# Hawaiʻi Connects Firms to SBIR Funding

The 2026 Hawaiʻi SBIR Conference is scheduled for November 6 at the Malcolm Center in Kīhei. Hosted by the Maui Economic Development Board and presented by the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation, the event connects small businesses and researchers with federal SBIR/STTR program information, agency priorities, upcoming solicitations, proposal guidance, networking, and one-on-one meetings, with a focus on space-sector opportunities. Hawaiʻi’s FY27 matching-grant applications open October 23 and close December 11, 2026.

- Companies can use the conference to learn about federal agency priorities and upcoming SBIR/STTR solicitations, and to discuss proposals directly with program representatives.
- Hawaiʻi companies with a federal SBIR/STTR award may be eligible for a state match of up to 50% of a Phase I award, capped at $75,000; initial federal Phase 0 applicants may also seek up to $3,000 in grant-writing reimbursement.
- **Key deadline:** FY27 matching-grant applications close December 11, 2026 (49 days from October 23). Eligible firms should review the state program and prepare applications within that window.
- Maui-based faculty and students can request complimentary conference registration through the Maui Economic Development Board at yosef@medb.org.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

### Sources
- [2026 Hawaiʻi SBIR Conference Set for Kīhei, Maui](https://hoodline.com/2026/10/maui-hosts-2026-hawai-i-sbir-conference-offers-free-seats-to-maui-based-faculty-and-students) - Hoodline
- [    Unlock federal funding opportunities at the 2026 Hawaiʻi SBIR Conference : Maui Now    ](https://mauinow.com/2026/10/22/unlock-federal-funding-opportunities-at-the-2026-hawai%CA%BBi-sbir-conference) - Maui Now