Honolulu, HI, October 6, 2025 – As COVID-19 cases surge across the U.S. and Hawaii’s positivity rate remains high, Oceanit, Hawaii’s homegrown “Mind to Market” company, has donated thousands of its FDA-authorized ASSURE-100 COVID-19 rapid test kits to schools across Oahu. Developed by Oceanit engineers and scientists right here in Hawaii, the ASSURE-100 tests are both a vital tool to reduce risk and a powerful reminder that cutting-edge science and engineering can be done in the islands.
Working in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) for public schools, as well as with private and charter schools, Oceanit provided the free test kits ahead of flu season to help protect keiki and their families. Beyond immediate health benefits, the effort also highlights for students the cutting-edge science and engineering happening in their own backyard.
Keith Hayashi, Hawaii DOE Superintendent welcomed the initiative:
“We want our students in school, learning safely, every day. These test kits will help schools respond quickly during flu season and give families added peace of mind. And it’s inspiring for our students to know this kind of innovation is happening right here in Hawaii, it shows them what’s possible in their own future.”
Sean Tajima, Hawaii DOE Assistant Superintendent for the newly established Office of Campus Operations and Support, added:
“This is the kind of coordination and partnership our office was created for, making sure schools have the resources and systems in place to respond to real-world challenges. Efforts like this help us strengthen school operations while keeping our focus on supporting students.”
This donation is part of Oceanit’s broader mission to inspire Hawaii’s youth, strengthen local communities, and showcase the power of innovation born in the islands. By placing the ASSURE-100 tests directly into the hands of school communities, Oceanit hopes to both safeguard health and spark curiosity in the next generation of scientists and engineers.
About Oceanit
Oceanit is a “Mind to Market” company, founded in 1985, that focuses on moving fundamental scientific breakthroughs from the lab to the market. Oceanit employs a unique methodology called Intellectual Anarchy™, which promotes intradisciplinary collaboration to create disruptive innovations, delivering cutting-edge solutions at scale across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace, healthcare and more. Learn more at www.oceanit.com.
