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INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

UH researchers provide critical insights into the global challenges that lie ahead

UH drives economic diversification and development across the islands through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.

Innovation means new ideas, new goods and services, new business practices, and new ways of thinking about the interaction of Hawai‘i’s people with their economy toward better lives for us all. It means improving the climate for exchanging ideas, information and other commodities while equipping leaders for further disruption — and greater innovation.

The driving force in these efforts flows through all campuses of the UH System:

PACE, the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, provides mentorship, startup training and resources to students in the UH System.
The Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center is a live-work-learn community for UH students in any field of study.
HITIDE, an incubator program tailored to support the unique needs of academic entrepreneurs with UH-affiliated, deep-tech innovations.
The Culinary Institute of the Pacific combines entrepreneurship with sustainability while reinforcing Hawai‘i’s culinary culture and reputation as a center of culinary innovation.
Alumni Makers’ Market events feature local businesses founded by UH graduates, showcasing the university’s expansive reach while encouraging connections between entrepreneurs and their alma mater.
Mainland and international events connect alumni outside Hawai‘i
Students collaborate with their community through the Kaua‘i CC Innovation Center.
The UH Maui Food Innovation Center supports food entrepreneurs and agribusiness.

Giving opportunities include:

Endowed professorships and chairs to recruit and retain leading innovators and entrepreneurs to empower our next generation to think big
Equipment funding for maker spaces and kitchen classrooms
Travel scholarships for participation in competitions and presentations
Awards for outstanding student projects

There is no doubt: the creativity, vision and unmatched multicultural learning environments at UH mean that advancing these programs will advance Hawai‘i’s role in the marketplace.

President Lassner pledges $1M to ‘For UH • For Hawaiʻi’ $1B campaign

Lassner made the surprise announcement at an evening event celebrating the campaign and received a standing ovation from the more than 500 people in attendance.

Walter A. Dods, Jr. makes $5M donation to RISE Center

The gift supports the student entrepreneurship and innovation center with housing for 374 students that opened in August, and will be named the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

$200K gift from The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation supports students in UH RISE program

The gift helps to fund scholarships for student residents at the 374-bed live-learn-work community at RISE with programs operated by the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship at the UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business.