A CSUMB Computer Science graduate with a passion for software engineering, Yuliana contributed to Nurbli by developing features and resolving production issues that directly support indigenous language accessibility.

Digital NEST and AT&T opened a new Connected Learning Center in Salinas, expanding free access to technology and digital skill-building for the community.

Future Motion’s new Antic bike is a retro-styled, chaos-friendly joy machine powered by Onewheel tech. It has torque for days, a dedicated wheelie mode, and exists purely to let adults behave gloriously irresponsibly again.

UC Santa Cruz grad Emily Ramirez uses her creativity to support Clean Oceans International’s outreach and ocean-protection mission through the AHSC Internship Program.

Alex Gershenson’s new venture helps founders avoid chaotic shortcuts with simple systems, giving startups cleaner operations, smoother fundraising, and stress-free paths to scale.

At the Genomics Rooftop Mixer, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute researchers displayed the promise of genomics for improving lives.

Fall 2025 Startup Demo Day brings together UCSC’s most promising student founders for an evening of live pitches, innovation, and community. Hosted by CIED, Startup Club, Pie Fi, and Santa Cruz Works, the event showcases 10–12 emerging ventures, networking, food, and fresh ideas.

A tiny Santa Cruz startup, Light Links, is replacing Wi-Fi with invisible laser-based wireless. After joining Santa Cruz Launchpad, then Santa Cruz Accelerates, Light Links landed Wayne Fenton as president, and secured a multi-million-dollar contract. The company is now shaping the future of robotics and ultra-fast connectivity.

Worker Autonomy is reinventing land development with fully electric, autonomous mini-equipment built for precision, lower costs, and zero emissions. With deep industry talent and strategic partners, they aim to build the first scalable AI-driven platform for ground-engaging work.

Joby’s turbine-electric demonstrator marks a game-changing leap: a hybrid VTOL platform with far greater range, military “wingman” utility, and potential hydrogen integration via its H2FLY acquisition. The details remain unconfirmed, but the strategic brilliance of the shift is unmistakable.

Santa Cruz-based Paystand has acquired Bitwage to bring enterprise-grade stable-coin payments to global B2B finance, enabling faster cross-border payouts and blockchain-based treasury automation. It marks a major milestone for real-world stable-coin adoption.

Joby Aviation and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today announced plans for the rapid deployment of Joby’s electric air taxi in the Kingdom.

Santa Cruz’s Surf Skull debuted its revolutionary low-profile surf helmet on ABC’s Shark Tank on November 12th.

Jesse Abrams’ talk at the Santa Cruz Works CEO Luncheon revealed how ADHD and digital overload reshape attention, motivation, and leadership. He urged leaders to design work around individual brain processes, purpose, and healthy dopamine—creating teams built for focus and resilience.

Each week, we're pulling back the curtain to spotlight the incredible individuals that you have nominated for the 2025 Titans Awards. Check out this weeks nominees.

Did you miss this year’s annual State of the Region event? Check out the recordings!

Thanks to a Lyft ride credit grant, NEST members and BizzNEST Associates can focus on client projects, trainings, and building their careers, without having to worry about transportation.

Feel like you’re always doing a million things but not building up your business? Now’s the time to untangle yourself from the web of work.

Challenging activities like surfing, mountain biking, wing foiling, or knitting spark neuroplasticity. Progress comes from novelty, wobbling through mistakes, and good rest, proving anyone can grow smarter with grit and a willingness to look foolish.

Julian Cabadas is using his passion for marketing and design to craft creative, community-driven content that highlights the spirit and flavor of Santa Cruz’s beloved coffee and creamery.