models. Startups selected to advance to the second phase will further their business development, and in the third phase will develop and practice their pitch to investors. Experienced entrepreneurs and investors will mentor the teams throughout the program.

“As a sector agnostic program, we receive a variety of applications from multiple sectors and disciplines, which is a testament to the amount of innovation occurring out of the University of Hawaiʻi. With this cohort we are seeing more emphasis on medical technologies, as well as applications for the agricultural industry,” said Omar Sultan, managing director of XLR8糖心Vlog官方. “We’re excited to see more innovation in sectors representing some of Hawaiʻi’s strengths.”

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is a first-of-its-kind startup investment program developed by 糖心Vlog官方 and , a boutique venture firm that also manages the program. XLR8糖心Vlog官方 educates, mentors and invests in 糖心Vlog官方 research and talent, ranging from students to post docs, faculty and alumni. It is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

“Once again, we are excited to see the diversity of issues that are being addressed by the XLR8糖心Vlog官方 teams though 糖心Vlog官方-based research,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Research and Innovation . “These innovative ideas and their potential to develop into dynamic, locally based companies is what the Hawaiʻi Innovation Initiative is all about.”

Editor’s note, November 30, 2016: This message has been updated to include Board of Regents approval.

, University of Hawaiʻi vice president for and chief financial officer, shares the University of Hawaiʻi biennium budget request approved by the Board of Regents at its November 17 meeting.

The 糖心Vlog官方 biennium budget submitted to the governor and the legislature requests $28,700,000 in the next fiscal year (FY2018) and $29,600,000 in FY2019 in additional general funds. The University of Hawaiʻi currently receives about $432.9 million in state general funds as part of its over $1.2 billion operating budget.

The budget requests are organized to fund initiatives in a number of themes that will advance the university’s four strategic directions: , , and . The (PDF).

The capital budget will request $216.6 million for FY2018 and $236.1 million for FY2019 to address capital renewal, progress on deferred maintenance and funding for projects to modernize each of the campuses within the 糖心Vlog官方 System.

The governor considers requests from all state departments as part of the executive branch proposed budget submittal for the upcoming biennium to the legislature which convenes in mid-January. The biennium budget will be for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 and for the fiscal year July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

, the University of Hawaiʻi’s nationally recognized accelerator program, is accepting applications for its 5th cohort taking place in fall 2016. The deadline for applications is October 7. The program provides industry mentorship to faculty, staff, students and alumni to validate their business ideas and bring them to market.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 will prepare participants with:

• mentorship from an experienced team
• access to industry experts and investors
• investor led bootcamps and pitch practices
• help on financial models for their business
• intellectual property strategy guidance

Phase I companies (idea stage/proof-of-concept) can apply for up to a $25,000 investment.

Phase II companies (commercialization/growth) can apply for up to a $50,000 investment.

All companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in follow on investment.

or email aloha@xlr8uh.com for more information.

The and the will host the second annual . The day-and-a-half conference will be held on October 5–6, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort.

The forum will feature presentations, interactive panel discussions, “poolside chats,” workshops and a networking reception, offering attendees opportunities to learn more about emerging technologies, medical research and ways to engage in, and contribute to Hawaiʻi’s growing innovation and technology industry.

Presenters include:

• Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, director of the Defense Health Agency
• Akira Hiruma, president and CEO of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
• Randall Holcombe, director of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
• Jerome Kim, director general of the International Vaccine Institute
• Scott Spiker, director of global business development and cloud security at Unisys
• Maj. Gen. Brett Williams (ret), president of operations and training at IronNet Cybersecurity

“This year’s Future Focus forum will bring together some of the top experts in innovation, technology and medical research locally, nationally and internationally,” said Bob Harrison, Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable chairman. “This event offers an opportunity to support an emerging industry that creates and sustains high-quality professions, business partnerships, stimulates economic development and enhances the quality of life in Hawaiʻi.”

糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner added, “The strength of our research enterprise impacts many other business sectors. Through our partnership with the Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable, efforts like the Future Focus forum help the entire community understand the opportunities for public and private collaborations to grow our research innovation economy as we address the challenges and opportunities together that are facing Hawaiʻi today and tomorrow.”

Registration information

The registration fee for the conference is $100 ($50 for students), which also includes continental breakfast on both days and lunch and a reception on the first day. For more information and to register, visit the .

Join the 50+ other entrepreneurs that have graduated from the award winning startup investment program. Many have gone on to raise millions of dollars in funding and investment for their business.

Who we are:

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is the accelerator program. We provide industry expertise and mentorship, working with faculty, students, staff and alumni of the 糖心Vlog官方 system to validate their business idea and bring it to market.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 will prepare you with:

• Mentorship from an experienced team
• Access to industry experts and investors
• Investor led bootcamps + pitch practices
• Financial modeling for your business
• Intellectual Property strategy guidance
• And much more!

Phase I companies (idea stage/proof-of-concept) apply for up to a $25,000 investment.

