News Highlights
We don’t only report the news, we make the news. Our news highlights and archive here.
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Joby’s Turbine Electric Demonstrator Aircraft
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.
Paystand Acquires BitWage
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 and Saudi Arabia Announce Plans for Deployment of Electric Air Taxi Service
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 Startup Surf Skull Makes Waves on Shark Tank
Santa Cruz’s Surf Skull debuted its revolutionary low-profile surf helmet on ABC’s Shark Tank on November 12th.
CEO Works Luncheon: Jesse Abrams on ADHD, Dopamine, and the Future of Work
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.
Round 1: Titans 2025 Nominees
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.
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Shares State of the Region Recordings
Did you miss this year’s annual State of the Region event? Check out the recordings!
Lyft Grant Fuels Access to Professional Opportunities for Digital NEST Youth
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.
Stop Doing It All: How to Work On Your Business, Not Just In It
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.
Why Looking Foolish Makes You Smarter
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.
Meet AHSC Intern: Julian Cabadas at Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery
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.
Aviv Elor Honored with UC Santa Cruz Outstanding Recent Alumni Award
UC Santa Cruz alumnus Aviv Elor, co-founder of Immergo Labs, has been honored with the 2025 UC Santa Cruz Outstanding Recent Alumni Award.
Joby Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
From its Santa Cruz base, Joby Aviation is transforming aviation history. With FAA certification underway, expanded manufacturing, and strong financial footing, the company’s third-quarter results mark a decisive leap toward launching the first fully electric, zero-emission air taxi service in the world.
How to Bring Your Team With You During Change
Going through a change in your business? Stop dragging your team through a messy pivot and learn how to smoothly navigate the chaos.
Wonderfil is Hiring!
Want to make the world a better place while working on cutting-edge refill technology? Wonderfil, a Santa Cruz–based startup, is hiring.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) creates a significant disruption in sleep schedules
Fullpower-AI’s multi-year sleep study reveals Daylight Saving Time severely disrupts circadian rhythms—causing measurable declines in sleep quality, heart-rate stability, and recovery. The data echo global findings: time shifts fracture our biological clock far more than they illuminate evenings.
Joby Begins Power-On Testing of First Conforming Aircraft, Enters Final Stage of Type Certification Process
Joby’s latest milestone marks key moment in Joby’s path to commercialization and testing lays groundwork for FAA pilots to fly Joby aircraft.
Applications Open for Venture Program for Planetary Health
Have an idea for a business that will help improve the ocean or climate? Check out this program hosted by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.
Nominate a Titan: Recognize Santa Cruz County's Most Inspiring Innovators!
Is there someone in the community who you believe has made a tremendous impact on the entrepreneurial, business, and innovation community in Santa Cruz County? Nominate them to be a Titan!
Help Shape the Future of Our Coastline at a Neighborhood Open House
Learn about Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0, a new project creating neighborhood-scale coastal adaptation plans for the next 20 years for West Cliff, Main Beach, Cowell Beach, East Cliff and Seabright Beach.

