University of �鶹��ý students helped reimagine an iconic local company by pitching bold new ideas for Meadow Gold Dairies �鶹��ý at a fast-paced innovation event. Hosted by UH Mānoa’s (PACE), the spring 2026 competition took place on March 28 and April 4, at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

Community connections take top prize

The team of Danielle Grace Banggo (dietetics, UH Mānoa) and Leticia Rodriguez Gutierrez (liberal arts, Honolulu Community College) won the $2,000 grand prize. Their strategy focused on a grassroots “Community Growth Campaign” designed to be both budget-friendly and ready for immediate rollout.

The plan involves deploying Meadow Gold trucks and vans to high-traffic local venues such as the Honolulu Zoo and community marketplaces. By utilizing brand ambassadors to engage directly with families, the team aims to strengthen the bond between the iconic brand and the local community.

“Innovate 808 taught me that your background doesn’t define your ability to make an impact,” Banggo said. “It encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, share your ideas and collaborate with others to create meaningful solutions. This experience empowered me to think creatively, communicate confidently and realize that even small ideas can make a big difference in the community.”

Three other teams won $1,000 runner up prizes, and another team won the $500 innovation award. Beyond the competition, Innovate 808 is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Students worked in interdisciplinary teams to tackle an active business challenge, building career-ready skills in communication, critical thinking and creative problem-solving while engaging directly with industry professionals.

Creative solutions for a new era

Concepts pitched during the competition included:

• Lani Moo Milk Candy: A sweet extension of the company’s famous mascot
• NIL Deals: Partnering with UH athletes to reach younger demographics
• POG 2.0: New bottle designs and updated formulations for the passion-orange-guava juice

Kimia Sadeghi, sales and marketing manager for Meadow Gold, said, “I wanted to hear from the next generation and how they think of executing solutions, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Meadow Gold Dairies �鶹��ý sponsored the project and prizes.

A “sprint” across all disciplines

Facilitated by Jeff Hui, entrepreneur-in-residence at PACE, the competition is designed to put real-world problems in front of students and see how they meet the challenge through research and innovation.

“The most exciting part for us is seeing students from all disciplines—business, engineering, computer science, art, education, anthropology and food science—coming together to come up with real solutions,” Hui said.

Now in its sixth decade, the Merrie Monarch Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and artistry. The influx of visitors also supports independent marketplaces throughout Hilo, where local businesses can showcase their work.

Two University of �鶹��ý alumni—Summer Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow and Lana Gronwald of Jules and Gem Hawaii—are vendors at the Mākeke Naniloa marketplace at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, returning to �鶹��ý Island after participating together last year.

Shiigi, a former UH Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women’s clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

“My family is from Hilo, so being able to go and visit for work is really special to me,” said Shiigi. “It’s an exciting time. It feels very meaningful and deep and cultural.”

Gronwald, the owner and founder of Jules and Gem Hawaii, a luxury fragrance brand, graduated from UH Mānoa in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Merrie Monarch is a special time. It’s beautiful to see all the different artists that come out and all those small businesses that are truly local who come from here and have roots in �鶹��ý,” said Gronwald.

Supporting local businesses

Both businesses make their products in �鶹��ý. With customers and businesses converging in Hilo, both women are appreciative of the opportunities it presents.

“The dollars being spent all with local companies is something really beautiful,” said Shiigi. “Being able to have that hard earned dollar spent in a local community and turning it back into someone who’s based here, who has local employees, who might even make things here, I think that’s really important.”

While they were freshmen in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa ’ Direct Admit Program, alumnae Amber Abara (BBA ’12, MS ’21) and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb (BBA ’12, MS ’21) crossed paths and quickly became best friends. What they didn’t know then was that their friendship would later spark a business—one inspired by a vivid dream Abara had during their master of science in marketing management program.

In the dream, she saw a soap bar shaped like a gua sha (smooth tool used to massage and stimulate the skin). When she shared it with Cobb, expecting a laugh, Cobb immediately responded, “Let’s do it.” That moment became the spark for a skincare company built around a farm-to-face philosophy.

Abara and Cobb source many of their ingredients from �鶹��ý farmers they know and trust, rooting their brand in community and sustainability. They also embrace the phrase “confidence from within,” which for them means feeling grounded in who you are the moment you wake up.

