Key Takeaways
- Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 launches September 2 with a joint kick‑off at the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center in Honolulu.
- The free series, co‑sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi and Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, aims to boost awareness of tech, AI, and cyber jobs while strengthening the local skilled workforce.
- Highlights include a three‑part “Introduction to UX” workshop by UXHI, the virtual kickoff of the Hawaiʻi Annual Innovation Challenge (AI‑focused), Talk Story sessions with professionals, and a “Gateway to Federal Jobs” workshop.
- Events run through November 2, mixing in‑person, virtual, and hybrid formats to reach students across Oʻahu and neighbor islands.
- Registration is open online; organizers encourage participants to attend as many sessions as possible to gain practical skills and direct pathways to high‑paying tech careers in Hawaiʻi.
Overview of Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 Launch
The Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 initiative officially gets underway on September 2 with a joint kick‑off event that merges Hawaiʻi Tech Days and Hawaiʻi Tech Week at the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center in Honolulu. The program, which is free to the public, offers a slate of workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for students aiming to enter the technology and cybersecurity sectors. By holding the launch at the RISE Center—a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship—the organizers signal their intent to root the series in a space that already nurtures local talent and startup growth. The opening event sets the tone for a two‑month calendar of activities that will stretch across Oʻahu and, where possible, extend to neighbor islands via virtual platforms.
Goals and Workforce Development Focus
The core mission of the fall series is to raise awareness of Hawaiʻi’s growing technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber‑industry needs while simultaneously bolstering the state’s skilled workforce. As University of Hawaiʻi Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Brad Christ explained in a university release, “As the technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, [University of Hawaiʻi] represents the supply and demand elements in our local tech workforce. Modern digital skills are critical pre‑requisites to success in virtually all career paths.” Christ’s remarks underscore the dual role of the university as both educator and conduit for employer needs, positioning Tech Days as a practical bridge between classroom learning and real‑world job opportunities.
Collaboration Between University of Hawaiʻi and Chamber of Commerce
Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 is co‑sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, a partnership that brings together academic resources and industry insight. Both organizations expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with local employers, state agencies, and community partners to create a direct pipeline for students into high‑quality, high‑paying jobs across the state. The Chamber’s involvement ensures that the events reflect current market demands, while the university’s outreach guarantees accessibility for a diverse student body. Together, they aim to demystify career pathways in tech and cyber, making the information and training available to anyone interested, regardless of background.
Event Timeline and Format
The series runs from the September 2 kickoff through November 2, offering a blend of in‑person workshops, virtual sessions, and hybrid events that accommodate participants across the islands. While the majority of activities are scheduled on Oʻahu, organizers have deliberately planned select gatherings on neighbor islands and via Zoom to broaden reach. This flexible format allows students who may face geographic or transportation barriers to still benefit from expert talks, hands‑on training, and networking opportunities. By leveraging both physical venues and online platforms, the organizers hope to maximize attendance and ensure that the knowledge shared during Tech Days reaches as many aspiring technologists as possible.
UX Workshop Series: Introduction to UX
A highlight of this year’s programming is a three‑part “Introduction to UX” (user experience) workshop series led by the volunteer‑run design community UXHI. The sessions, slated for late September, will immerse participants in the principles of human‑centered design, covering topics such as user research, prototyping, usability testing, and iterative design thinking. By focusing on the end‑user experience, the workshops aim to equip students with a versatile skill set that applies not only to traditional software development but also to emerging fields like AI interaction design and cybersecurity interface usability. UXHI’s volunteer instructors bring real‑world project experience, ensuring that the training remains practical and directly applicable to workplace challenges.
Hawaiʻi Annual Innovation Challenge Kickoff
On October 24, the series will host the virtual kickoff for the Hawaiʻi Annual Innovation Challenge 2026, an initiative that tasks participants with leveraging artificial intelligence to solve pressing state government problems. The challenge invites students, entrepreneurs, and community members to propose AI‑driven solutions that could improve public services, enhance data‑driven decision‑making, and increase efficiency across agencies. By framing the competition around real‑world public‑sector needs, the organizers hope to stimulate innovative thinking while demonstrating how AI can be harnessed responsibly for civic benefit. The virtual format allows entrants from any island to join the launch event, review challenge guidelines, and begin forming teams.
Talk Story: Conversations with Tech Professionals
Continuing a popular tradition, Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 includes multiple “Talk Story” sessions where students can engage directly with technology professionals in informal, conversational settings. One such event is scheduled for September 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at Kauaʻi Community College, located at 3‑1901 Kaumualiʻi Highway in Līhuʻe. As the promotional material notes, “Participants can once again talk story with technology professionals during Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026.” These gatherings provide a low‑pressure environment for attendees to ask questions about career paths, industry trends, and the day‑to‑day realities of working in tech, cyber, and related fields. Registration for the Kauaʻi event is forthcoming, with organizers urging interested students to monitor the official Tech Days website for updates.
Gateway to Federal Jobs
Another notable offering is the “Gateway to Federal Jobs” workshop slated for October 14 from 5 to 8 p.m., although the precise venue remains to be confirmed. This session aims to demystify the federal hiring process, outline the types of technology‑focused positions available within government agencies, and provide guidance on crafting competitive applications. By connecting students with federal recruiters and showcasing pathways to stable, well‑compensated careers, the workshop addresses a frequent aspiration among local talent seeking employment that offers both impact and benefits. As with other events, organizers encourage early registration and recommend checking the Tech Days portal for any venue announcements.
Registration and Participation Encouragement
Organizers stress that all events are free and open to anyone interested in exploring technology careers, with a particular focus on students seeking to build market‑ready skills. A comprehensive listing of workshops, talks, and networking opportunities, along with registration links, is available on the Hawaiʻi Tech Days of Fall 2026 website. Sponsors—including the University of Hawaiʻi, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, and various community partners—urge prospective attendees to sign up for as many sessions as their schedules allow, emphasizing that each event offers a unique chance to gain insights, make connections, and step closer to securing a high‑paying tech job in Hawaiʻi. The call to action is clear: seize the opportunity to learn, network, and prepare for the evolving digital economy.