HTDC Presents: Hawaii’s Path to Global Ocean Innovation Leadership
How do we build Hawaiʻi’s future in a way that cares for our ʻāina, creates opportunity for our people, and looks ahead?
Join us for one of the key events of Hawaiʻi Tech Week 2026 - an evening that brings together the people, partnerships, and ideas helping shape Hawaiʻi’s next chapter.
Hosted by Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), this gathering is rooted in a simple belief: Hawaiʻi’s future can be both innovative and deeply grounded in place. As our islands look ahead, there is a big ocean of opportunity to build new pathways in innovative ocean technology solutions, coastal resilience, workforce development, and local enterprise, in ways that honor our communities, care for our resources, and strengthen our connection to broader Pacific.
This evening is a chance to celebrate the momentum already building across the islands and to share a broader vision for what Hawaiʻi can create by 2030. It is about mālama for the places that sustain us, investments in innovators, and collaboration across sectors to build solutions that are both locally rooted and globally relevant.
Agenda
🌊 Immersive Ocean Tech Showcase: Explore an interactive exhibit featuring cutting-edge technologies being developed and deployed in Hawaiʻi to strengthen our coastlines, fisheries, maritime operations, and ocean stewardship.
🎤 Welcome Remarks from HTDC: Hear HTDC's vision and roadmap to 2030 for establishing Hawaiʻi as a global leader in ocean technology and innovation.
🤝 Partnership Announcement: Celebrate the announcement of a new strategic partnership with San Diego's Blue Economy hub, strengthening collaboration across the Pacific ocean innovation ecosystem.
🚀 Unveiling of Hawai‘i's Pacific Ocean Innovation Hub: Get a first look at HTDC’s vision for a hub that brings together companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, government, students, investors, and community partners to develop, test, and grow the next generation of ocean and coastal solutions.
Whether you are already part of this work or simply want to better understand where Hawaiʻi is headed, we invite you to join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and shared purpose.
Mahalo To Our Sponsors and Partners
1000 Ocean Startups, Builders VC, Conservation International, Port of San Diego, Washington Maritime Blue, and more for supporting this event and helping catalyze the future of Hawaiʻi’s blue economy and ocean innovation ecosystem.
Featured Speakers
Trung Lam, Executive Director & CEO, HTDC
Jan Yoshioka, Vice President of Nature Finance at Conservation International, Former Head of Global Ocean Investments at CI Ventures & Founding Steering Member of 1000 Ocean Startups
Dr. David Karl, Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green's Marine Affairs Advisor
Jason Giffen, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, Port of San Diego
RSVP Now - Limited Space
Space will be limited. Tickets will be prioritized to those who fully respond to the registration questionnaire and demonstrate a strong interest in ocean science, education, policy, or business. Join the Waitlist ASAP to be notified if spots become available.