2015 marked a pivotal foundation year for MAI TAI Global, the organization that would later evolve into ACTAI Global.
During this period, MAI TAI Global established itself as a trusted convener at the intersection of entrepreneurship, emerging technology, and experiential community-building. Through high-profile pitch events, global startup competitions, and curated gatherings linking Silicon Valley investors with regional innovation ecosystems—particularly in Hawai‘i—MAI TAI Global helped accelerate early-stage companies while fostering long-term cross-border relationships. The formats and values developed in 2015 laid the structural and cultural groundwork for ACTAI Global’s future mission.

2015 Timeline

January 2015 — Extreme Tech Challenge Semifinals at CES (Las Vegas, USA)

MAI TAI Global supports and helps stage the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) semifinals during the 2015 International CES. The competition brings together early-stage technology companies from around the world to pitch solutions addressing global challenges, evaluated by investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
This event positioned MAI TAI Global within a global innovation ecosystem tied to CES and international startup acceleration.

May 6, 2015 — HonNewTech Pitch Qualifier (Honolulu, Hawai‘i)

Top Hawai‘i-based startups are selected during the HonNewTech Pitch Off in Honolulu, determining finalists who will advance to the annual MaiTai Maui Tech Night.
The qualifier underscores MAI TAI Global’s role in supporting regional innovation pipelines and founder visibility.

May 13, 2015 — Third Annual MaiTai Maui Tech Night (Maui, Hawai‘i)

MAI TAI Global co-hosts the Third Annual MaiTai Maui Tech Night at Maui Tropical Plantation. The event draws over 300 attendees, including approximately 125 MAI TAI Global members and Silicon Valley investors, creating a direct bridge between Hawai‘i startups and global capital networks.

Event outcome:

• TerViva is named pitch competition winner

• Startups gain exposure to investors, advisors, and national tech communities

• Strengthened ties between Hawai‘i’s startup ecosystem and mainland investors

May 15–17, 2015 — Startup Weekend Maui (Maui, Hawai‘i)

Following Maui Tech Night, nearly 80 participants take part in Startup Weekend Maui, a 54-hour immersive event focused on team formation, rapid prototyping, and venture development.
MAI TAI Global’s involvement helps sustain momentum beyond a single pitch event and supports hands-on entrepreneurial development.

Throughout 2015 — Community-Driven Global Engagement

Across the year, MAI TAI Global continues hosting and participating in invite-only gatherings and retreats that blend technology dialogue, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle experiences. These formats emphasize trust-based relationships, experiential learning, and long-term collaboration—principles that later become core to ACTAI Global’s identity.