State Agency Facilitating Growth of Local Innovation Economy Now Called the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation
Recognizing Hawaiʻi’s evolving technology environment and advances in the state’s innovation industry, the High Technology Development Corporation is changing its name to the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation.
The name change became official with Gov. David Ige’s signing of Senate Bill 902, enacted as Act 69. The well-known acronym of the company, HTDC, will continued to be used with the shift from ‘High’ to ‘Hawaiʻi’ better reflecting the state agency and its mission as a whole.
Robbie Melton, executive director and CEO of HTDC, explains that the change is reflective of the current tech economy and scope of HTDC’s mission. “We were ahead of our time when we were established more than 30 years ago and we continue to lead the way in supporting the tech sector, building infrastructure, and helping Hawaiʻi companies create 80,000 new tech jobs right here in our islands.”
Coinciding with the name change, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation has also launched a redesigned website: www.htdc.org that showcases the programs, funding and services available to local entrepreneurs, tech and innovative businesses, and manufacturers.
HTDC’s programs are focused on building the next generation technology, innovation and manufacturing industries. HTDC offers startups a variety of opportunities to ramp-up quickly through its facilities, funding and mentoring. Their programs help companies at all stages, overcome challenges and equip companies to create sustainable and globally competitive businesses, which include:
- Incubation Centers, Virtual Incubation and co-working to offer start-ups with the location and support services to launch and grow their businesses.
- INNOVATE Hawaiʻi, the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers to enhance their productivity, growth and technical performance.
- Neighbor Island Innovation Initiative (NI3) to provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies on the neighbor islands engaged in technology based products or services.
- Hawaiʻi Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT) works with federal government and private industry to develop advanced low emission and zero emission vehicles centered on hydrogen fuel technologies.
- Grant programs to provide Hawaii-based technology companies with the financial support to help grow their businesses and strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry, including Hawaiʻi Small Business Innovation Research Grant (HSBIR) and Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP).
- Preferred Provider Program to help technology and innovation companies access consultants across a variety of different fields.
About HTDC (Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation)
HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s technology and innovation industries. HTDC is providing the capital, building the infrastructure and developing the talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative is to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs that will provide high paying jobs for Hawaiʻi residents.
About DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)
DBEDT is Hawaiʻi’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaiʻi economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaiʻi’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.