ACRONYM Soup

HSTC HSTI AFCEA HVCA PTC HTCA AITP IEEE HTDC HSDC NELHA MEDB HIEDB KEDB EH HARC HCIA

The Hawaii technology industry is supported by many associations and organizations, both formal and informal. Many local associations have affiliations with national and international associations. These connections are important for a State 2,500 miles away from the continental U.S.

Each major island group also form organizations in their region. The internet age provides excellent tools for long distance interaction. However, there’s something about personal interactions that moves initiatives forward.

While the institutional and state government organizations provide a solid base, it’s the informal groups that keep the industry energized. Using innovative Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Ning, and an online rack of the top news of the day, these technologies are the most informed and networked group in the state. Add Twitter and this group operates in real time.

Here is a snapshot of the associations and organizations in Hawaii’s Acronym Soup:

INDUSTRY

Hawaii Science and Technology Institute (HSTI)
Hawaii Science and Technology Council (HSTC)
(Merged: Hawaii Technology Trade Association)
HISciTech.org

Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Associations (AFCEA)
Hawaii Venture Capital Association (HVCA)
Hawaii Angels / Maui Angels
Hawaii Angels, Big Island Chapter
Hawaii Business and Entrepreneur Acceleration Mentors (HiBEAM)
Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC)
Hawaii Tele-Communications Association (HTCA)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
IEEE Hawaii Section (IEEE)
Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies (HCES)
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC)
Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA)
Hawaii Technology Development Venture (HTDV)
Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture (HREDV)
Pacific Telehealth & Technology Hui
Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (COCHawaii)
Kauai Economic Development Board (KEDB)
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB)
Enterprise Honolulu (EH)
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB)
Marine Technology Society – Hawaii Section (MTS)