Accelerator Program Grant

About this grant

Blue Startups is a mentor-driven venture accelerator based in Honolulu, Hawaii, focused on helping scalable technology companies compete globally. It aims to stimulate economic growth in Hawaii and create new business opportunities by providing promising entrepreneurs with mentorship, access to business expertise, product testing, peer review, pitch development, introductions to investors, and seed funding. The accelerator runs a 12-week, high-touch program with up to $250,000 in direct investment, accepting up to 10 companies per session. Lean product development and global go-to-market strategies are emphasized, along with access to an international network of mentors and investors. The programme prioritises capital-efficient, scalable technology companies, with stated sector focus on software, travel and tourism, and sustainability; recent cohorts have included companies in travel, gaming, AI, ocean tech and sustainability. Founder priority is given to companies from Hawaii, women-led teams, and East-West connected founders, and the organisation states a goal of 50% female-founded or female-led companies. An Advisory Program track is also offered for founders who want resources, network and guidance without in-person participation; it is flexible, suits seasoned founders, post-seed companies, or ideation-stage teams, and involves a small equity commitment in advisory shares with optional investment. Blue Startups hosts signature events including the East Meets West conference in Honolulu and Cohort Demo Days in Hawaii and San Francisco, and is a member of the Global Venture Network.

Eligibility

Applicants should be scalable technology startups. Founder priority is stated for companies with Hawaii connections, female founders or leadership, and East-West connected founders. The accelerator main track is in-person in Honolulu and the advisory track does not require in-person participation. Advisory track suits seasoned founders, companies beyond seed stage, or ideation-stage teams. Specific application requirements, stage limits and residency rules beyond these priorities are not detailed on the page.

Key requirements

• ✓Scalable technology company with growth potential
• ✓Ability to participate in 12-week intensive program
• ✓Fit with lean product development and global go-to-market focus
• ✓Limited to 10 companies per cohort

Recent past awardees

Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.

• Volta
• Flowater
• Instant Teams
• Olelo Intelligence
• Hostfully
• Turno
• dataPlor
• Maiven Energy

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Blue Startups 2026 offer?

Accelerator Program offers up to $250K.

Who can apply for Accelerator Program?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL; startup. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Climate software and data funding supports emissions accounting, climate risk analytics, Earth observation, digital MRV and tools for planners. It is offered as innovation grants, public contracts for data services and support from technology programmes. Buyers generally look for data quality, interoperability and evidence that users rely on the tool.