HB20: Trung Lam, Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation

March 17, 2026 - 10:41

A former bakery owner is now baking a new recipe for Hawaiʻi’s economic future, one focused on the frontiers of ocean and space. Trung Lam, at the helm of the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation, is leveraging the state’s unique geographic position to build its next competitive advantage.

Lam’s unconventional journey from small business owner to tech economy leader informs his pragmatic approach. He sees Hawaiʻi not just as a paradise, but as a living laboratory and ideal launchpad. The state’s vast surrounding ocean and its clear skies offer unparalleled opportunities for research, testing, and operations in marine technology, aerospace, and satellite communications.

His strategy involves cultivating a robust ecosystem that supports both homegrown startups and attracts outside investment. By focusing on these high-tech sectors, Lam aims to diversify the state’s tourism-dependent economy and create high-quality, sustainable jobs for local residents. The vision is to transform Hawaiʻi into a global hub where innovative companies can develop and deploy solutions for Earth observation, sustainable aquaculture, and space exploration.

This push into the blue and space economies represents a bold shift. Under Lam’s guidance, Hawaiʻi is actively working to translate its natural assets into economic resilience, ensuring the state plays a leading role in the technologies of tomorrow.