Programs
Overview
HTDC programs are helping to meet the 80/80 Initiative goal to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs earning $80,000 or more in Hawaii by 2030. Our programs serve all facets of the tech and innovation sectors through developing places where people come together to create, providing funding and mentoring for the most promising companies and helping employers gain access to Hawaii’s brightest talent.
HTDC Facilities and CoWork
Overview
Our facilities offer low cost office and co-working space. HTDC offers mentoring, educational programs and access to resources to grow your business. Dozens of clients have successfully graduated from incubation and moved into spaces of their own. HTDC has facilities in both downtown Honolulu (Entrepeneurs Sandbox) and in Kihei, Maui (Maui Research and Technology Center).
Overview
The Entrepreneurs Sandbox is a community center for innovators of all ages. It encourages creativity, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The facility is approximately 13,500 square feet and features a collaboration and event area ideal for town hall meetings and community gatherings, digital media studio, coworking space, meeting rooms, and a few small offices. It will host a variety of educational programs and activities for all ages. Entrepreneurs Sandbox is located at 643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu HI 96813.
Visit the Entrepreneurs Sandbox official website for details & rates on co-work membership, event space and conference room rentals.
Applications for the Sandbox office space waitlist available HERE.
OFFICE RENTAL DETAILS
TYPE OF COMPANIES FOR SANDBOX:
Tech/innovation, startups and companies (Service Providers) that can offer support to clients of the Sandbox.
NUMBER AND SIZE OF OFFICES:
Nine (9) offices, 200sqft est. each
Companies selected may only rent one (1) office.
RENTAL RATES:
Qualified Startup – Starting at $800/month
Qualified Service Providers – Starting at $1,100/month
Market Rate – $1,500/month
FEATURES:
a) 24 hour access to office
b) *Furnished Office – (three desks, three chairs)
c) *Eight (8) hours of conference room time per month (in any of the 3 conference rooms). Hours exceed to be charged an hourly fee at the Member rate.
d) Internet access
e) Weekday cleaning service
f) Access to 2nd floor breakroom and kitchen
g) Use event space (collaboration and cowork area) – to be provided at a Member rate
i) General hours of operation for Sandbox: M-F 8am-4:30pm w/ on-site support
j) A/C hours will be aligned with general hours of operation.
k) General mail service
l) Parking can be made available for a monthly fee with the Sandbox Mgt Office.
Offerings may be subject to change.
The Making of Entrepreneurs Sandbox – Construction Time-Lapse Video – May ~ Jul 2018
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INNOVATE Hawaii
Overview
INNOVATE Hawaii assists manufacturers looking to improve their business and are willing to invest time and resources to grow their company. INNOVATE Hawaii builds the strength and competitiveness of Hawaii manufacturers through an array of programs and services, including coaching and training, consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and grant opportunities.
The team includes experienced business professionals with skills in manufacturing systems and methods, strategic planning and implementation, business development, process analysis, and technology commercialization. Technical assistance, training, and consulting services to manufacturers are available to program participants. INNOVATE Hawaii administers the Manufacturing Assistance Program Grant (MAP) and the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Grant (HSBIR).
INNOVATE Hawaii is a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. INNOVATE Hawaii is the official representative of the MEP National Network in the State of Hawaii.
INNOVATE Hawaii offers a FREE one-hour consultation on the first and third Tuesdays of every month! Email info@innovatehawaii.org to reserve your spot.
Examples of services
- growth planning
- cost control and reduction
- technology deployment
- skill development
- quality system analysis
- process analysis and improvement
- facility design and layout
- world-class manufacturing initiatives
- Export assistance
Funding to support R&D and Manufacturing
INNOVATE Hawaii administers HTDC's grant programs.
The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research grant (HSBIR) provides matching grants to help companies further the development of new products to solve critical issues. The Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) offers Hawaii-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) on qualified expenses for expansion or becoming energy efficient. Click on the buttons below to learn more
INNOVATE Hawaii seeks Business Consultants
INNOVATE Hawaii seeks applications for various business consulting services needed to support INNOVATE Hawaii's program throughout FY2022-2023. Applications will be accepted July 4, 2021 - June 30, 2023. Click here for more details and to download an application.
Overview
The Digital Currency Innovation Lab (DCIL) is a 2-year pilot program by the State of Hawaii, formed through a partnership between HTDC and the Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions (DFI). Launched in August 2020, it allows participating digital currency issuers to do business in Hawaii without obtaining a state money transmitter license. The lab will operate until June 30, 2022.
Overview
TRUE is an initiative of the Hawaii Executive Collaborative, supporting the CHANGE Framework and Movement.
Driven by a partnership between the private, public sectors and the State of Hawaii, TRUE aims to tech-enable organizations through collaboration and sharing of tech solutions to common business challenges.
Many organizations in Hawaii, from large enterprises to small-medium businesses, are slow to adopt new technologies. However, we create more opportunities to grow the tech economy and workforce by being proactive in incorporating the use of technology in our organizations. A 2017 report from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) found that tech-enabled jobs earn over 40% more than non-tech-enabled jobs.
Through the TRUE Initiative, we believe that as we increase the local demand for more tech talent, we can create jobs and opportunities with higher wage-earning capacity, and simultaneously, reverse the brain drain from Hawaii. In turn, with the efficiencies derived from technology enablement, our organizations can then devote resources to innovation.
Join us to tech-enable Hawaii, grow our innovation economy and keep our talent
to help Hawaii thrive.
MRTC Application Process
To apply for MRTC Cohana:
Admission to the Cohana coworking space at the or Maui Research & Technology Center is open to entrepreneurs, startup companies and techies looking for a place with high speed internet access and community. The Cohana offers a variety of coworking space options to meet your needs. Please fill out the CoHana Application if interested.
For more information about Cohana please visit: cohana.co | Any question please email: info@htdc.org
To apply to be an MRTC tenant, potential clients must:
- Have a personal interview with the Innovation Manager and if approved, make a presentation to HTDC’s review committee
- Submit the completed and signed application form along with its business plan and financials (balance sheets, profit & loss statement, including pro forma statement) for review
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Neighbor Island Innovation Initiative (NI3)
Overview
NI3 provides business mentoring to startup and small companies to achieve its next growth level. The advantage of this program is that the assistance is provided at no-cost to the company. Mentors on Kauai Island and Hawaii Island meet when and where it is convenient for the company. NI3 helps eliminate the challenge of access to resources because of their location. Distance on neighbor islands can be challenging for companies to get access to resources and this program helps to eliminate that challenge.
Company criteria for NI3 assistance
- Companies must be involved in developing new technologies or utilizing technology as a core of their business
- Companies must have fewer than 16 employees
- Annual revenue less than $1M
- Age of company not a factor
- Company must be registered in the state
Neighbor Island Innovation Initiative (NI3)