Phase II companies (commercialization/growth) apply for up to a $50,000 investment.

All companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in follow on investment.

How to apply

Apply at by October 5 to be considered for our fall cohort. We are always reviewing applications and admit on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances.

Information sessions: Want to know more?

Take the first step in learning more about XLR8糖心Vlog官方 at one of our information sessions. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP below.

• Thursday, September 1, 4:30–6 p.m. at iLab 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Campus
  
• Wednesday, September 14, 4:30–7 p.m. at XLR8糖心Vlog官方 HQ (Downtown)
  

Ask us about our award winning program. Email us at info@XLR8糖心Vlog官方.com.

The University of Hawaiʻi’s nationally recognized venture accelerator program XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is accepting applications for its 5th cohort taking place in fall 2016. Applications are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the 10 campus University of Hawaiʻi System.

The University of Hawaiʻi’s budding innovation and entrepreneurial programs were featured in an innovation showcase and roundtable discussion co-hosted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono. The event held on the campus brought together top business, education and government leaders to highlight entrepreneurial efforts in Hawaiʻi as well as discuss how federal resources can fuel the growth of small business and spark innovation. The featured programs and presenters were from 糖心Vlog官方’s proof of concept center/venture accelerator, , , the (innovation lab) and 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College’s .

“This event served as a tremendous opportunity to share with a cross-section of local businesses and stakeholders, along with federal agencies and Senator Hirono, what we’re doing in Hawaiʻi to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner. “Today’s program showcased people who are establishing support programs and a strong representation of local entrepreneurs who are launching businesses and creating jobs, which is exactly why we’re here.”

“Innovation is vital to diversifying HHawaiʻi’s economy, and today’s event connected small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources that can help them succeed,” said Senator Hirono. “But in order to maintain this momentum, we must continue to work with partners like the University of Hawaiʻi, and state and federal government agencies, to back initiatives that support entrepreneurship and job creation in our state.”

One of the projects showcased by the university at the event was XLR8糖心Vlog官方, a first of its kind proof of concept center/venture accelerator developed by the 糖心Vlog官方 and , a boutique venture firm that manages it. The proof of concept center educates, mentors and invests in university research and talent, ranging from students to postdocs, faculty and alumni. It is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

• Related 糖心Vlog官方 News—

“Today’s 糖心Vlog官方 Innovation Showcase is key for highlighting the accomplishments and progress we’ve made in a short period of time, as well as offering insight on the direction we aim to go in in the future,” said Omar Sultan, Managing Partner of XLR8糖心Vlog官方. “Commercialization and innovation within the University of Hawaiʻi are important because they help support economic development as we train students to think entrepreneurially before entering the workforce, and help faculty spin out their scientific research to create startups and small businesses.”

The University of Hawaiʻi selected 12 teams as finalists for the fourth cohort of its startup venture accelerator. The pioneering enterprises in this round include: paddleboards for the disabled, organic cookies using locally sourced ingredients, an app for concussion patients and an online platform for students to search for scholarships. These teams have the potential to receive $25,000 to $50,000 for completing the program and up to $100,000 in follow-on funding. XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is a partnership between 糖心Vlog官方 and , which provides their startup investment expertise to the program.

“XLR8糖心Vlog官方 is integral for the continued growth and development of our entrepreneurial community,” said Vassilis L. Syrmos, 糖心Vlog官方 vice president for research and innovation. “This program, a key component of the , supports some of the most forward-thinking, globally relevant, yet locally resonant companies in Hawaiʻi.”

The teams are currently in the first phase of XLR8糖心Vlog官方’s intensive 15-week mentorship and investment program, where they will be assessing and developing their business models. Teams selected to advance to the second phase will immerse themselves into further business development efforts and in the third phase they will develop and practice their pitch to investors. Throughout the entire program, the teams will have access to valuable mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

“With this cohort we are complementing our focus on tech-based startups with more product-based companies than in previous sessions,” said Meli James, program director of XLR8糖心Vlog官方. “We feel these are potential high-growth opportunities leveraging Hawaiʻi’s brand equity.”

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 Cohort 4

• , end-to-end development platform that allows users to create, share, and rapidly deploy algorithms.
• , a new and innovative twist on eco-friendly, sustainable chopsticks.
• , The World’s Event Guide allowing users to discover and promote events, anywhere in real time.
• , apps to help athletes, doctors and parents identify concussions and enhance recovery programs.
• , ed-tech solution connecting language learners from foreign countries to native English speakers.
• , the most advanced and cost effective Prospective Motion Correction technology in the healthcare industry.
• KMB Co, patent-pending paddleboards that provide disabled persons the athletic and therapeutic experience of water sports.
• , specialty crafted gourmet cookies made on Maui, with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
• , wearable pressure and temperature-sensing device decreasing instances of pressure ulcers for paraplegics.
• PresentUS, digital booking platform connecting talent and entertainers directly with their clients.
• , online platform for students to discover and apply for multiple scholarships through one simple application.
• SNR Analytics, patented big data analytics that generate biomarker signatures for ovarian and liver cancer.

