Save the Date for East Meets West 2025

Mark your calendars for April 15-16, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable East Meets West (EMW) experience. As Hawaii’s largest tech and innovation conference, EMW connects thought leaders from across the Pacific to spark collaboration, innovation, and new insights.

The highly engaging EMW Summit kicks off on April 15th in a stunning setting at the Ko’olau Ballrooms on Oahu’s East Side, featuring intimate networking activities and roundtable discussions.

On April 16th the EMW Conference at the Prince Waikiki will offer keynotes, panel discussions, and break-out sessions covering the latest global tech trends and will feature some of the worlds best speakers.

Stay tuned for ticket announcements coming soon!

Watch our highlight video from EMW 2024 below.

Congratulations Cohort 16!

The journey of cohort 16 was nothing short of transformative. Together, they faced the ups and downs of building something remarkable, driven by grit, determination, and a commitment to growth. Week after week, they tackled new challenges—pivots, rebranding, and product development. They gathered for weekly stand-up meetings, sharpened their storytelling through pitch practices, and gave each other feedback in peer product reviews. With guidance from our amazing mentor network, these founders pushed boundaries, grew stronger, and formed lasting connections.

A big MAHALO to everyone that supported this cohort and to the founders themselves for becoming part of the Blue Startups ohana. We are continuing to support the cohort and would be happy to make any valuable introductions, if you are interested, please let us know.

Community Events

Mana Up Showcase

Today! November 7 at Bloomingdale’s, Honolulu

5:00 – 8:00pm

The 2024 Mana Up Showcase marks the culmination of the annual six-month accelerator, highlighting 10 must-watch Hawai‘i-based product companies from Maui, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i Island. These emerging brands, alongside many more, will be featured during the Mana Up Showcase 2024: Alikaleo Park, Bizia Surf, Farm to Fudge, Hawai‘i Ulu Cooperative, Honua Skincare, Kaua‘i Hemp Co., Kris Goto, Okonokai, To Be Organics, and Waiwaolani.

Submit your nominations today!

The deadline for the 25th Annual Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards nominations are closing on Nov. 10th. If you have been inspired by an outstanding entrepreneur in Hawaii, or if you are one yourself, consider submitting a nomination for one of the HVCA Award categories.

Blue Startups Alumni Job Opportunities

Dataplor:

• Senior AI/ML Engineer, Lead Product Manager (Remote)

Hokali:

• Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist (Hybrid)

Hostfully:

• Mid-Level Quality Assurance Engineer, Senior Backend Developer (Java), Senior Frontend React Developer (Remote)

Instant:

• Teams Customer Service Agent (Remote)

Inttent:

• Front-End Engineer, ML Engineer (Remote)

Kind Traveler:

• West Coast Sales Territory Manager, East Coast Sales Territory Manager, Various sales positions—Southwest, Europe, Asia, Australia

Quibble:

• Senior MERN Software Engineer (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Business Development Manager (Miami, FL), Business Development Manager (Remote), Senior Revenue Manager (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Reef.ai:

• Technical Customer Lead (Remote (Seattle, Portland))

Turno:

• Product Manager, SaaS (Remote)