Santa Cruz Works is proud to announce that Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works, has been invited to become an Honorary Member of the UC Santa Cruz National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Chapter.

The invitation, extended on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Research and UC Santa Cruz NAI Chapter President John MacMillan, recognizes Doug for his impactful contributions to UC Santa Cruz’s invention commercialization efforts and to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. Honorary members are selected for the kind of leadership that helps turn breakthrough ideas into real-world outcomes, supporting the people and systems that move innovation from research to impact.

This recognition is especially meaningful in the context of Santa Cruz Works’ own story and purpose. Santa Cruz Works exists to empower local entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations, from early-stage ventures to mature enterprises, through mentorship, resources, programs, and inclusive networking opportunities that drive growth and economic well-being.

Our roots go back to 2007, when Doug launched Santa Cruz New Tech as a grassroots meetup designed to bring local technologists together. What began with a small group and a simple goal, connection, became a community cornerstone. In 2012, Santa Cruz Works was established by Bob Cagle, Bud Colligan, and Bonnie Lipscomb to expand that momentum into a broader support network for the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with an ambitious vision: make Santa Cruz County a place where organizations can start, grow, and flourish.

In 2015, the creation of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) extended the reach of this effort across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties, helping strengthen the region’s cross-sector collaboration and long-term economic resilience. Then in April 2019, Santa Cruz New Tech merged with Santa Cruz Works, uniting under one banner and reinforcing a shared mission to cultivate a thriving innovation community.

Doug’s honorary membership in the UCSC NAI Chapter is a powerful reminder that Santa Cruz innovation works best when it’s collaborative, connected, and committed to outcomes. Santa Cruz Works congratulates Doug on this well-deserved honor, and we celebrate UC Santa Cruz’s continued leadership in advancing invention, entrepreneurship, and meaningful regional impact.

Related Articles