In a ballroom largely filled with technologists, Emile Haddad was probably the least likely recipient of Octane’s highest honor, “Innovator of the Year.” Octane is Orange County’s technology and life sciences accelerator, with a mission to create approximately 55,000 new high-paying technology jobs in the greater Orange County region by 2030.
Yet there he was, on stage in front of 600 technology entrepreneurs, executives and industry leaders, accepting the award for what he has done and continues to do to lead and disrupt his own industry—land development.
His visionary approach to building California communities by shaking up the status quo received a standing ovation from many in attendance who have built careers on innovating and challenging the norm in the technology space.
Bill Carpou, CEO of Octane, announced a collaboration with FivePoint that he hopes will ultimately help create an innovation eco-system of ideas and capital within the region.
View Haddad's remarks from the event on the Videos page.