The Quest Accelerator Program Launches in Hawaii
Written By: Jacqueline Blackburn
Hawaii, a place like no other, where culture and community merge seamlessly with the breathtaking natural world. Its landscapes are a testament to the Earth’s beauty, with powerful crashing waves on the north shore, tranquil fog-covered beaches in the early morning, and the gentle embrace of the rising sun over an endless blue ocean. It’s a place that reshapes your perspective on life.
For some, like myself, this realization comes after multiple visits, while for others, like my sister who relocated to Hawaii in 2019, it’s an instant connection. Regardless of when it hits you, it’s a feeling that’s hard to forget. My own family’s connection to Hawaii runs deep, dating back to my grandfather’s time in service as an Army Ranger during World War II. Even after the war, my grandparents had spent many a vacation visiting the islands.
This personal background highlights the unifying quality of Hawaii’s rich culture and sense of community that keep people visiting and sometimes not returning. Unlike cities or suburbs where you need to actively seek out a sense of belonging, Hawaii’s sense of unity surrounds you. It’s an environment that fosters unity, and it’s up to you to embrace it and become a part of it.
While similar environments may exist elsewhere in the United States, the key lies in embracing a mindset that values unity in a world often divided by politics and conflict. Our nation’s strength hinges not just on military and economic might but on our ability to stand together as a united team.
This spirit underpins our Quest Accelerator Program, drawing me back to Hawaii. In partnership with Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the Quest Accelerator leverages federal R&D funding to support early-stage startups based in and operating out of Hawaii. Our mission is to integrate technology into strategic industries without replacing culture and community, but rather enhancing and preparing them for the future. With HTDC, our program aims to create jobs, foster new businesses, and ultimately create centers of gravity for technology and innovations that serve the Hawaii community for future generations.
Last week during our launch of the Quest Accelerator we visited Maui, where we immersed ourselves in understanding statewide programs and disaster relief efforts, particularly in Lahaina. We visited the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) offices, spoke to founders and companies on the island, and witnessed the wildfire-devastated site. What we found was eye-opening. The unique way in which the wildfires spread had homes untouched next to leveled ones. Even months later, the site remains uninhabitable. However, the founders we spoke to on island understood the impact and had solutions to prevent such devastation in the future, offering hope for rebuilding the community.
In Kona, we stumbled upon the women’s Ironman championships, coinciding with our visit. Kona’s unique geography, with eight different climates on the island, offers a unique test bed for innovation. We met with the visionary behind the technology that revolutionized shrimp farming, showcasing Hawaii’s leading role in agricultural technology.
On Oahu, we engaged with the defense community representatives, as the island serves as the Indo-Pacific region’s hub for military activities. This strategic location is crucial for maintaining military dominance. Meeting with representatives from the Pacific Fleet and Special Operations, we gained insights into their challenges and problem sets. Framing these problems is the first step in finding technology solutions, and the time to plan is now.
Conversations with the local community brought to light unique challenges. With 80% of goods imported, energy and food security are top priorities. The efficiency of the harbor system and quality of life also weigh heavily. Hawaii seeks to retain its younger generations on the island, despite the high cost of living. Yet, there’s a delicate balance between progress and preserving culture and traditions, with a need for change that comes from within the community.
As we reflect on Hawaii’s rich culture and stunning natural beauty, we see it as a model for the world. By preserving culture, embracing technology, and working together, Hawaii can provide a blueprint for sustainability, community, and resilience. In our quest for national and global unity, the lessons from Hawaii’s culture and community can guide us toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