The (PACE) announced the winners of the 2016 at the Waiʻalae Country Club on April 26. Three teams competed for prize packages totaling more than $40,000 in cash and in-kind awards.

The 糖心Vlog官方 Business Plan Competition is an intense, experiential program that provides mentorship, training and resources to University of Hawaiʻi students and faculty who seek to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur and start a business venture.

As part of the title sponsorship, President and CEO Connie Lau presented the first place prize and System Operation Vice President Scott Seu served as a finals judge. Other sponsors include, , and.

First place

Canine Kitchen
Team members: Kyla Aki, Curtis Evans, Sean Kovacs and Sara Reo

Canine Kitchen provides fresh daily meals for dogs using simple, healthy and USDA approved ingredients.

Prize package includes $10,000 cash and more than $12,500 value in legal and marketing services.

Second place

Alice’s Fresh
Team members: Alice Caldwell, Isaac Floyd, Reyn Kaupiko, Thijs Peekstok and Alice Sharp

Alice’s Fresh utilizes precision agriculture for local organic produce.

Prize package includes $5,000 cash and $8,000 value in legal and marketing services.

Third place

My Eyes
Team members: Shiraz Dole and Kathy Oyadomari

My Eyes allows users to give their own directions by compiling pictures, short videos, voice memos, text notes and geotags into a chronological list.

Prize package includes $2,500 cash and $3,000 value in legal and marketing services.

—A Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship news release

Entrepreneurs see the world differently. They question the status quo and look at the world, wondering what it could be, rather than accept how it is. Turn curiosity into a company with help from , the accelerator program.

The nationally-recognized venture accelerator program is accepting applications for its 4th cohort taking place in summer 2016.

XLR8糖心Vlog官方 will prepare entrepreneurs with:

• Mentorship from an experienced team
• Access to industry experts and investors
• Investor led bootcamps and pitch practices
• Financial models for businesses
• Intellectual property strategy guidance
• And much more!

Phase I companies (idea stage/proof-of-concept) can apply for up to a $25,000 investment. Phase II companies (commercialization/growth) can apply for up to a $50,000 investment. All companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in follow on investment.

Apply at by Sunday, May 1 to be considered for the summer cohort. Applications are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the 10 campus University of Hawaiʻi System.

For more information, contact XLR8糖心Vlog官方 via email.

The (糖心Vlog官方CC) system announced that it is working with Impact Hub Honolulu to create and grow an entrepreneurship program to engage enterprising students (and eventually faculty and staff) across 糖心Vlog官方’s seven-campus community college system. The program is being funded with $100,000 from a $10-million to the 糖心Vlog官方CCs from the .

“This grant will help provide a direct portal to real-world start-up activities, as well as business planning, budgeting, patenting and more,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges Associate Vice President Peter Quigley. “Bringing products and businesses into existence is the goal of the entrepreneurial initiative.”

Impact Hub Honolulu is part of the local startup ecosystem, Startup Paradise, as well as a global network of 85 Impact Hubs and 16,000 connected entrepreneurs. These partnerships with Hawaiʻi-based and global networks will be leveraged to connect 糖心Vlog官方CC entrepreneurs to mentorship, follow-on programs, incubators, accelerators and scaling opportunities. The six-week 糖心Vlog官方CC entrepreneurial program will host its first cohort July 11-August 12, 2016.

“We see this as an incredible opportunity to create a path for the innovative students across the 糖心Vlog官方CCs to actualize their ideas, create jobs for themselves and others and diversify economic development for Hawaiʻi,” added Shanah Trevenna, director of Impact Hub Honolulu.

The partners are asking any faculty, students, staff or community members who would like to contribute ideas, suggest a collaboration, participate as an advisor or mentor, or join the program to please email Shanah Trevenna or George Yarbrough.

Entrepreneurship roundtables at 糖心Vlog官方CC campuses

Impact Hub Honolulu will also be conducting roundtable discussions to be held at each of 糖心Vlog官方’s community college campuses and 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. , 糖心Vlog官方’s accelerator program to educate, mentor and invest in the University of Hawaiʻi’s research and talent, will also participate in these roundtables.

Roundtable dates

• April 4, 12–1 p.m., , Wong Conference Room in the Hookipa Building
• April 6, 12–1 p.m., , Ilima 202A
• April 6, 2–3 p.m., , Akoakoa 107/109
• April 7, 12–1 p.m., , Cafeteria
• April 8, 12–1 p.m., , Administrative Building, Chancellor’s Conference Room
• April 11, 12–1 p.m., , Kaneikeao Building 379
• April 11, 12:30–1 p.m., , Administrative Conference Room, D-183.
• April 11, 3–4 p.m., Hawaiʻi Community College, Kaneikeao Building 379
• April 12, 12–1 p.m., , GT-105
• April 18, 12–1 p.m., , OCET 106

—By Kelli Trifonovitch