The potential for science, technology, and innovation to drive economic diversification and resilience in Maui County has long been recognized. Since the early 1980s, public and private stakeholders have invested in building the necessary infrastructure and knowledge base to support this sector. Today, it encompasses a wide range of disciplines and industries, from space surveillance and aerospace to information technology, cybersecurity, and renewable energy innovation.

Maui County’s appeal as a tech-forward location stems from several key advantages: a strategic mid-Pacific time zone, exceptional quality of life, clean natural environment, and a growing talent pipeline through STEM-focused educational programs. The presence of specialized research assets—such as the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop Haleakalā and the Maui Research & Technology Park—positions the county as a strategic outpost for both government and private sector innovation.