UC Santa Barbara

BioZen Batteries

BioZen Batteries is mimicking substances in green plant photosynthesis to develop carbon-based electricity-storage fluids for community-sized stationary long-duration (8+ hour discharge) Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs)—meaning BioZen’s fluids replace battery metals (lithium, cobalt, lead, nickel, etc.) with liquid-state energy storage that is less-costly, non-flammable, non-toxic, abundant, circular, domestically manufactured, and sustainably produced.

Carboniferous

Carboniferous is working on a permanent carbon sequestration method named Anoxic Biological Carbon Sequestration (ABC'S). ABC'S works by placing excess agricultural material (such as corn stalks or sugar cane stalks) in a deep-sea anoxic basin. Anoxic basins are very deep locations ( > 7,000ft deep) where currents do not mix the water with oxygenated ocean water. The de-oxygenated water in the basin is hostile to eukaryotic life and likely to preserve organic material for extremely long time scales (1,000+ years). By using excess agricultural wastes, e.g. corns stalks, we prevent land use changes and don't affect the ocean nutrient balance. As a company, we are actively collaborating on scientific research with UCSB Earth Science Professor Morgan Reed Raven and in 2023 we won a grant from Frontier Climate to further our work.

Dataunite

It costs several billion dollars and 10-15 years to successfully bring a new drug to market. One approach to accelerate drug development is to leverage real-world patient data. For example, data collected in routine clinical care can provide insights into market opportunities and unmet needs, and safety, efficacy, and value of current products. However, getting access to patient data is challenging, for obvious reasons such as patient privacy. Dataunite is developing a solution called virtual pooling that enables clinical data scientists to get aggregate-level insights from multi-hospital data, without requiring any data sharing or data transfers. Virtual pooling thus dramatically reduces the time and effort to get insights from data. Dataunite is spun out of UC Santa Barbara and UC San Francisco. It is currently partnering with several hospital systems, as well as pharmaceuticals and AI-based medical device companies, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

EyeClimate

EyeClimate utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to unlock the power of satellite imagery for methane detection and estimation, from facility-level to global-level estimations. Our innovative technology empowers industries and regulatory bodies to autonomously measure, monitor, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.

Hikari Medical

Hikari is a platform medical technology firm that offers pharmaceutical developers and manufacturers a solution to toxicity and patient compliance issues facing nearly any drug in their portfolio or pipeline. Our integrated device and nanoparticle formulation platform enables automated, precise, and noninvasive drug dosing and monitoring, enhancing safety and market competitiveness for the drug product. Along with protecting patients, we save time, money, and liabilities for hospitals and insurance providers, all while securing market share for our pharmaceutical company partners.

Leeta Materials

Leeta’s mission is to propel innovation through scientific materials optimization. We are developing the most sophisticated materials manufacturing platform for inorganic materials. Materials power our society, and critical electrification efforts, such as accelerated adoption of electric vehicles, has created an unprecedented need for lithium-ion batteries. These batteries only perform as well as the materials they contain, and Leeta manufactures these materials to help make batteries more dependable, affordable, and powerful. Our products more positively impact the planet and end customers.

Nereid Biomaterials

Nereid Biomaterials develops biodegradable plastics for use in ocean applications, including fishing, aquaculture, and the ocean Internet of Things. Our products have tunable degradation rates tested in real ocean conditions, and leave no microplastics or toxic byproducts behind. Rigorous measurement of material properties ensures the functionality of replacing plastic with our biomaterials and the material is adaptable to current manufacturing processes. To discuss making your equipment biodegradable, reach out at info@nereidbio.com!

PseudolithIC

PseudolithIC, Inc is re-envisioning radio-frequency integrated circuits through a proprietary heterogeneous integration process that combines high-performance compound semiconductors, such as Gallium Nitride and Indium Phosphide, with low-cost silicon wafers. These pseudolithic integrated circuits address emerging dual-use commercial/defense markets for 5G/6G and satellite communications as well as emerging markets for millimeter-wave systems while offering a flexible manufacturing model. PseudolithIC’s technology has been validated through more than $9M in government funding from a wide array of organizations.

