The Startup Paradise Champion is an individual who consistently contributes to the startup community. Their contributions include supporting, promoting and building a successful startup culture and ecosystem in Hawaii. Our 2025 Startup Paradise Champion of the Year is Ian Kitajima of Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR). PICHTR is a Hawaii-based non-profit organization focused on supporting innovation and sustainability in Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region through various programs and partnerships since 1985.