Honolulu is set to host the third Pacific Alliance for Collaboration and Technology (PACT) from February 25 to 27, 2024, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The event aims to bring together government officials, startup founders, and defense contractors to enhance collaboration on data sharing, dual-use technologies, and public-private partnerships. Organizers emphasize a focus on practical engagement rather than traditional podium speeches, featuring hands-on sessions and smaller working groups.
According to Hawaii News Now, Ian Kitajima and Keith Matsumoto from the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) discussed PACT’s goals during a recent segment. Kitajima highlighted the organization’s establishment in 1985 under President Ronald Reagan and its history of fostering dual-use projects that benefit both civilian and military sectors. The segment also noted PICHTR’s experience in creating accelerators and managing programs focused on the Indo-Pacific region with support from both U.S. and Japanese partners.
Agenda Focused on Collaboration and Innovation
The agenda for PACT centers on enhancing interoperable data sharing and developing comprehensive solutions for natural and human-made disasters. According to PICHTR, sessions will include a solutions showcase, contracting and teaming panels, design sprints, and a proving grounds track. This track is designed to advance technologies from initial demonstrations to real-world applications. Organizers intentionally limit attendance to foster direct communication among allied militaries, commercial vendors, and private investors.
Local startups, including alumni from J-StarX such as VFR, AirKamuy, and Diarkis, are already making strides in defense markets. Notably, two of these companies have been recognized in the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Drone Dominance top 25. This underscores PACT’s emphasis on technologies that can be applied to both civilian climate initiatives and military operations.
Support for Local Businesses and Strategic Partnerships
The event aims to highlight contract opportunities for businesses in Hawai‘i. A recent release from PICHTR announced a strategic partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) to bolster Indo-Pacific sustainment and advanced manufacturing. This partnership outlines a framework for utilizing MDMC infrastructure for prototyping and depot-level work throughout the region, creating new opportunities for local firms.
PICHTR also manages incubation and contract administration programs designed to assist island startups in navigating federal supply chains. Organizers anticipate that the focused format of PACT will lead to follow-on acquisitions and pilot projects, providing local entrepreneurs and defense-adjacent contractors with valuable pathways to collaborate with allied governments and private funders.
As the PACT Summit approaches, the expectation is that the working sessions will generate teaming proposals that could transition into contracts later this year, fostering a stronger defense and technology ecosystem within the Indo-Pacific region.