Their idea was deeply personal. Both struggled with acne for years and grew exhausted by the constant stream of advice, products and online trends promising perfect skin. They wanted something simpler—clean ingredients they understood, such as coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric, coffee and honey.

“The media details every trick, product and solution for your skin,” Cobb said. “What you eat, what pillowcases you sleep on, what oils, cleansers and tools you need to fix everything. I grew exhausted trying to sort through the advice of every influencer and article on the internet. I needed a product that made my life a little simpler, with ingredients I understood.”

Using sustainable, organic and local ingredients was equally important. Abara, raised in Kāneʻohe, grew up surrounded by lush landscapes and a strong culture of eating local, while Cobb—who moved from Colorado to Oʻahu at 17—quickly embraced �鶹��ý’s deep connection between land and community. Those values, particularly transparency and environmental care, now guide their brand called .

They took their idea further when a professor encouraged them to enter a (PACE) competition. Preparing for it pushed them to refine their branding, target market and overall vision. Although they didn’t advance, the experience confirmed that their dream had real potential. Later, they applied for and won a Kalo grant through PACE, giving them the seed funding needed to launch.

“I realized that my dream of a gua sha-shaped soap bar could actually become a real business when we won the Kalo grant,” Abara said.

With their entrepreneurial spark ignited—and support from Shidler’s programs—Abara and Cobb created the product they once needed.

For the entire story and more alumni stories, see the .

The (PACE) at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa is launching its inaugural sustainability series, a semester-long lineup of workshops, funding opportunities and industry events focused on climate, environmental and community-based innovation.

The series is presented in collaboration with the Student Sustainability Council at UH, Elemental Impact and the �鶹��ý Leadership Forum, and brings together students, founders and professionals working across sustainability-focused sectors.

The began in February with a hands-on kokedama workshop in partnership with Hoʻilina Arrangements, introducing students to plant-based design and environmental stewardship. On March 4, PACE will host “Profit With Purpose: Building Brands That Actually Matter,” a workshop examining how companies integrate sustainability into marketing, product development and brand strategy.

Direct access to career pathways

At the center of the series is a March 10 networking event at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center. The event will connect students with founders from Elemental Impact’s network. Structured networking rotations will allow students to meet each professional in small groups, followed by open networking. The format is designed to provide direct access to career pathways in climate technology, environmental innovation and mission-driven business. .

“Sustainability touches every industry,” said PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama. “By bringing industry professionals and students into the same room, we are helping students see how their academic backgrounds can translate into impact-driven careers.”

Later in March, PACE will open a sustainability-focused round of its Kalo Grant program. , with a live pitch event scheduled for April 16. The grant round will prioritize ventures addressing environmental and social challenges.

The series will conclude April 21, with an Entrepreneurship Live panel in collaboration with the �鶹��ý Leadership Forum, featuring professionals whose work centers on sustainability and community leadership.

PACE, housed in the , serves students across the UH System through experiential entrepreneurship programs, mentorship and applied learning opportunities.

Crowds streamed through Leeward Community College’s (WVAPDC) on November 15, as Taste the Town Wahiawā transformed the facility into a bustling hub of local food, culture and community.

It was a welcome sign of support for value-added food innovation and locally sourced products.

“Everyone really wants to support local and see small brands succeed,” said Berklee Welsh, owner of coconut peanut butter brand Shaka Butter and a regular user of the WVAPDC kitchens. “Meeting customers at farmers’ markets, sharing my product with neighbors, and being part of Taste the Town; those are the moments that remind me of how much support I have behind me.”

The event was presented in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu’s (OER) and .

It featured an expanded version of the center’s monthly market, with more than 40 vendors offering a range of products from baked goods and pickled vegetables to locally brewed ginger beverages and specialty spreads—many of which were developed using the WVAPDC’s commercial kitchen and processing facilities.

Strengthening the community

“Our monthly market has always focused on uplifting local food producers by creating new sales opportunities and greater exposure—ultimately building a more resilient food economy,” said Chris Bailey, manager of the WVAPDC. “We’re honored to work with OER and Wahiawā Fresh to expand that vision through Taste the Town.”

Performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Ryugen Taiko, school groups and local musicians kept the crowds engaged. Another major draw was the cooking demonstrations by culinary innovators such as Chef Alan Wong, a Wahiawā native, whose return to his hometown brought out former classmates and family members.

