Let the Quest Begin: Announcing the Cohort of 8 Startups for the First Quest Accelerator in Hawaii
Written By: Jacqueline Blackburn
The Quest Accelerator, in partnership with the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), is cultivating a hub for collaboration, strengthening the innovation base, and opening doors for startups to government and commercial markets. This dynamic collaboration supports early-stage ventures with transformative technologies, spanning sectors of Security and Defense, Energy Resiliency, Sustainable Agriculture, Mobility, and more.
The Quest Accelerator’s in-person Kickoff event drew together a diverse community of visionary founders, strategic funders, and seasoned industry experts, all aligned with the goal of invigorating and elevating Hawaii’s existing innovation ecosystem. This event stood as a testament to the program’s unwavering commitment to economic growth through innovation.
The focus of the event centered on eight pioneering companies, each strategically chosen out of a pool of 45+ applicants to not only transform their respective industries but also contribute to Hawaii’s technological advancement.
Cloudstone Innovations (Kihei, HI): Affordable, wide-field-of-view, dual-use space surveillance systems that contribute to critical environmental monitoring and deliver time-sensitive Space Domain Awareness information to both the military and commercial space sectors.
HI-Spectral (Kula, HI): Advanced spectral imaging technology to deliver precise and reliable data through the analysis of chemical signatures. Their innovative solutions span across agriculture, where they optimize resource utilization and monitor crop health for potential yield increases and in pharmaceutical and food production by ensuring real-time quality and safety assessments. They also provide a tactical advantage to identify threats in defense and security.
MorphOptic (Kula, HI): Ultra-light mirrors and precise optic technology that optimize performance and advance resolution for satellite mirrors, telescopes, and communication networks. Their presence strengthens Hawaii’s global competitiveness in precision optics making Hawaii a hub for precision optics used in astronomy and ophthalmology.
Nalu Scientific (Honolulu, HI): High-tech sensor manufacturing that leverages AI/ML models to enable target classification at the edge and enable operation in contested environments for long endurance, persistent monitoring with applications in both government and commercial markets.
Pendulum Systems (Remote, Maui, HI): AI supply chain management platform effective at calibrating supply to demand and offers asset tracking in GPS alternative geolocations. It has potential applications for disaster management, enhancing Hawaii’s preparedness and resilience.
SeaDragon Energy (San Diego, CA): Pioneering technology to produce jet fuel using carbon captured from seawater for both military and civilian sectors, reducing Hawaii’s dependence on conventional aviation fuels.
Skyfi (Austin, TX): Marketplace hub for geospatial data and analytics providers in Hawaii, facilitating solutions that enhance security, safety, and disaster management. Their technology can be used to better understand, monitor, and prevent environmental disasters like wildfires by monitoring vegetation health and soil moisture, and providing risk assessments by measuring defensible space versus potential fire fuel areas.
Waiea Water (Honolulu, HI): Atmospheric water generators and gray water recycling machines to ensure sustainable water solutions for the state of Hawaii. Their suite of systems can be used in local homes, businesses, schools, and communities at large.
During breakout sessions within the event, founders shared their entrepreneurial experiences, providing valuable insights for the cohort of startups. Funders discussed opportunities for investment, supporting local innovation and economic growth. Industry Experts emphasized the importance of aligning technology solutions with Hawaii’s specific challenges, encouraging experimentation and pilots to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and promote economic development across sectors.
The Quest Accelerator is more than an innovation hub; it is a driving force for economic development and technological advancement in Hawaii. The eight exceptional companies selected for this inaugural cohort, carefully chosen to amplify Hawaii’s economic growth, are poised to shape the state’s future. By fostering innovation, nurturing startups, and attracting investment, The Quest Accelerator enhances Hawaii’s economic vitality and technological prowess, ensuring a prosperous and advanced future for the state.
About The Quest Accelerator: The Quest Accelerator supports founders on a mission, helping early-stage ventures with transformative technologies tackle government and local challenges. Quest Accelerators cultivate a center of gravity for innovation by helping startups discover product-mission fit, contributing to local and regional economies, and providing access to capital. The Quest Accelerator is operated by Decisive Point, a venture capital firm investing in defense, energy and infrastructure. Visit: https://www.thequestaccelerator.com/, follow us on LinkedIN
