Meet our Partners

AcquiLingua is an AI-powered language learning platform built around conversation practice, co-founded by Sean and Mark Feeney. Instead of structured lessons, quizzes, or vocabulary drills, AcquiLingua puts users into real conversations in your target language, personalized to your interests and calibrated to your current level. The platform is built on Comprehensible Input theory, the same methodology used by leading language acquisition researchers, including collaborators at USC who have worked directly alongside Dr. Stephen Krashen.

Possible project elements: Improving the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) for AcquiLingua. Creating content, possible use of Node.js, and prompting AI to improve processes for AcquiLingua language learning.

Keywords: AI-assisted Language Acquisition, App Development, Data Collection & Analysis, Data Science, Marketing

Akamai Intelligence, a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned 8(a) Small Business, was built on the vision of Hawaii’s late Senator Daniel Inouye. They focus on recruiting, training, and hiring local, Hawaii-based residents born and raised in Hawaii. Their core capabilities are cybersecurity, IT systems integration, engineering, and installation. Lance Farias is the Vice President of Corporate Operations and has extensive experience with Antiterrorism Force Protection, Air Base Defense, and Electronic Security Systems across the Air Force and federal programs. 

Possible project elements: May assist with configuring and testing systems, cybersecurity research, technical documentation, data analysis, network or security-system diagrams, and project planning. Assignments would be supervised, hands-on, and connected to active business or technical needs while remaining appropriate for the intern’s experience and access level.

Keywords: Cybersecurity; Systems Integration; Secure Communications; Electronic Security; Critical Infrastructure.

Invertebrate Zoology is the scientific study of animals without backbones, including marine groups such as sponges, corals, crustaceans, and echinoderms. At the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, this area of study focuses primarily on marine invertebrates from Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, while also encompassing the remarkable diversity of species found across island and reef ecosystems. Their Invertebrate Zoology collection has over 49,000 cataloged lots with over 1,000 type specimens. Primarily houseing marine animals that span multiple animal groups, including Porifera (sponges), Cnidaria (corals, jellies), Crustacea (crabs, lobsters), and Echinodermata (sea stars, urchins). Jan Vicente, Ph.D., was recently appointed as Curator of the Invertebrate Zoology Collection. With 10 years of research and field experience in the islands of Hawai‘i and 20 years of experience, Dr. Vicente oversees the collection’s more than 49,000 cataloged lots and 1,000 type specimens of sponges, corals, crustaceans, echinoderms, and other animals without backbones. 

Possible project elements: Contribute to the development of an integrative genomic and systematic database of marine sponges. Focused efforts on samples from a specific ecoregion that is of interest to the student. The student will be exposed to DNA, barcoding, metabarcoding, histology, and advanced methods in electron microscopy.

Keywords: Integrative taxonomy, Molecular phylogenomics, Museomics, Symbiosis, Next Generation Sequencing

Blue Water Multimedia is a locally owned and operated company for over 15 years. They have digital artists capable of producing 3D animation, 2D animation, motion graphics, visualizations, visual effects, game assets, virtual reality, augmented reality, and more. BWM uses emerging technologies to deliver multimedia projects for local businesses that would otherwise have to outsource the work to mainland companies. Quest Kennelly has worked in two 3D animation and VRX studio startups before becoming a partner at Blue Water Multimedia LLC, which he currently owns and operates. 

Possible project elements: 3D animation, motion Graphics, VR

Keywords: Multimedia production, 3D animation, AI, and VFX

Castle & Cooke Hawaiʻi owns, manages, and develops residential, commercial, and mixed-use real estate throughout Hawaiʻi, including the community of Mililani, Dole Cannery, Dole Plantation, Mililani Technology Park, and Castle & Cooke Aviation. Their new Koa Ridge Surban in Central Oʻahu includes residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and healthcare components. Castle & Cooke is evaluating how AI and related technologies can reduce the friction involved in finding information, reviewing documents, analyzing alternatives, and communicating across teams. Justin Francisco is a Project Manager at Castle & Cooke Hawaiʻi. He is trained as a licensed architect and seasoned in construction and project management (PMP). 

Possible project elements: Help Castle & Cooke further evaluate practical applications of AI across several business functions. Work with various departments, including planning, analytics, construction and project management, and sales, to support each department’s technology goals and identify information-intensive or time-consuming tasks that may benefit from technology. The emphasis would be on structured research, testing, and documentation, with the intern translating findings into practical recommendations that employees can evaluate and apply. 

