University of Hawaii Names Innovation Director Denny Otsuga

The University of Hawaii is betting big on turning lab breakthroughs into businesses that make a difference.

Denichiro "Denny" Otsuga stepped into his new role as director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization on September 21, bringing more than two decades of experience helping universities launch successful ventures. His job is to find promising research happening on campus and guide it from the lab to the marketplace.

Otsuga's background spans work at universities across the country, from Colorado State to the University of Kentucky. Most recently, he served as chief investment officer for Kobe University in Japan, where he helped connect academic research with real-world funding and business opportunities.

His expertise comes at a crucial time for Hawaii. The state is working to build a knowledge-based economy, and Otsuga will help bridge the gap between researchers who make discoveries and investors who can bring those ideas to life.

"What excites me most is the extraordinary opportunity to build on UH's research strengths and expand the translation of new knowledge into practical solutions, new ventures and meaningful partnerships," Otsuga said. He's particularly focused on creating impact both for Hawaii and beyond.

The job involves more than just paperwork and patents. Otsuga will mentor faculty, students and researchers through the complex process of commercialization, helping them navigate everything from intellectual property protection to venture creation.

The Ripple Effect

Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton sees Otsuga as a catalyst for change. His unique ability to speak both the language of researchers and commercial investors could unlock innovations that have been sitting in campus labs waiting for the right pathway to market.

Those market-ready solutions could mean new jobs for Hawaii residents, economic growth for the state, and practical answers to problems facing communities locally and globally. When universities successfully commercialize research, the benefits multiply: students gain entrepreneurial experience, faculty see their work make real impact, and communities benefit from homegrown innovation.

Otsuga holds a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Utah and is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional. He's authored publications on technology transfer policy and has served as a reviewer for programs including the National Science Foundation's I-Corps.

Hawaii's future as an innovation hub just got a major boost.