EMW 2026 Recap Video + 4 Days to Apply to Cohort 18

East Meets West 2026 Recap Video

450+ of you showed up from across the Pacific and beyond, with friends flying in from Asia, Europe, and the mainland to be in the room with us in Hawaiʻi.

A few moments we’re still buzzing about… the Meet the Drapers taping with Chenoa Farnsworth, Tim Draper, and Marc Benioff on stage together. A heartfelt panel with Pa’a Sibbett, writer of Chief of War, hosted by Maya Rogers. Tey Bannerman flying in from London to share the Navigator’s Playbook. The women’s breakfast hosted by Ashley Lukens. Meditation breaks with Brent Freeman and a waterfall hike where Tim Draper swam to the second level and got pitched by a founder. Only in Hawaiʻi!

Here’s how you can help us:

• Watch and like the video

• Drop a quick comment

• Repost with your network

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Mahalo to our sponsors Pegasus Tech Ventures, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, Ulupono Initiative, and all our amazing sponsors for making this year possible — and to every speaker, founder, investor, and friend who brought the aloha.

Watch the Recap Video → [LinkedIn]

See you in 2027. 

Blue Startups Cohort Applications DEADLINE: May 15, 2026

Applications for Blue Startups Cohort 18 are open! Blue Startups has a proven track record of empowering early-stage startups, providing them with invaluable resources, mentorship, and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• 12 week intensive program (July 20 – October 9)
• A network of more than 250 mentors reaching from Asia to Silicon Valley
• One-on-one assigned lead mentor based on sector experience
• Up to $250,000 in direct investment
• Access to 400+ investor network

Deadline to apply is May 15th. For more information and to submit your application go to bluestartups.com or apply here

Please help us recruit amazing founders. Our best companies come through our network. Feel free to make a warm introduction to David Holt by email.

Alumni Job Opportunities

Pacific Hybreed

• Roles: Hatchery Technician; Nursery Technician
• Location: Kona, Hawaiʻi
• Salary: $22–$25/hr
• Apply: https://fish.uw.edu/2025/01/pacific-hybreed-hiring-hatchery-technician/

Olelo Intelligence

• Role: Founding SDR
• Location: Remote (U.S.)
• Salary: $75K–$90K OTE (base ~$50K–$60K)
• Apply: https://wellfound.com/company/olelo-intelligence/jobs

HOKALI

• Roles: After School Educator; Program Staff; Ops Assistant
• Location: California (multiple cities)
• Salary:
  • Program Staff: ~$50/hr
  • Ops Assistant: ~$35/hr
• Apply: https://apply.workable.com/hokali/

Kind Traveler

• Roles: Sales Territory Managers (multiple regions); Internships
• Location: Remote / global territories
• Apply: https://www.kindtraveler.com/hiring

Maiven Energy

• Roles: Fullstack Engineer; Energy Modeling Engineer; Product Designer
• Location: Remote / Colorado
• Apply: https://climatebase.org/job/69488877/fullstack-engineer

Instant Teams

• Roles: Case Managers; Sales; Entry-level roles
• Location: Remote (U.S.)
• Apply: https://instantteams.com/jobs/

Blue Startups Partners