Free docent-led trolley rides also introduced visitors to Wahiawā’s historic neighborhoods and nearby small businesses.

“Taste the Town was a blend of nostalgic and new, shining a light on Wahiawā’s unique history, food culture, and the innovative products emerging from our community,” said Wahiawā Fresh President Darin Uesugi.

OER Executive Director Amy Asselbaye added, “When we gather to support local producers and enjoy entertainment in the heart of Wahiawā, we are strengthening the social and economic fabric of our community.”

Taste the Town Wahiawā was sponsored by Hawaiian Electric, Beall Corporation, and Yaris Ohana, and supported by the Office of Councilmember Matt Weyer, Office of Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau, Wahiawā Town Center, Wahiawā Hongwanji Mission and Wahiawā Lions Club.

A health tech startup improving how community health workers (CHW) document client visits took the $2,000 first place prize in the second annual , hosted by the (PACE) in the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s . The startup was one of 12 interdisciplinary teams made up of UH Mānoa students that competed in the two-week challenge.

The competition was co-hosted by , a software platform led by a Shidler and PACE alumnus, that empowers community-based organizations to address the social drivers of health. It highlighted PACE’s mission to bridge academic learning with practical, work-based problem-solving.

“Innovate 808 shows how powerful interdisciplinary learning can be when we connect students to real community partners,” PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said. “The ideas generated this year show that innovation truly thrives in collaboration.”

Interdisciplinary collaboration

The students in this year’s challenge represented 10 UH Mānoa colleges and schools. The result was a dynamic combination of technical, social and entrepreneurial ideas to support �鶹��ý’s community health workforce.

The winning team, Pear Lens, created a photo-based note capture and conversion tool that allows CHW to document client interactions more efficiently while maintaining data privacy. The team came together as four solo applicants met for the first time during the competition: Justin Paul Alejo (business), Jennifer Kawata (public administration), Biplav Paudel (business) and Ivy Vo (business).

“The competition brought together a diverse team of complete strangers to solve a complex challenge, but we quickly found our rhythm and collaborated seamlessly to propose a simple yet powerful idea,” Kawata said.

Kawehi Kea-Scott, a Pear Suite judge who used to work as a CHW, commended the team for “meeting CHWs where they are” by respecting existing workflows while introducing low-friction technology. “The fact that these students built a fully functioning prototype in just two weeks is remarkable,” Kea-Scott said.

Initially the competition was planned as a winner-takes-all prize structure, but the judges were so impressed by the presentations that three runner-up prizes were added. Each student from the following three teams won $350.

• Jayden Ronel Villanueva, Shannon Tai and Jaylyn-Kate Balon developed a tiered education and certification pathway with AI-generated feedback and mentoring for aspiring CHWs.
• Tate Goodman, Mau Tsujimura, Micah Tajiri and Lenox Covington created a machine-learning workflow tool that helps CHWs select the most effective resources for their clients.
• Logan Lee, Tristan Ta and Yeunggyun Kwon designed a referral platform that connects CHWs and clients based on shared experience and training, fostering stronger engagement.

Takeda invited the winning teams to present their solutions to his executive team and encouraged all participants to consider internships and employment at Pear Suite, as he shared that Pear Suite will be continuing its nationwide expansion after he recently raised $7.6 million in funding.

“Just try it, go out there and find problems to solve,” Takeda said. “Being able to test ideas, try new things and see what the feedback is from your customers is a great way to learn and grow.”

Teams were also mentored by Jeff Hui, PACE‘s entrepreneur in residence, who advised students to “take advantage of these real world experiences. These are the opportunities that open doors to new career paths and set you apart when you are interviewing for a job.”

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa launched a free artificial intelligence (AI) and data science public lecture series on September 15, with a talk by Eliane Ubalijoro, chief executive officer of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry. Ubalijoro, based in Nairobi, Kenya, spoke on AI governance policies and ethics for managing land, biodiversity and fire.

The event, hosted at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, was organized by the (ICS) in partnership with the (PACE). It kicked off a four-part series designed to share industry and government perspectives on emerging issues in AI and data science.

“Dr. Ubalijoro’s presentation provided exciting insights on the application of AI as tools in agriculture and agroforestry happening today,” said Loreto Coloma, student in the UH graduate certificate in applied computing and associate director of admissions in the William S. Richardson School of Law. “When these tools draw upon traditional and indigenous knowledge, it guides our decision-making in ways that better align with the values of the people they affect while supporting longer-term goals. And we are also reminded that ethical data practices and community trust are paramount in being able to effectively receive and use this expert knowledge.”

