Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation Awards $3.5 Million in Grants to Support Local Innovation and Manufacturing
May 29, 2025 – PRESS RELEASE
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) is proud to announce the awarding of $3.5 million in funding through three key grant programs in fiscal year 2025: the Hawai‘i Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) program, the Accelerator and Small Business Training programs, and the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP).
“Congratulations to the recipients of the MAP, HSBIR, and Accelerator grants,” said Sandi Kanemori, acting executive director of HTDC. “These programs fuel growth, create jobs and help build a stronger, more innovative economy for Hawai‘i.”
HTDC’s grant programs provide critical support to companies at various stages of growth — from research and development to scaling manufacturing operations — helping local businesses commercialize technology, expand capacity, and access new markets.
HSBIR Matching Grant
HTDC awarded $1.5 million to 14 companies through the HSBIR matching grant program, which supports local businesses that have received federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The state grant provides matching funds that help companies conduct business development and product advancement to move their innovations toward commercialization.
Breakdown of the FY25 HSBIR awards:
• Phase 0 grants: 3 awardees
• Phase I grants: 8 awardees
• Phase II grants: 7 awardees
• Phase III grant: 1 awardee
FY25 HSBIR Grant Awardees:
(First-time awardees indicated with an asterisk.)
Hawai‘i Innovation Inc.*
HNu Photonics LLC
Jumpstart AI*
KaiTech LLC*
Limu Labs LLC*
Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.
Nalu Scientific LLC*
North Star Scientific Corporation
Ocean Era Inc.
Oceanit Laboratories Inc.
Pacific Hybreed, Inc.
PacMar Technologies LLC
Simonpietri Enterprises LLC
Tridentis Advanced Marine Vehicles LLC
Accelerator and Small Business Training Programs
HTDC awarded $1 million to seven organizations through the Accelerator and Small Business Training programs that help Hawai‘i-based small businesses access mentorship, business development services and capital.
FY25 Accelerator and Small Business Training Awardees:
(First-time awardees indicated with an asterisk.)
Mana Up Labs LLC
Maui Economic Development Board Inc.
Blue Startups
Purple Maiʻa Foundation – Hawaiʻi FoundHer
Kuleana Coworking Corporation*
XLR8HI
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR)*
These programs provide vital support to emerging businesses in high-impact sectors, including consumer goods, ag-tech and dual-use technologies.
MAP Grant
HTDC awarded $1 million to 34 Hawai‘i-based manufacturers through the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP). The program offers up to a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) for qualified expenses such as manufacturing equipment, studies for expansion, workforce training and energy efficiency improvements. The goal is to help manufacturers increase production, improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs in Hawai‘i.
This year’s MAP awardees represent a diverse range of industries including food and beverage, woodworking, clean tech and defense manufacturing. Sixteen of the 34 recipients were first-time MAP grantees.
FY25 MAP Grant Awardees:
(First-time awardees indicated with an asterisk.)
50th State Poultry, Inc.*
Ba-Le Inc. (dba La Tour Bakehouse)
Best Day Yet LLC (dba Upcountry Coffee)*
Cupcakes, BOOM! LLC*
E-Opala Computer Recycling Center*
FCH Enterprises, Inc.
Fresh Island Fish Co. Inc.
Hawaiian Host Honolulu LLC*
Hawaiian Sun Products, Inc.
Holo Holo Charters, Inc.*
IL Gelato LLC (dba IL Gelato Hawaii)
Jean McKeague (dba Let’s Go Pesto LLC)*
KYD Inc.
Kauai Fine Woodworking LLC
KIA LLC (dba Maui Nui Venison)*
Kona Earth LLC*
Lanakila Pacific*
Mālama Kauaʻi*
Maui Beverage Company LLC (dba Pauwela Beverage Company)
Min Plastics & Supply, Inc.*
North Star Scientific Corporation*
Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.
Okuhara Foods, Inc.
PacMar Technologies LLC
Pacific Allied Products Ltd.
Pacific Shipyards International LLC
Pawniolo Pets LLC
Simonpietri Enterprises LLC
Stanford S Carr (dba SCD RMA LLC)*
Sundog Bread LLC*
Symbrosia Inc
Taleea Carvalho (dba Wailua Granola Co. LLC)*
The Art Source, Inc. (dba Pictures Plus)
The Patisserie Inc.
About Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
HTDC is a state agency attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and is focused on promoting and developing Hawai‘i’s technology industry. With a mission to facilitate the growth of technology and innovation, HTDC plays a key role in connecting talent with opportunities in the state. For more information, please visit htdc.org.
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Media Contacts:
Umma Berkelman, HTDC / Phone: 808-539-3839 / Email: umma.berkelman@hawaii.gov
Colleen Ching Gray Media / Email: colleen.ching@gray.tv