HAIC 2026 Sponsorship

The State of Hawaiʻi Office of Enterprise Technology is once again hosting a hackathon. Building upon 10 successful years as the Hawai’i Annual Code Challenge (HACC), ETS is going to start a whole new era for this annual collaboration with private enterprise, students, high schools and universities. The new Hawai’i Annual Innovation Challenge (HAIC) is seeking sponsors for this rebranded event which will build upon the past connections between state government and IT businesses and technology-focused students and workers. The State of Hawaiʻi, the University of Hawaiʻi, and the IMAG Foundation are the proud organizers of HAIC 2026.

Here are a few highlights that make the HAIC unique compared to other hackathons around the country.

  • Participants have an extended time to develop their ideas and create proto-types
  • Challenges from state and local government agencies will be more fine-tuned and geared to using the resulting prototypes to solve real-world solutions
  • Challenges will provide valuable real-world experience for participants

As we kick off this new era, let’s reflect upon the enthusiasm level for the event from last year. Here’s a look at HACC 2025’s reach:

Your sponsorship will:

  • Help the Public Sector provide powerful hands-on training
  • Allow you to develop strong relationships with Public Sector decision makers
  • Provide local Tech Talent with a path to showcase their skills to Public and Private Sector hiring agents
  • Support hands-on coding challenges for real-world impact
  • Provide important training opportunities to Hawaiʻi’s Tech Workforce

The HAIC fosters innovation by asking young tech minds to solve challenges from state and local government agencies. The HAIC will feature AI innovations that are changing how tech solutions are created and implemented.

We hope our continued collaboration with you will provide pre-event training to keep Hawai’i’s workforce up to date in AI and emerging technologies.

HAIC 2026 – Schedule

  • Sept 7th – Oct 10th Pre-event work shops
  • Oct.  19th – Challenges Announced
  • Oct. 24th – Kickoff (virtual)
  • Oct. 31st – Interim Workshop – Project Planning and Challenger Q&A
  • Nov. 14th – Interim Workshop – Security & Privacy and Present Your Solution
  • Nov. 21st – Judging & Presentation Day at UH WO (in person)

Participants can take part in the HAIC at no cost due to contributions from our partners and patrons. All funds and in-kind donations go toward supporting any potential year-round and event activities, internships, and awards. All funds will be received and handled by IMAG Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, making all contributions 100% tax deductible.

Judging and Presentation Day Sponsor Tables
Judging and Presentation Day provides Sponsors with an opportunity to host a display table and enjoy the participant presentations. This will allow you to meet some of Hawaiʻi’s best and brightest young tech talent. Additionally, after the award announcements, sponsor representatives will have an opportunity to interact with all attending HAIC participants and attendees to discuss their organizations, and potential internships or job opportunities.

Neighbor Island Participation and Travel Support
Increased neighbor island participation by schools and participants is a focus for the HAIC. Travel support will be awarded to two members of any qualifying teams located on the neighbor islands. A live stream of the event for those not able to attend in person will also be provided.

Workshop Opportunities
Our goal is to partner with sponsors to offer training opportunities that highlight your products and services while strengthening and developing Hawaiʻi’s tech workforce. We also aim to create a calendar of events that promotes your organization and maximizes outreach to potential attendees.

Sponsorship benefit packages may also be tailored to suit your needs. For more information or  please contact:
Thelma Alane, Sponsor Chair, 808-205-6871

HAIC 2026 Sponsorship Registration

Form to be completed by Sponsors to indicate their commitment to supporting the event

Please select your preferred level
The exact amount you plan to contribute
Payment Information(Required)

If you plan an in-kind donation, please describe in the other field.
indicate exactly how your organization would like to be acknowledged
Sponsor's Address
Contact Person(Required)

If paying with a check, please mail to:
Sheila Buyukacar, IMAG Foundation
91-1039 Kanihaalilo Street
Kapolei, HI 96707

Questions?
Please contact HACC Fiscal Sponsor- Sheila Buyukacar at 808-779-3878