All lectures are open to students, professionals and community members, providing another avenue for the public to engage with UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s new graduate certificate and professional master’s program in AI and data science. The series is tied to ICS 601, the Applied Computing Industry Seminar, which connects students to real-world applications of AI.

“This series opens the door for our students and community to learn directly from leaders shaping the future of AI and data science,” said Department of Information and Computer Sciences Chair and Professor Guylaine Poisson.

PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama added, “By bringing these talks into the public sphere, we’re strengthening the bridge between UH Mānoa, industry sectors and �鶹��ý’s innovation community.”

Three additional talks are scheduled this fall:

• September 22, 12–1:15 p.m.: Rebecca Cai, chief data officer for the State of �鶹��ý, will discuss government data and AI use cases.
• October 13, 12–1:15 p.m.: Shovit Bhari of IBM will share industry lessons on machine learning.
• November 10, 12–1:15 p.m.: Peter Dooher, senior vice president at Digital Service Pacific Inc., will cover designing end-to-end AI systems.

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ICS is housed in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s and PACE is housed in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s .

Students from the (PACE) at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa partnered with a �鶹��ý Island meal delivery service to boost its growth through a new marketing strategy. Their work has helped local entrepreneur Jasmine Silverstein expand her small business, .

The company—which focuses on providing locally sourced, gluten free, fully prepared meals to customers—had primarily relied on word-of-mouth marketing. Recognizing the potential for expansion, she saw an opportunity to work with PACE’s aspiring business leaders to develop a structured growth strategy.

“The students brought fresh ideas and practical solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own,” said Silverstein. “Their expertise in digital marketing, customer engagement and data tracking has already helped me take key steps toward expanding my reach.”

Led by Roma Amor Malasarte (computer science), Hokumalie Serna (marketing), Candide Krieger (education) and Emma Hsu (history), the team tackled challenges such as enhancing website functionality and streamlining the customer checkout experience. Their marketing recommendations included the implementation of A/B testing for coupon codes (trying different coupons to see which works best), exploring strategic partnerships with local gyms and wellness businesses, and refining Meals in a HeartBeet’s social media presence.

“The hands-on experience of working with a real business has been invaluable,” said Malasarte. “We’ve been able to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to help a local entrepreneur grow her business, and that’s what PACE is all about.”

Silverstein refined her brand messaging and added extra protein options to better meet her customers’ needs. As a result, Meals in a HeartBeet has nearly doubled its meal deliveries, reaching new markets while maintaining its commitment to locally sourced, nutritious meals.

“This is a perfect example of how PACE equips students with the skills to be innovative problem-solvers and support �鶹��ý’s local businesses,” PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said. “We’re proud to see our students making a tangible impact.”

Central Pacific Bank’s (CPB) WE by Rising Tide initiative served as the catalyst for this collaboration. The initiative is designed to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship and growth opportunities, and the PACE students are all recipients of the CPB Foundation Scholarship for Entrepreneurship. Through the initiative, the students connected with Silverstein, eager to apply their skills to a real-world business challenge.

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Fifteen high school students from a STEM-focused girls’ school in Tokyo traveled to �鶹��ý not just to learn—but to help tackle some of the islands’ toughest social and environmental issues, from reef-safe sunscreen to houselessness.

In July 2025, the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (PACE) collaborated with Very50, a Japan-based social enterprise accelerator, to bring the group of students from Toshimagaoka Girls’ School to Oʻahu. The partnership provided a cross-cultural and problem-solving learning experience for both the students from Japan, as well as students from UH.

The week-long, rigorous PACE X Very50 collaboration encouraged students to use STEM skills to solve social and climate issues in �鶹��ý. Three student teams tackled:

• Testing strips that indicate if sunscreens brought into �鶹��ý are reef-safe
• A card game to encourage players to create personas to reduce prejudice around houseless individuals
• An app for individuals, such as hikers, who are interested in native and endemic species

To develop their solutions, students interviewed residents and tourists in English to gather information and insights. After her second field day of conducting interviews, Miu Nagase said, “We were able to interview many people on topics such as homelessness and interesting things about the cultures of those we met. I noticed my growth in opening up to talking to people.”

