What if we applied our model that accelerated 63 startups to government agencies and nonprofits?

Transcending Oil, a quantitative analysis of Hawaii’s path to a clean energy economy, taught us that we can move much faster off of oil, 84% renewable energy by 2030, more than double our current mandates. From 2008 to now, there were huge advances in technology and business models that impacted the way we fuel our lives. For the next 10 years, to go from 25% to potentially 84% renewable energy, our goal is to inspire civic innovation, collaboration, and collective action that creates a better future for Hawaii. The vibrancy of our state depends on all of us being innovative and acting upon our curiosity to solve our most pressing challenges together. That’s innovation. 

So, we have some news to share. As a nonprofit, our mission has always been two-fold: 1) help our companies succeed, and 2) help to transform this place. Elemental Excelerator is piloting the application of its place-based innovation model, which has accelerated the success of 63 startups over five years — to nonprofit and government agencies to accelerate innovation in Hawaii.  We’re starting with grant funding awarded to two entities that align with the analysis and recommendations in Transcending Oil:

• Blue Planet Foundation “We Are 100” campaign will showcase actions and commitments from local companies, organizations, and individuals that accelerate Hawaii toward its renewable energy goals. Each voice will share a clean energy action, as well as “stretch” commitments to accelerate Hawaii’s clean energy progress. It will tell the story of how we’re all connected and committed to a Hawaii that is cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable.
• Speaking of equity and connectedness….Our second awardee is the City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (the Resilience Office). Based on community input and best practices from other cities, the Resilience Office identified a need to grow their ability to support equity in the transition to clean energy and transportation future, strengthen the alliance between the counties’ sustainability efforts, and build resilience in the face of growing climate disaster challenges. The Resilience Office was established by City Charter in 2016 and is responsible for numerous climate change, policy, community, security and sustainability tasks.  

We’re taking what may often be viewed in discrete issue areas — mobilizing innovation in equity, uplifting of our local businesses, and strengthening the resilience of our community — and providing a platform for their collaboration. 

How can you get involved?