Keywords: Applied AI; Real Estate Development; Data Analytics; Process Automation; Project Planning

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP), led by Dr. Lars Bejder, investigates the ecology, behavior, and conservation of marine mammals in Hawaiian, national, and international waters. ExLENT partners with Jacob "Jake" Linsky, a researcher and Education staff member. Their research combines field observations, advanced technologies, and quantitative modeling to understand how marine mammals live, move, and respond to a changing ocean. Current projects range from assessing the abundance and distribution of small odontocetes around the Hawaiian Islands to developing automated tools to improve the identification of individual animals from photographs. This helps estimate whale populations using satellite imagery. They use drones to assess body condition and health, deploy suction-cup tags to study fine-scale behavior, and look at the population consequences of anthropogenic disturbance.

Possible project elements: Work directly with satellite data and GIS software. Depending on student interest, specific projects could focus on applying these data to either A) develop tools (e.g., CV detectors, automated analysis workflows) or B) answer biological questions (e.g., describe animal distributions using satellite data).

Keywords: Satellite, AI, Marine Biology

Cyrus Howe's work with Hawaiʻi Green Growth focuses on enhancing Hawaiʻi's resilience by leading a distributed green stormwater infrastructure initiative in the Pālolo Valley and Ala Wai Watershed. As part of the Hawaiʻi Green Growth UN Local2030 Hub, this public-private partnership employs a systems-based approach, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to address runoff management through community collaboration. The project utilizes advanced STEM tools for hydrological assessment to inform infrastructure design that mitigates flooding, recharges aquifers, and improves watershed sustainability.

Possible project elements: Work closely with both HGG's watershed team and their engineering partners at Roth Ecological Design International to monitor and analyze data from installed BioCatchment Boxes that will be situated at five different residential microclimates to test performance of both different plants and performance. Translate data and science into laypersons' terms to apprise the public of this cutting-edge innovation in progress, and to continue stimulating funding to scale up the project.

Keywords: Green stormwater infrastructure

Andrew Pettit is a Ph.D. student at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, under the Marine Conservation Innovation Group (MCIG). Through this research, they bring together cutting-edge science, design, and technology to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems today. The MCIG builds on research by Elizabeth Madin and Joshua Madin, whose work on habitat structure, spatial ecology, and remote sensing has helped to reshape how we understand, conserve, and monitor reef ecosystems at scale. 

Possible project elements: Annotating and quality-checking camera-trap or satellite imagery, preparing datasets for machine learning models, evaluating model detections, and using R, Python, or GIS to visualize and interpret results. Test fisheries management scenarios using a population model and translate the results into accessible figures or interactive tools for community partners. Collect fishing effort data from the Lanikai Pillbox.

Keywords: Conservation, Fisheries, Remote sensing, Population modeling

Noah Pentelovitch brings over a decade of experience designing watertight enclosures to Hohonu, having worked across all phases of product design, development, and manufacturing, from prototyping to mass production. Hohonu builds sensors and applications used to predict flooding, monitor flood events over land, and monitor and predict tidal fluctuations. This information is incredibly valuable to cities that are seeing increases in flood events due to sea level rise, major rain, and river-overtopping events. Hohonu helps communities build resilience by giving them tools to monitor, in real time, flood events to alert the community and organize emergency resources. Hohonu also partners with Loko I'a to provide monitoring of water levels to assist in the restoration of Hawaiian fish ponds. 

Possible project elements: 3D printing and assembly of Hohonu's sensors that are used to predict flooding and monitor flood events over land, as well as monitor and predict tidal fluctuations. Interns have a chance at fieldwork at sensor sites (all around Oʻahu) and some programming.

Keywords: Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Analysis / Data Science, Applied Technology, Climate Adaptation, Ecological Management, Hardware, Low-cost Remote Sensors, Networking, Real-time water level data, Environmental Monitoring, Sensor technology, Climate Resilience

Cindy Matsuki is an Economic Development Specialist for the Hawaiʻi Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) at the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), a state agency under the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) focused on growing Hawai‘i’s innovation and technology economy. Created in 1983, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) is the state’s economic development agency focused on developing the technology sector. Since its inception, technology has evolved and permeates facets of all industries and provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaiʻi residents. HTDC continues to innovate and create programs relevant to meet the changing technology industry. In addition to providing incubation facilities to foster the growth of technology startups, HTDC provides capital and building infrastructure, has grant programs, educational and networking programs, statewide mentoring, and technology workforce development.

Possible project elements: Event support, process improvement ideas, administrative support of programs.

