Get updated with the latest news about PICHTR and our initiatives.

Quick video overview of PACT Conference 2025

Watch the highlights here.

May 14, 2025

EPA Announces $49 Million in Technical Assistance to Help Rural, Small, and Tribal Communities Address Wastewater Challenges

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $49 million in funding through its Rural, Small, and Tribal Clean Water Technical Assistance Grant Program to support wastewater infrastructure improvements. The Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) was named as one of the selected recipients. This funding will enable PICHTR and other organizations to assist underserved communities in planning, designing, and securing financing for wastewater upgrades. Their work supports the EPA’s commitment to environmental equity and public health, especially in rural and tribal areas facing critical infrastructure and compliance challenges.

April 29, 2025

Select Global Women In Tech (SGWIT) Newsletter

Spotlight on Success: Keith Matsumoto

Keith Matsumoto, a mentor in the Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT) Program, played a key role in supporting Lenita Putri, a mentee from Bali, Indonesia, in her efforts to expand her startup into the U.S. Keith shared his appreciation for the opportunity to mentor a talented and inspiring entrepreneur and emphasized the value of SGWIT’s supportive, one-on-one mentorship environment. Lenita, in turn, praised Keith’s visionary leadership and the profound impact of his guidance on her entrepreneurial journey. Their story highlights how mutual respect and targeted mentorship can drive professional growth and global success.

April 29, 2025

Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2025

Chairman Dennis Teranishi and President Ian Kitajima are honored for their achievement and contributions.

March 17, 2025

Press Release | PICHTR Oceania

Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) Expands Presence with New Regional Office in American Samoa

January 22, 2025

University of Hawaii |AI traffic safety project wins $750K prize from U.S. Department of Transportation

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has been awarded $750,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation for developing an advanced artificial intelligence system aimed at preventing potential crashes at intersections. Led by Professor Guohui Zhang from the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, the team created a system that integrates data from LiDAR, RGB cameras, thermal cameras, and traffic signals to produce accurate 3D tracking and predict possible collision paths. This efficient design allows the system to operate on cost-effective hardware while maintaining precision across various conditions, facilitating its scalability to intersections nationwide. The project is a collaboration between UH, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, and NEC Corporation of America. This achievement underscores UH’s dedication to enhancing transportation safety through innovative solutions.

January 17, 2025

Bytemarks Cafe | Uplifting Waiʻanae EPA Grant Podcast

The show features Keith Matsumoto, Program Director at PICHTR, and James Pakele, President of Dynamic Community Solutions and Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae. They discuss the EPA Community Change Grant Program, Uplifting Waiʻanae, which aims to create positive impacts in the Waiʻanae community.

Listen to the podcast here.

January 17, 2025

Hawaii Public Radio | Education leaders impressed with new AI program in Hawaiʻi schools

A recent AI program piloted in Hawaiʻi public schools yielded impressive and emotional results among education leaders. Eighty students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the islands participated, forming six teams tasked with identifying student challenges and creating AI chatbots to address them. The program was co-created by Ian Kitajima, president of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research. Plans for a second round are underway for 2025.

Listen here.

December 24, 2024

Bytemarks Cafe | J-StarX 2025 Podcast

Ian Kitajima, President of PICHTR, was invited to talk about the J-StarX program, in partnership with METI of Japan.

Listen to the podcast here.

December 13, 2024

Press Release | PICHTR Awarded Second Year of J-StarX Dual Use Program

Connecting leading Japanese dual-use technology companies with government opportunities in the United States

December 11, 2024

Bytemarks Cafe | C omputer Science in Education Podcast

Burt Lum hosted his Bytemarks Cafe Podcast with Sen Michelle Kidani, Vice President of the Senate and Chair of the Education Committee and Ian Kitajima, President of PICHTR, to talk about computer science policy and advocacy and the work to roll this out in the Department of Education.

Listen to the podcast and read the summary

November 2024

PICHTR’s Board member Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum to lead Department Of Defense think tank

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum has been appointed as the new director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, a Honolulu-based think tank focused on security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. She will assume the role in January, following her tenure as president of the East-West Center in Honolulu. Vares-Lum, a native Hawaiian and the first alumna of the center’s Transnational Security Cooperation course to lead the organization, brings extensive experience from her military career, including roles in the Hawaii National Guard and deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Her leadership aims to foster collaboration and innovation to address regional security challenges, building on her background in military intelligence, strategic studies, and community involvement.

Developing and Testing Innovations: Connecting Indigenous Culture and Integrated STEM in Hawaii Through Smart AgTech

In collaboration with The Institute for Future Intelligence (IFI), the project at the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research focuses on developing and testing innovative methods that connect Indigenous culture with technology. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern educational practices, the initiative aims to enhance learning experiences for Indigenous students. This collaboration seeks to foster cultural relevance and improve educational outcomes through the use of innovative tools and approaches tailored to Indigenous communities. The project underscores the importance of preserving cultural identity while leveraging technology for educational advancement.

