This Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) at the University of Hawaiʻi began through a visionary collaboration between the head of the Electrical Engineering Department and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Recognizing the critical need to modernize Oahu’s aging electrical grid and advance the energy sector, they aimed to engage university students in these efforts.

The initiative was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, innovative energy solutions, and integration with our electrical grid. By involving students in real-world projects, the program ensures that graduates are prepared to lead and innovate in the energy field. This partnership not only supports the university's sustainability goals but also equips students with the skills and knowledge to strengthen the future of Hawaiʻi's energy infrastructure.