Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025: Santa Cruz's Brightest Innovators Shine at the Cocoanut Grove
A short video “draft” of the event. Full videos soon.
On May 21, the Cocoanut Grove was buzzing with energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit as Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 brought together the region’s most promising startups, visionary judges, and hundreds of supporters for a night of innovation and inspiration. Hosted by Santa Cruz Works and supported by major community and university sponsors, this year’s Launchpad was a powerful showcase of how local founders are shaping the future—one brilliant idea at a time. See photos HERE.
Twelve finalist teams took the stage, pitching ideas that ranged from AI-powered learning and leak detection to artisan fragrance design and climate tech. Each team was evaluated by a high-caliber panel of judges on criteria such as innovation, impact potential, feasibility, business model, team strength, and overall presentation. The judges included business coach and executive LeBaron Meyers, Paystand’s Head of Product & Design Bindu Gakhar, Vidya Phalke of Social Alpha, investor Alexi Sevastopoulos from Santa Cruz Ventures, and Professor Jennifer Kuan from CSU Monterey Bay’s School of Business.
Big Winners of the Night
🏆 Overall Winner – Tesphase
Tesphase took home the top $5,000 prize for their revolutionary smart home system that optimizes the use of renewable energy. Tesphase also received UCSC’s $10,000 Climate Action Award for its potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints in everyday households—earning the startup a combined $15,000 in recognition of its innovation and climate impact.
⚙️ Tech Prize – LeakGuard
LeakGuard claimed the $5,000 Tech Prize with their AI leak detection software. By identifying plumbing issues early, LeakGuard not only prevents costly damage but also conserves water, offering an elegant blend of sustainability and utility.
📚 Social Impact Prize – Razemath
Razemath won the $5,000 Social Impact Prize for its AI-powered tutoring platform tailored to each student’s learning style. Designed to close the education gap and empower learners of all backgrounds, Razemath was celebrated for making learning both accessible and adaptive.
🌿 Mainstreet Prize – Kiln
Kiln, an artisan fragrance startup, won hearts—and the $5,000 Mainstreet Prize—for its hand-sculpted ceramic bottles and eco-conscious scent design. Embodying the essence of Santa Cruz, Kiln beautifully merges craftsmanship, sustainability, and local identity.
Runners-Up and Audience Favorite
Eight additional teams received $1,000 runner-up prizes, each recognized for their unique value and promise:
Wattnest, which also won the Audience Choice Prize, impressed with its smart hot water system that lowers energy bills without changing household routines.
Robograde.io, an AI assistant that automates grading for teachers, freeing up time for student engagement.
Whim, which blends AI drink ordering with spontaneous social discovery in real life.
Shortform Studio, a tool for creating short-form viral video content.
CoastHer, a personal safety device and app to detect date-rape drugs in real time.
Shiftly, a job-matching platform connecting students with local gigs.
Warm, a Discord-powered casting platform for influencer sponsorships.
Dream Builders, a student-led nonprofit supporting Santa Cruz’s unhoused and underserved youth.
A Community-Fueled Celebration
All finalists received the Santa Cruz Works Perks Package, offering access to exclusive startup resources, mentorship, and local business services to help bring their visions to life. The event was made possible thanks to sponsors including Santa Cruz Works, Cabrillo College, UCSC CIED, UC Santa Cruz Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, UCSC Career Success, UCSC QB3, and Pleasure Pizza.
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 wasn’t just a competition—it was a community celebration of what’s possible when bright minds are given a platform. The event highlighted the power of local talent to tackle global challenges, inspire change, and create the kind of future we all want to live in.
Congratulations to all the winners, and to every team who stepped on stage. Santa Cruz is proud of you—and watching closely eager to see what you build next.