The Office of Naval Research (ONR) coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through schools, universities, government laboratories, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. It also provides technical advice to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy and works with industry to improve technology manufacturing processes.

ONR provided the majority of the start-up funds to develop the Maui Digital Bus platform. Over the years, ONR has continued to contribute additional funding that has helped the Digital Bus evolve into an inter-island collaboration project using state-of-the-art technology and a project-based learning environment to help students increase their interest in science and technology. These funds have also been vital for professional development programs for educators.