Announcing East Meets West 2026 on April 8–9

East Meets West 2026

Super Early Bird Tickets are on Sale Now!

Aloha from Blue Startups!

We are excited to share that East Meets West returns April 8–9, 2026 on Oʻahu. EMW is where entrepreneurs and investors across Hawaiʻi, Asia, and the US come together to learn, connect, and build what’s next. Expect two days of high impact programming, curated networking, and the global perspectives that make this community so special.

Super Early Bird Tickets are on Sale Now!

Startup World Cup Pitch Competition Returns to EMW

 $1M Investment Prize

We’re proud to partner with Pegasus Tech Ventures to bring the Startup World Cup Pitch Competition to EMW 2026. One startup will earn a spot on the global stage to compete for a $1 million investment at the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco. This competition helps shine a brighter global spotlight on our ecosystem.

If you’re a founder, this is your chance to scale fast.
Access global investors, sharpen your pitch, and compete for a shot at $1M.

If you’re an investor, this is where deal flow happens.
Meet high quality startups from Hawaiʻi, Asia, and the US in one place.

If you’re a corporate or industry leader, this is where partnerships form.
Discover emerging tech and connect with teams solving real market needs.

If you’re in policy or education, this is where impact aligns.
Engage with innovators shaping Hawaiʻi’s economic future.

If you’re new to the ecosystem, this is your entry point.
Meet the people building what’s next for Hawaiʻi.

Super Early Bird Tickets are on Sale Now!

East Meets West 2026

April 8–9, 2026
Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

More announcements and exciting speakers coming soon…

Let’s make 2026 our biggest year yet. Mahalo!

Blue Startups Team

Maiven Energy Shines at Startup World Cup Finals

The EMW Startup World Cup 2025 Regional Champion, Maiven Energy, led by Jacqueline Hall, delivered a standout presentation on the global stage with over 2000+ in attendance.

We’re excited to bring back the Startup World Cup Competition at East Meets West 2026!

Call for Pitches!

Apply now for the chance to pitch at the EMW Startup World Cup 2026 Regional Competition! Startups are encouraged to apply to pitch and represent Hawaiʻi on the global stage and for the chance at a $1M investment prize!

Community

Join us in giving back this Thanksgiving!

From November 3–23, Piʻikū Co. is teaming up with Aloha Harvest, Hawaiʻi’s largest food rescue organization, to host a Friendsgiving Virtual Food Drive and help provide food to our local communities.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate virtually → Visit bit.ly/piikugive to sponsor fresh food that Aloha Harvest will purchase and deliver to one of their 75 recipient agencies

Drop off in person → Contact us via email ([email protected]), LinkedIn, or Instagram messages to coordinate pick-ups or drop-offs of non-perishable items, which will be donated directly to Aloha Harvest.

Access to nutritious food shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s essential for thriving, healthy communities. Let’s come together to make a meaningful impact this season!