October 2024

Digital Equity Innovation Awards

The Broadband Hui, PICHTR, the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office in partnership with the Counties and Community Access television (Hōʻike, ʻŌlelo, Akakū, Nā Leo) announce the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to expanding broadband access and digital equity in Hawaii. These awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and projects that have made significant impacts in bridging the digital divide and promoting internet access for underserved communities. The initiative aims to highlight innovative solutions, foster collaboration, and encourage ongoing efforts to ensure that all residents of Hawaii can benefit from digital resources and connectivity.

October 2024

How AI and Automation Can Support Your Life, Work and Team

The article from Hawaii Business explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work in Hawaii. It discusses how AI is transforming various industries, enhancing efficiency, and changing job roles. Key themes include the necessity for workforce adaptation, the potential for job displacement, and the importance of reskilling and upskilling workers to meet new demands. The piece also highlights local initiatives aimed at preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy, emphasizing collaboration between businesses, educators, and policymakers to ensure a smooth transition into this evolving landscape. Moderated by PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima.

September 2024

What are you seeing out there? Challenges and Innovations in Education

PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima and Josh Reppun discuss the challenges and innovations in education, highlighting the importance of non-traditional educational practices and the need to amplify stories of success and hope. They emphasized the significance of real-world learning initiatives and the potential impact of generative AI on education. The conversation also touched on the importance of legacy and preparing future generations to continue the work of educational transformation.

Watch the video and read the summary including timestamps

July 2024

What are you seeing out there? The Future of AI and the Emergence of the Empathy Economy

PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima and Dr. Mark Kimura’s conversation highlighting the transformative potential of AI and the importance of maintaining a focus on empathy and human connection.

Mark and Ian discussed their history of working together on applied AI projects, emphasizing the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for the future. They explored the concept of an “empathy economy,” where human connection and empathy become central as AI handles productivity tasks. They also touched on the potential societal impacts of AI, including the importance of authenticity and creativity in a future where AI is ubiquitous. They used AI to transcribe a one hour discussion, and to create the following summaries with time stamps.

Watch the video and read the summary including timestamps

June 2024

The Pacific Alliance for Collaboration and Technology (PACT) Symposium

The PACT Symposium, presented by Armatus.ai, promote ongoing engagement between the dual-use innovation ecosystem, traditional defense companies, and government/military end-users to accelerate the development and scaling of new technologies for national and regional security.

For more information and registration visit: https://indopact.org/

May 2024

Bytemarks Cafe | Agtech & Education Podcast

Hawaii Public Radio kicks off its Spring Membership Campaign with a special edition featuring Ian Kitajima, President of PICHTR. The discussion focuses on workforce development, education, Agtech, and learning trips to South Korea.

Listen to the podcast here.

April 2024

iQ360 | Design Thinking

A 2 part interview series with PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima on design thinking.

Part 1

Part 2

March 2024

USJC Explores the Quests of Both the United States and Japan to Achieve a Carbon-Free Power Sector

The U.S.-Japan Council explores the shared goals of the United States and Japan in achieving a carbon-free power sector. The initiative highlights both countries’ commitments to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It discusses the importance of collaboration in technology, policy, and investment to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources. The council aims to facilitate discussions on best practices and innovations that can support these ambitions, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to tackle climate change effectively.

Get more information and watch the event here.

February 2024

Partnerships for Climate Technology (PaCT) Conference: Using Novel & Breakthrough Technologies for Climate Change Resiliency

February 5 -6, 2024

New program equips Japanese startup entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and network for successful international dual-use collaborations.

January 23, 2024

PICHTR Launches J-StarX Hawaii-PICHTR Course

PICHTR announced the launch of its new startup accelerator called J-StarX Hawaii-PICHTR Course. PICHTR, a distinguished Hawaii not-for-profit organization known for its impactful programs was selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan to create and operate this program.

November 1, 2023

Hawaii Business | AI In Hawaii

PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima participates in a panel discussion on AI in Hawaii hosted by Hawaii Business Magazine.

October 2023

Hawaii Public Radio | As AI develops, this tech expert sees new business opportunities for Hawaii

The Conversation interviews PICHTR’s Ian Kitajima about AI and Hawaii’s business opportunities.

September 2023

Press Release | PICHTR and WAI Grant

PICHTR and WAI Help Access $1 Million in Federal Funding to Create Workforce Training and Address Hawai’i’s Wastewater Pollution Issues

February 1, 2023

Hawaii Public Radio | Bytemarks Cafe Interview

Listen to PICHTR’s Veronica Rocha discuss our Climate Grants Accelerator Program with Burt Lum, the host of Bytemarks Café

April 20, 2022

Press Release | PICHTR Launches Hawaii’s First Climate Grants Accelerator

One stop shop supports NGOs, government entities and businesses pursuing federal funding for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience initiatives

April 12, 2022