The opening of the tech focused hub, connecting Hawaii’s business, start up and creative communities marks the first phase of completion of the Kakaako Innovation Block, the State’s planned high tech corridor.
HONOLULU – The Entrepreneurs Sandbox, Hawaii’s community hub to inspire creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship will officially open its doors on Thursday, October 10 with an open house from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited.
Applications for Sandbox coworking memberships will also start on October 10 and can be completed online at www.sandboxhawaii.org
The Entrepreneurs Sandbox is a state-owned facility that was developed under a partnership that included state, federal and private funding. Hawaii State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) director, Mike McCartney says the diversity of partnerships is critical to the success of the Sandbox and its tenants. “We are an island culture and community and it’s in our DNA to work together across diverse sectors. From the development of the Sandbox where private and public support made this facility possible, to the ideas and new businesses that will grow here, diversity is our strength and we thank the many partners who made this possible.”
The two-story building features 4500-square-feet of ground floor coworking and event space. Coworking amenities include high-speed wireless internet, conference rooms equipped for teleconferencing, three sound-proof private “phone booths,” secure offices and a mix of open and dedicated desks. Multiple event spaces are available for rent on an hourly basis. The largest even area is 3000-square-feet and features a three-story, large format screen with a state-of-the-art projection system. Smaller classrooms and conference rooms are also available for rent.
BoxJelly, Hawaii’s first coworking business was selected to manage the Sandbox’s coworking and event spaces. “We are honored to be a part of this vibrant community and look forward to offering programming and creating opportunities for Hawaii’s start up and coworking communities to intersect with businesses here and beyond.” says BoxJelly CEO and co-founder, Rechung Fujihira.
The Sandbox is also home to a digital media studio run by Creative Industries Hawaii, DBEDT. “Creative Industries Hawaii in collaboration with HTDC and our federal, state and private industry partners will provide creative entrepreneurs a home base in Kakaako; a long-time vision fulfilled” says Georja Skinner, chief officer, Creative Industries Hawaii. “We applaud the dedication of our colleagues and state leadership to see this vision become a reality.”
In addition to the first floor coworking and event space, the facility, managed by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) has secured tenants that include innovation teams from Central Pacific Bank, Servco Labs, Hawaiian Telcom, and Pacxa. “These early tenants took a leap-of-faith with their commitment to establish offices here and we are grateful for their participation and trust. A diverse ecosystem that connects start ups and established businesses is what drives innovation and entrepreneurship. HTDC is committed to facilitating these connections and we’re excited to be working with the BoxJelly to create a diverse community.” says Len Higashi, HTDC’s acting director.
For more information about the Entrepreneurs Sandbox, visit www.SandboxHawaii.org or follow @Sandbox.Hawaii on Instagram, @SandBox_Hawaii on Twitter, and @HawaiiSandbox on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter online at www.SandboxHawaii.org.
Free parking is available in LOT C directly behind the Sandbox during the open house.
About Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s high technology industry. HTDC is providing capital, building infrastructure and fostering innovation to diversify Hawaii’s economy. www.htdc.org
About Creative Industries Hawaii (CID)
CID, a division within DBEDT, is the state’s lead agency dedicated to advocating for and accelerating the growth of Hawaii’s Creative Economy. Through initiatives, program development, and strategic partnerships, the division and its branches implements activities to expand the business development, global export and investment capacity of Hawaii’s arts, culture, music, film, literary, publishing, digital and new media industries. www.cidhawaii.gov
About BoxJelly
BoxJelly, Hawaii’s leading coworking space was founded in 2011 by Rechung Fujihira. After growing beyond its original start up phase at Chaminade University, BoxJelly has become a thriving center for creation and innovation in Honolulu with two locations and a third location slated to open in early 2020 in Ward Center.
BoxJelly welcomes a diversified community of daily, monthly, and long-term tenants who work together to strive for greatness. The company and its members live strongly by the motto, “Work Hard, Live Better.” www.theboxjelly.com