The Hawaiʻi Food Challenge
- Create a new value-added product using a Hawaiʻi-grown ingredient.
Entrepreneur Challenges
Don’t take a test. Solve a problem.
Annual real-world challenges where students identify problems, create solutions, build prototypes, write business plans and present to industry professionals.
The challenges
Seven real briefs from a real island.
The Hotel Challenge
- Develop a product or service that improves the visitor experience.
The Retail Challenge
- Create a new retail concept for Hawaiʻi.
The AgTech Challenge
- Solve an agricultural problem through technology.
The Packaging Challenge
- Develop more sustainable packaging.
The Food Security Challenge
- Build a commercially viable solution that strengthens Hawaiʻi’s food system.
The Big Island Brand Challenge
- Create the next consumer brand from Hawaiʻi Island.
How it works
Seven stages, judged by people who do this for a living.
Identify
Name the problem.
Research
Analyze it.
Develop
Design the solution.
Build
Make a prototype.
Model
Create a business model.
Present
Pitch to industry professionals.
Next steps
Winners move toward real opportunities.
Challenge outcomes
What teams leave with.
- Real products + prototypes
- Brands + packaging
- Business plans + market analysis
- Presentations + pitches
- Mentorship + industry feedback
- Potential market placements
- Real-world opportunities
More programs
Get involved
Bring real-world entrepreneurship to your students.
Schools, industry partners, mentors and families: there is a place for you in the program. Tell us how you’d like to take part.