Keywords: Ocean, Space, Advanced Manufacturing

Institute for Future Intelligence (IFI) builds cloud-native, AI-enabled tools that support scientific inquiry and engineering design through modeling, simulation, imaging, and experimentation. Their mission is to conduct cutting-edge research and development that focusess on reimagining the relationship between human and machine, and getting ready for its profound impacts on society. Its philosophy emphasizes both understanding what AI can do and recognizing what it cannot do, ensuring students develop skills in areas where human reasoning and creativity remain essential—particularly at the frontiers of scientific discovery. Dylan Bulseco is the Senior Vice President and Principal Scientist at IFI. He has served as PI, co-PI, or senior personnel on numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Homeland Security. His current work at IFI focuses on integrating computational science, data science, and AI into life sciences and biotechnology — in a culturally relevant and responsive way.

Possible project elements: Utilize generative AI tools to learn foundational coding skills and build a practical AI agent tailored to their educational discipline—such as health, education, business, environmental science, engineering, or the arts. Identify a meaningful problem in their field, research user needs, develop and test a small working prototype, and refine it with guidance from mentors and subject-matter experts. Projects may include an agent that explains complex information, analyzes data, organizes research, supports decision-making, or automates a repetitive task. Learn responsible AI practices, including evaluating accuracy, recognizing bias, protecting sensitive information, and keeping people involved in important decisions. 

Keywords: STEM education, Generative AI, Community-focused problem solving with technology

Matthew Feeley joins remote underwater imaging technology with AI-assisted data analysis to predict safe and ideal dive conditions. LuʻuLive integrates data from established networks of ocean buoys and meteorological stations, providing a foundation of information on wave heights, currents, and general weather patterns. Additionally, LuʻuLive combines data with localized, real-time observations to deliver accurate and actionable water quality and dive condition forecasts.

Possible project elements: Diving 100yds offshore and collecting underwater visability data in various dive locations. Interns will need to have intermediate to advanced swimming ability. The data will be used to improve Lu'uLive's AI-assisted data analysis to predict safe and ideal dive conditions.

Keywords: Data-science, Remote Sensing, Ocean and Atmospheric Condition Monitoring, AI-enabled Analyses, Machine Learning

Pacxa is Hawaiʻi’s premier technology provider and systems integrator. Their team delivers customized solutions that enable nearly 400 commercial, government, and nonprofit organizations across the state to maximize opportunities and pursue innovation. Formed through the consolidation of several established local IT firms, the company delivers end-to-end technology solutions—ranging from enterprise cloud migration and custom software development to advanced cybersecurity strategies and managed IT infrastructure. Amberlene Thompson is the Workforce Development Program Administrator at Pacxa. She leads the Huakaʻi Fellowship Program to build and mentor Hawaiʻi’s local IT talent. Leveraging AI tools for rapid design and development, Pacxa is developing a workforce solution alongside TRUE Hawaiʻi to reimagine a skills-based talent marketplace to connect job seekers, employers, educators, and workforce partners.

Possible project elements:  Work on real-world projects that support internal initiatives and community-based projects. Some tasks include researching and testing AI tools, assisting with AI agent development, building low-code workflow automations, implementing Power BI dashboards and reports, conducting requirements gathering, and documenting your work to share with fellow interns. Past projects include an internal Talent Management App to track certifications and an AI-powered Account Management App to support cost comparison of client licenses.

Keywords: Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Workforce Development

Keith Matsumoto of PICHTR outlines a framework for technology innovation that integrates human-centered design, interdisciplinary STEM education, and the strategic development of dual-use technologies with applications spanning disaster recovery, emergency medical care, and sustainability initiatives. PICHTR facilitates public and private partnerships that conserve and utilize the natural resources of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. They support developing and commercializing clean, renewable, and advanced technologies. Facilitate and advocate for the advancement of sustainable development by providing timely and useful information, expertise, and training on advanced and appropriate technologies. Engage with educational partners to prototype and test technologies with students and communities.

Possible project elements: The project will vary based on the interests and background of the interns, but will support technology development in Hawaii and provide exposure to companies for the interns.

Keywords: Dual-Use Technology, AI-based technology, Agricultural-Tech, Community & Culture

Most technology initiatives in Hawaiʻi operate independently, where organizations invest separately, solve the same problems in isolation, and compete for the same scarce talent. TRUE takes a fundamentally different approach: convening with partners, providing broker partnerships, creating a reusable playbook, and documenting success. Nicole Cacal is a leader in innovation who’s all about using technology to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Hawai‘i. As the Executive Director of the TRUE Initiative, she helps local businesses and leaders navigate the world of tech, from AI to cloud computing, making complex tools easy to understand and use. 

Possible project elements: Work on research, real partner-facing deliverables, and exposure to executives across sectors. Employer demand research. TRUE Playbook development. Skills taxonomy contribution. Program design support for MIT PATH Action Labs. AI-assisted content production. Gain fluency in how AI gets adopted inside real organizations, familiarity with rooms with senior leaders across government and industry, and portfolio artifacts.