A UH experience

While on campus, the visiting students worked on their projects at the Walter Dods Jr., RISE Center’s coworking and maker spaces, and were treated to a visit and demonstration of marine bioacoustic equipment at Professor Camille Pagniello’s Marine Innovation Lab for Leading-edge Oceanography.

UH students (Kai Higuchi, art; Timothy Lum, computer science; Landon Momohara, marketing; Kensho Munakata, economics; Kaitlyn Tokunaga, accounting/management information systems and Japanese) assisted by identifying and pointing the students to people and places to conduct interviews; and guiding the teams through prototyping tangible representations of their solutions. On the final day, students presented their projects with demonstrations of their proposed solutions to PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama.

“This collaboration helped students develop an innovative problem-solving mindset,” Fujiyama said. “They brought fresh perspectives to �鶹��ý’s challenges, and their impressive projects offer tangible steps toward meaningful local impact.”

Ryoh Sugitani from Very50 added, “The project turned out great and I am thankful to the Toshimagaoka and UH students who participated in this project! Very50 is looking forward to working with UH again in the future.”

• Related UH News story: UH innovation students mentor Japanese students in solving complex �鶹��ý issues, March 27, 2024

A partnership between the (PACE) in the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and the (FBCH)—a nonprofit, member-based forum, housed within the Shidler College—is expanding career-ready opportunities for students by engaging with local family businesses.

“Family businesses are the foundation of our local economy, often driven by entrepreneurial spirit and innovative problem-solving,” said Sandra Fujiyama, executive director at PACE. “Partnering with the Family Business Center of �鶹��ý allows us to immerse our students in this dynamic environment, providing invaluable hands-on learning while simultaneously offering fresh perspectives and solutions to these vital businesses.”

Innovating auto accessories with Servco

In fall 2024, Sungwoo Kim, Riley Lau, Roma Malasarte, Veronica Parayno and Timothy Lum from the UH ����ԴDz� and the worked on a challenge from Servco to find new ways to grow its auto accessories business. The students examined different solutions, including 3D printed models, virtual reality visualization tools and mobile kiosks. They settled on an approach that combined new store concepts with AI based sales tools as a future look for accessory sales for Servco.

“Working with Servco taught me how essential customer research is when making business decisions,” Malasarte said. “I learned that the value of teamwork, communication and consistency can lead to big impact.”

Custom scheduling app for Malu Productions

In spring 2025, Malu Productions, an award winning entertainment company, challenged students to come up with solutions for its long-standing challenge of scheduling performers for shows. ICS students Vincent Chan, Nathan Chee and Dodie Madriaga built a custom scheduling app, specifically tailored for Malu’s unique workforce, multiple shows and diverse roles.

“What the students put together is perfect for our industry,” said Titus-Maximus Tanuvasa of Malu Productions. “We are very excited to be a part of this collaboration, and hope to participate again.”

Revamping websites to generate connections

Ben Franklin Crafts challenged a multidisciplinary team from the College of Engineering, ICS and Shidler College to reinvigorate online activity for its craft store. BJ Ramel, Aaron Ramos, Elijah Saloma and Salina Thongsisavath came up with a strategy to create more online communities and activities for crafting. They re-envisioned a website that was centered around finding new projects, joining classes and connecting with other crafters.

PACE recognized the Ben Franklin Crafts team with the Tora and Choko Miyasato Award, funded by Shidler alumnus Al Miyasato in honor of his grandparents, to highlight the importance of collaboration across disciplines.

PACE and FBCH teamed up with UH’s IT Leap-Start Experience Excelerator Program to help the �鶹��ý Children’s Discovery Center. Adrienne Kaneshiro, an ICS student, helped to overhaul the center’s website. She migrated the entire website to a new platform, which made it faster and more user friendly.

The vision and dedication of PACE Entrepreneur-in-Residence Jeff Hui and FBCH Program Manager Cara Sawai-Mangan were pivotal in establishing this collaboration.

“Witnessing students from diverse backgrounds tackle complex business challenges and deliver tangible solutions underscores the immense potential that exists when academia and industry collaborate,” said Hui. “This collaboration not only equips our students with essential skills but also injects fresh perspectives and innovation into our local business community, paving the way for future collaborations and mutual growth.”

Companies interested in participating in future semesters are encouraged to connect with PACE at pace@hawaii.edu.