Honolulu is set to host the third annual Pacific Alliance for Collaboration and Technology (PACT) from February 25 to 27, 2024, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. This summit aims to unite government officials, startup founders, and defense contractors to discuss critical issues such as data sharing and dual-use technologies, all in a bid to enhance resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike traditional conferences dominated by lengthy speeches, PACT prioritizes interactive sessions. Organizers promise hands-on activities and smaller working groups designed to facilitate the application of commercial technologies in regional security and climate challenges. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between allied militaries, commercial vendors, and private investors, allowing them to address pressing issues directly.
Key Features of the Summit
According to the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), the agenda focuses on interoperable data sharing and comprehensive solutions for both natural and human-made disasters. The schedule includes a solutions showcase, contracting and teaming panels, design sprints, and a proving grounds track. This track is specifically aimed at transitioning technologies from mere demonstrations to real-world applications.
The tight attendance cap is intentional, ensuring that participants can engage meaningfully without the distractions of a larger convention crowd. This format is expected to encourage discussions that could lead to tangible outcomes.
Spotlight on Startups and Defense Contracts
Several startups, including alumni from J-StarX such as VFR, AirKamuy, and Diarkis, have already made significant strides into defense markets. Notably, two of these companies were recognized in the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Drone Dominance top 25. These connections illustrate PACT’s emphasis on dual-use technology, which aims to serve both civilian needs—like climate response—and military objectives, such as domain awareness.
The summit is also designed to highlight potential contract opportunities for Hawai‘i-based companies. PICHTR recently announced a strategic partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) to support advanced manufacturing and sustainment efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership, outlined in a release from July 2025, involves task orders and a framework that utilizes MDMC infrastructure for prototyping and maintenance work.
Organizers express optimism that this event will create new teaming opportunities for local firms. PICHTR’s incubation and contract administration programs are poised to help island startups integrate into federal supply chains.
As PACT approaches, space is limited, and the format is tailored to yield follow-on acquisitions and pilot projects rather than a series of keynote addresses. For local entrepreneurs and defense-adjacent contractors, this summit represents a unique opportunity to collaborate with allied governments and private investors. The expectation is that the working sessions will generate teaming proposals that could evolve into contracts later this year.