Keywords: AI workforce development, Applied artificial intelligence, Cross-sector convening, AI self-reliance

Ulu HI-Tech, Inc. is a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) owned 8(a) Cybersecurity, Cloud Integration, and DevSecOps company. They specialize in DevSecOps, which is the practice of integrating operations and security at every stage of software development. This allows them to create a truly agile development pipeline that sets their clients up for long-term success. Emily Warren is the General Manager; in her role, she provides overall leadership for Ulu HI-Tech.

Possible project elements: Artificial Intelligence & Automation, Cybersecurity, Cloud & DevSecOps, Data Analytics & Visualization, Technology Workforce & Community Projects

Keywords: Tech consulting, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity

Founded in 2019, 3Rwater, Inc. was created to expand access to innovative water management solutions that strengthen climate resilience and support healthier communities. Founder Lauren Roth Venu is an ecopreneur, TEDx speaker, and published author focused on developing nature-based solutions for water and climate challenges. As the CEO of 3Rwater, Inc., she led the development of Follow the Drop, a cloud-based tool designed to help water agencies and communities manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve water conservation. 

Possible project elements: Data analytics, React or MAUI feature development, cybersecurity, QA/QC, UI/UX design

Keywords: Climate-tech, Digital water, Rainwater capture

The Malacology Department curates one of the world’s largest mollusc collections — with millions of specimens from across the Pacific region — serving as a reference for research, conservation, and education. Dr. Norine W. Yeung is a malacology researcher at the Bishop Museum and the University of Hawai’i, whose interdisciplinary work in conservation biology integrates advanced genomic analysis and museum informatics to investigate the impacts of environmental change on the diversity, distribution, and extinction risk of Pacific Island land snails. 

Keywords: Phylogenomics, Conservation Genetics, DNA Barcoding, Biodiversity Informatics, Integrative Taxonomy, Museum Science, Cryopreservation, Invertebrate ecology 

The Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum works in evolutionary ecology and systematics, integrating genomic analysis and biodiversity informatics to investigate the generation, maintenance, and conservation of invertebrate biodiversity, with a focus on Pacific Island mollusks and other understudied taxa. This research is dedicated to addressing the biodiversity crisis through integrative taxonomy, phylogenomics, and conservation genetics, leveraging museum collections and advanced molecular techniques to prevent extinctions and inform large-scale ecosystem management.

Keywords: Genomic analysis, Phylogenomics, Digitization of Collections, Integrative Taxonomy, Bioinformatics, Conservation genomics, Species distribution modeling, Non-invasive survey techniques

Center for Resilient Neighborhoods (CERENE) works in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, as well as the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, along with a network of engaged community collaborators such as the Waikīkī Community Center, Ko’olauloa Community Resilience Center, “We are Oceania”, and many others. The Telehealth & Resilience Hubs TI-PAR Pilot Study, led by Dr. Miku and Dr. Nakano with KCC students and Coast Guard cadets, integrates Indigenous knowledge, social science methods, and community-led resilience. Through this work, students gained training in research, leadership, and intercultural competence while directly contributing to KALGOV’s resilience planning. The pilot also strengthened ties between higher education and frontline climate action.

Keywords: Technology and Innovation, Disaster Preparedness, Governance and Policy, Food Security and Sustainability

The Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) was created in 1974 to stimulate the development of natural energy resources and reduce fossil fuel use in Hawai‘i. Through multidisciplinary research and education and public-private partnerships, HNEI has emerged as a leader for sustainable energy deployment and demonstration projects in Hawai‘i. A core part of HNEI’s mission is to help guide Hawai‘i through its clean energy transformation by focusing on cost-effective and practical solutions to help deliver commercially viable renewable energy for Hawai‘i and the world. Troy Hietman was appointed as an Assistant Researcher to support the development of the Hawaii Marine Energy Center (HMEC) and to lead R&D projects focused on: 1) improving the efficiency of hydraulic power take-off systems, and 2) studying the far-field impacts of wave energy converters on coastal processes. 

Keywords: Renewable Energy Technologies, Coastal Wave Modeling, Renewable Energy, Ocean Engineering, Wave Energy Conversion

Ourspace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit makerspace that blends technology, creativity, and social impact, providing resources and education to help individuals develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Initially focused on tech-based print and prototype production, it is now expanding into emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and AR/VR. This presents a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in building and operating a creative tech space in Honolulu while networking with professionals and entrepreneurs actively using these technologies in their careers.

Keywords: Makerspace, Emerging technologies, Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, AR/AR, AI, Electronics, Robotics