Salty Gold Uni

A blend of wild Santa Barbara sea urchin, and pure Irish butter, Salty Gold is the first product of its kind. Uni is beloved for its delicate, buttery umami flavor. Salty Gold Uni butter, developed by a Michelin star trained chef and environmental scientist, is a foodie’s secret weapon. The company mission is ocean stewardship through the reduction of the overpopulated purple sea urchin, sustainably caught and locally produced in tiny batches. Eating purple urchins is an act of restorative consumption. Uni butter transforms any dish in one step.

Temporal Agriculture

What if the weather was not a limiting factor in agricultural production? At Temporal Ag, we envision a world where farmers can maximize the agricultural output from each plant regardless of the weather. Through the use of our bioformulations, we enable growers to proactively respond to their environment in real-time to resist environmental stress, increasing agricultural yields and improving crop quality. By giving temporal control over crop production to farmers rather than mother nature, we can decouple weather from yield and alter the landscape of global agriculture.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Abstract Security

SIEM has transformed into a search tool, compliance has transformed the data ecosystem into a data swamp, and analytics are nonexistent. Companies are storing (spending) in triplicate while Abstract Security offers a revolutionary approach to security analytics with their cyber threat operations platform. The Abstract platform allows organizations to improve efficiency, reduce SIEM costs, and enhance detection and response capabilities across multi-cloud and on-premise environments. Abstract utilizes tactical AI to assist security analysts in understanding the complexities of cloud security telemetry and addressing cloud visibility gaps. It also helps formulate and execute an effective detection strategy across numerous data sources. The company is currently developing a decentralized edge computing platform that focuses on streaming cyber security data, as well as a one-click data lake for long-term detection and forensics.

Flora Instruments

Traditional ag-tech solutions are very expensive and complicated. This prices out a large ag sector and makes it too difficult for many farmers to consider. Flora Instruments has significantly reduced the cost and complexity so that all farmers can enjoy the benefits of ag-tech. Flora instruments technologies help farmers by providing data that supports efficient irrigation and farm management practices. All of these efficiencies result in a better bottom line for the farmer.

Horizen Technologies

Horizen Biotech is working on creating affordable, wearable technology that can help people make better decisions around their health. Our first product is a non-invasive skin patch that monitors user BAC levels transdermally in a convenient and discreet way. With that in mind, we are wanting to give people the tools they need to make better decisions around drinking alcohol.

Nexstera Tech

Nexstera Tech is at the forefront of transcendent innovation, seamlessly merging advanced radar technology with our machine learning algorithms. Our primary mission tackles the escalating problem of battery-induced fires in the waste stream, a challenge inflicting over $1.2 billion in annual damages and catastrophic environmental harm across North America. By equipping recycling trucks with our innovative ML-powered radar system, Pyrotack, we can swiftly detect and report lithium-ion batteries in curbside and commercial bins. This capability is crucial for preventing contaminated pickups and the subsequent fires. Our breakthrough not only aims to significantly reduce the financial and environmental toll of these fires, including pollution and public safety risks, but also signals our commitment to transforming a variety of industries through non-invasive material differentiation in complex environments.

Quantum Energy Inc.

Funded by the National Science Foundation Energy Technologies portfolio, Quantum's AI-driven TotalView Energy Platform helps the entire ecosystem understand the full impact of renewable energy projects. By quantifying the extensive benefits of renewable projects, spanning public health, ecosystems, and economy, TotalView is becoming critical to clean energy sales enablement and new corporate sustainability reporting regulations. Our impact analytics recently helped greenlight the largest renewable project in the country.

Sprya Beauty

Sprya aims to disrupt the overlooked $550 billion beauty industry by building software tools for beauty professionals and avid beauty product users. These tools will provide them with a platform to post content where they can showcase and monetize their skills and expertise, offering the beauty community the best and healthiest experience possible.

California Lutheran University

Dobbie Care

Made specifically for the 65 Million Americans caring for an adult family member, Dobbi connects families with the care they need on their terms, from anywhere and at anytime.

Frendii

Frendii is a Southern California, female-led, early-stage startup building a social and wellness platform for women over 50. Frendii is combating social isolation in a very unique and fun way, by curating regular social gatherings. Women come together at these events to meet in person, connect, share, and just have fun. We are making easier for women to live an enriched and engaged life. Our app, which is found both, on Google Play and the Apple Store, allows women to create a profile, share interests, select a membership level and instantly have access to the social calendar and a community of like-minded women. Frendii is doing good.

