Innovation Award
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As part of the Hawai`i Innovation Initiative, Governor Lingle is presenting a monthly Innovation Award, which will acknowledge and encourage innovation across all sectors in Hawai`i. The awards recognize deserving individuals, companies, nonprofits, organizations and government agencies that are developing innovative products, services and ways of doing things. Hawai`i residents are encouraged to nominate a deserving organization, individual or government agency that is innovating new ways to meet the challenges of the 21st century in one of the following categories. Read about the criteria, selection process and committee.
October Innovation by an Organization: Tissue Genesis, Inc. Tissue Genesis, Inc.'s mission is to advance tissue engineering and cell therapy solutions that save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with common medical ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. The company conducts advanced research and development in bioengineering, vascular tissue engineering, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, cell therapy, and related regenerative medical fields.
Kite for Sail is developing innovative alternative energy systems using advanced wind propulsion technology to supplement the existing propulsion system on ocean vessels. The company is developing a 30-kilowatt propulsion system that harnesses wind energy to generate 40 horsepower in 25-knot wind conditions that can power vessels and yachts weighing between one to two tons. Test boats using this system have demonstrated fuel savings between 25 and 50 percent.
Dana Slaymaker of Resource Mapping Hawai`i developed a collection of imaging technologies that is improving how conservation officials combat invasive species and protect Hawai`i's native habitats. The technology, which was developed for The Nature Conservancy, allows conservation officials to identify major invasive weeds using their computers, rather than having to spend days hiking and surveying topographical and environmentally challenging terrain. Using both natural light and multi-spectral imaging, the system can map thousands of acres of land, including terrain which would otherwise be inaccessible.
Heidi Kuehnle, an expert on plant breeding, is leading the way in finding plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels. Her biotech company, Kuehnle AgroSystems, custom designs plants to maximize their potential to be used for biofuels and other uses. The company, which is based in the Mānoa Innovation Center, is currently subcontracted by various companies to perform research on algae strains that can be used to make biofuels, aquaculture feeds and chemicals.
Through an innovative public-private partnership, the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Airports Division has improved the survival rate for victims who experience cardiac arrest in the state's airport system. Over the past two years, DOT installed 100 defibrillators in 10 of its airports statewide. As part of the defibrillators program, more than 1,700 airport employees have taken part in the American Heart Association's "Heartsaver" training courses. Since the program’s inception, five people who suffered cardiac arrest at various airports have been saved, as a result of defibrillators being used.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has formed innovative public-private partnerships to make Hawai`i a national leader in the pursuit of energy independence. Over the past year, DBEDT has worked extensively with federal agencies, national and local organizations, and the private sector to form partnerships to advance the goal of reducing the state's dependence on foreign oil and helping to bring energy price stability to Hawai`i's consumers. These partnerships have resulted in millions of dollars in federal, private and nonprofit grants to move renewable energy projects in Hawai`i forward with minimal state taxpayer funds.
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