Maui Food Innovation Center discusses story and technology at Maui TechOhana event

Local entrepreneurs and small business owners on Maui were treated to an inspiring presentation at the recent Maui TechOhana event on May 9. The Maui Food Innovation Center (MFIC) showcased their innovative work and technology, leaving attendees impressed and excited about the future of agribusiness and food entrepreneurship.

Ian Stewart, Entrepreneurship & Business Development Specialist, and Douglas Paul, Chef Instructor, led the presentation, which included a video tour of the facility and samples of their successful products. The MFIC, Hawaii’s first in-state business incubator, aims to foster and accelerate the growth of agribusinesses and food entrepreneurs.

Some of the unique products featured during the presentation included tortillas made from taro, a chocolate-like confectionary made from ube and coconut crème, ulu hummus, and cocktail kits. Stewart, who is focused on supporting entrepreneurship through a U.S. Department of Commerce grant, highlighted the importance of innovation in the culinary industry.

Paul, with an impressive culinary background that includes working at Roy’s Restaurant and Spago Restaurant, expressed his passion for exploring new food items and innovating within the culinary industry. Attendees, like Candance Shaw of Astute Consulting and Justin Dietrich of Essential Builders, praised the program for showcasing innovation in agriculture and food production on Maui.

The Maui Food Innovation Center offers various programs to support entrepreneurs in manufacturing their food concepts, including entrepreneurship training, an incubator program, and applied studies in Fundamental Food Manufacturing. To learn more about their programs, visit their website at https://maui.hawaii.edu/foodinnovation/.