David Y. Ige

Monthly networking event brings innovators together

HONOLULU – The High Technology Development Corporation’s (HTDC) monthly WetWare Wednesday hits a milestone in August as it celebrates five years of bringing together software designers, entrepreneurs, students, and educators to share ideas and spark new business opportunities. The event moves from its usual midweek position for next month to Friday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gordon Biersch in Aloha Tower.

“Congratulations to HTDC on the fifth year of its WetWare Wednesday events,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which oversees HTDC and promotes Hawaii’s innovation economy. “Under the direction of Robbie Melton, HTDC continues to promote the state’s overall growth strategy to build a strong innovation economy.”

Wetware Wednesday began as a collaboration between HTDC, Blue Planet Software and UH Engineering and Computer Science departments to provide members of Hawaii’s innovation industry the opportunity to meet, discuss projects, review products, and create opportunities to grow the high technology field in the state.

“We’re proud to be marking the five year anniversary of WetWare Wednesday,” said Robbie Melton, Executive Director & CEO. “Our gatherings have gotten progressively larger as word has spread about the great opportunities the event presents. We’ve already seen the fruits these events as participants connect talents, resources, and innovation to bring creative ideas to life.  It is an opportunity for employers to seek talent and developers to find high paying jobs.”

Gov. David Ige and state Chief Information Officer (CIO) Todd Nacapuy will be among the special guests in attendance at the fifth anniversary, where they will also announce details of the state’s first-ever Hawaii Annual Code Challenge to kick off on Aug. 27. Being organized by the CIO-led Office of Enterprise Technology Services in partnership with HTDC, Hawaii Open Data and DevLeague, the month-long event will engage the local tech community to help modernize and improve the way the state interacts and serves our Island community. Its ultimate goal will be to promote an efficient, effective and open state government.

In celebration of the 5 year milestone, HTDC has also issued a logo challenge to the public to help refresh its WetWare Wednesday logo. Professional and aspiring graphic designers are encouraged to submit their designs by Wednesday, August 3 to Cindy Matsuki via email at [email protected]. Submissions will be showcased at the event and voting will commence to select the new logo.

For more information or register for WetWare Wednesday’s fifth anniversary event, visit htdc.org/wetwarewed.

About HTDC (High Technology Development Corporation)

HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). Established by the Hawaii State Legislature in 1983, the agency facilitates the development and growth of Hawaii’s commercial high technology industry. The state views high technology as an important driver in the diversification of Hawaii’s economy and one that provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaii residents.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)

DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.
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Media Contacts:

Robbie Melton
High Technology Development Corporation
Office: (808) 539-3615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.htdc.org

Christine Hirasa
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Email: [email protected]
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov

Jocelyn Collado or Scott Kim
Becker Communications, Inc.
Phone: (808) 533-4165
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]