ALAKA‘I: Applied Life-Science Academy: Knowledge Advancing Industry

Lead organization: University of Hawai‘i, Hilo  

Project partners: National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Solano Biotech Consulting  

Year launched: 2021 

The ALAKAʻI project establishes a Hawaiian bioeconomy academy to develop industry-relevant training for delivery in Hawaiʻi and across the United States. The network will train high-impact professionals in the bioeconomy – including operators, technicians, scientists, managers, policy makers, regulators, investors, or advocates – by providing necessary multi-disciplinary expertise. The project will also train interested students. The project will draw on traditional Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultural perspectives to provide insights and guiding principles for effective sustainability. New insights on sustainability are critical to implement complex, transformational, and equitable bioeconomy changes, and ALAKAIʻI seeks to develop meaningful training for widespread beneficial impact. 

“ALAKAʻI” (Applied Life-Science Academy:  Knowledge Advancing Industry) builds on the term “Alakaʻi”, which represents the Hawaiian concept of leadership or mentorship. It is described as “leading with Aloha” as well as leading by example. This first phase of ALAKAʻI will focus on accessible, non-credit “bootcamp-style” modules to increase awareness and effectiveness of bioeconomy workers at all levels. These modules will be made available for national distribution. Future phases will include annual training in Hawaiʻi, delivery at team member and other institutions, expansion into for-credit degree programs, and democratization of the bioeconomy by extending ALAKAʻI training to remote, often rural areas to create career opportunities and broad national benefit — especially for those who might otherwise be left behind. 

This project will design and develop core curriculum content with a focus on ensuring relevance through extensive industry feedback, including an Industry Advisory Board, informational interviews, industry participation in curriculum trial runs in Hawaiʻi, and student internships. Guidance and insights on traditional culture will be provided by a Cultural Advisory Board. A “train the trainer” component ensures more rapid national dissemination. 

The ALAKAʻI project will:   

  • Provide professional training to people changing careers, upgrading professional skills, pursuing vocational objectives, or interested in adding bioeconomy to their careers; 

  • Prepare additional instructors to establish bioeconomy trainings at their home institutions;   

  • Establish respect and understanding of multiple issues required to advance a sustainable bioeconomy industry, making participants more impactful and successful professionals; and 

  • Help expand knowledge, cultural appreciation, and approaches to sustainability that create life opportunities, environmental benefits, economic improvement, and sustainable development.  

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call 1.0

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