Hawaii's Deep Tech Future - Chips, Energy, and Beyond
Deep tech refers to groundbreaking technological advancements rooted in scientific discoveries and engineering innovation, from chips and energy solutions, to aerospace and ocean exploration. Deep tech often involves long-term R&D, specialized technical expertise, and significant capital investment. Once overlooked in the rush to build software apps and marketplaces, deep tech has now emerged as one of the hottest and most critical areas of technology growth and investment.
Hawai’i, with its strategic location, rich research institutions, and access to unique natural resources, is poised to play a significant role in this global transformation. This event, hosted in collaboration with the University of Hawaii’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization, will explore how engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors are shaping the future of deep tech across sectors critical to both Hawaii and the global economy.
The panel will dive into why specific areas—like chips, energy, aerospace, defense, and ocean technologies—are important for Hawaii’s growing technology ecosystem and solving some of humanity’s most critical problems. We’ll also cover the challenges and opportunities in navigating the world of deep tech, from breaking through in R&D to navigating capital and commercialization opportunities on the path to global scale.
Speakers on the panel include:
George Yarbrough, Associate Director, University of Hawaii, Office of Innovation & Commercialization
Isar Mostafanezhad, PHD, CEO & Founder, Nalu Scientific
Dr. Olga Boric-Lubecke, Co-Founder of Adnoviv, and UH Professor of Electrical Engineering
Greg Rochelau, M.S., President & CEO, Makai Ocean Engineering
Doreen Wong, Panel Moderator, Ocean & Climate Innovation