HomeBuddies

Homebuddies is a groundbreaking startup dedicated to addressing the dual challenges of loneliness among senior citizens and financial constraints faced by students. With a name that reflects its core ethos, Homebuddies aims to create meaningful connections between these two demographics. For seniors, Homebuddies offers a platform to connect with compassionate and reliable student companions who provide companionship, assistance with daily tasks, and engaging conversations. In return, students earn a supplemental income while gaining valuable life experiences and forging intergenerational bonds. By fostering these mutually beneficial relationships, Homebuddies not only enriches the lives of seniors but also empowers students to alleviate their financial burdens through meaningful and rewarding work.

Hortitech

Hortitech developing a water filter for farmers that is designed to remove ammonia, a common fertilizer ingredient, so water can be re-used in the fields. Founders Andrea Brimmer and Caroline Brook met at the European Innovation Academy, where they developed the idea based on a NASA patent. They formed a founding team, secured the IP rights from NASA and won a prize at Cal Lutheran’s 2023 New Venture Fair.

Pikl Pal

At Pikl Pal, we're more than just a pickleball paddle company – we're a community dedicated to driving connectivity through movement. Our innovative paddles are crafted to elevate your game while addressing noise concerns with quieter design. Fostering connections and promoting a state of "flo" – that perfect balance of focus and joy – is at the core of what we do. As we continue to innovate, our ultimate goal is to create paddles that not only enhance gameplay but also contribute to quieter, more enjoyable pickleball experiences for all. Join us in energizing your pickleball experience and connecting with others for a healthier, happier life.

PlotSign

PlotSign is a technology platform modernizing the real estate signage industry. Our core product offering is centered around print signs that are empowered by dynamic QR codes, making every sign an actionable tool to generate leads and a portal for potential clients to instantly learn more, get in touch, or even schedule in-person visits. Beyond sign fabrication, we offer a complete sign management solution with services that include installation, storage, and last-mile logistics handled by certified local vendors. Join us as we set new standards in the real estate signage industry, blending innovation with efficiency to create signs that do more than just advertise—they engage.

SPF805

SPF805 is a clothing and accessory business with the primary goal of promoting ocean education and conservation. This start-up began at the age of 16, and over the past two years, I have exceeded my initial expectations in expanding the business. Through various initiatives, including raising substantial funds for non-profit ocean organizations, participating in numerous beach projects, and delivering educational speaches to hundreds of students about the importance of a healthy ocean, SPF805 has made quite an impact on of ocean advocacy. Looking ahead, my vision for the company involves further expansion by establishing a storefront. This space will not only feature a diverse range of apparel but will also showcase my own line of reef-safe sunscreen and surf wax. Additionally, the storefront will serve as an interactive hub where people of all ages can contribute to ocean conservation efforts by making donations while gaining valuable insights into marine ecosystems. The mission of SPF805 is not just to provide quality products but to actively contribute to the well-being of the ocean and inspire others to join in this crucial cause.

Supernova Academy

Supernova Academy is a pioneer in harnessing the power of AI, AR, and VR technology and bringing the most innovative and immersive medical training platform to learners around the world. Their mission is to celebrate the human spirit by driving innovation that saves lives. We comprise a team where everyone is passionate and diligent about helping fellow human beings with humility, empathy and selflessness. We take pride in being a global company offering medical science education in multiple languages.

Wayside Energy

Wayside is empowering communities with our advanced battery energy storage system, ensuring dependable and safe power storage without any compromises. The future of a stable and net-zero energy grid heavily relies on effective energy storage, and Wayside is leading the charge by prioritizing safety, stamina, and sustainability. Our batteries are uniquely submerged in a fire-resistant, biodegradable liquid, enhancing their safety and allowing them to maintain high performance and longevity under various conditions. This innovative approach enables our straightforward and low carbon manufacturing process, while lowering the cost of production and simplifying end of life recycling. Wayside's battery storage systems are paving the way for a sustainable future that everyone can be proud of.