Meet the Future: The Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Pitch Teams Redefining Innovation
On May 21, the iconic Cocoanut Grove will transform into a launch site for the next wave of bold ideas, brilliant entrepreneurs, and breakthrough technologies. Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 is not just one event—it’s two powerful gatherings in one venue: a high-energy student business pitch competition and a dynamic job fair, designed to connect job seekers with companies shaping tomorrow. Free for job seekers and networkers to attend!
This year’s pitch competition lineup is as diverse as it is inspiring, featuring student founders, mission-driven nonprofits, and venture-backable startups—each with a vision for impact. Here’s a sneak peek at the teams taking the stage:
CoastHER - Public safety meets innovation with this low-cost portable protection device and paired app that detects date-rape drugs in real time. CoastHER is empowering users to monitor their drinks in public settings and stay safe—an important step toward reducing sexual assault.
Dream Builders - Dream Builders is a student-led, volunteer-run nonprofit focused on supporting Santa Cruz’s unhoused population and vulnerable youth. Through donation-based initiatives, they deliver real-world help—and hope—to those who need it most.
Kiln - Merging design with sustainability, Kiln creates artisan fragrances housed in sculpted ceramic bottles. Inspired by Santa Cruz’s creative spirit, Kiln blends local craftsmanship and environmentally conscious scent design into a product line that smells—and feels—like home.
LeakGuard AI - A smart solution to a costly problem: LeakGuard AI uses artificial intelligence to detect plumbing leaks before they become disasters. It’s preventative, predictive, and built to save homeowners and property managers both money and stress.
RazeMath - This AI-powered platform reimagines math tutoring through hyper-personalized experiences tailored to each learner’s needs. RazeMath brings adaptive learning and student empowerment to the center of the educational journey.
RoboGrade.io - Grading just got an upgrade. RoboGrade.io is an AI assistant designed to automate the tedious grading process for teachers—saving time and allowing educators to focus on what they do best: teaching.
Shiftly - Designed for busy college students and local employers, Shiftly connects students with flexible, on-demand job opportunities. It’s fast, easy, and changing the way students find work—and the way businesses find reliable help.
Shortform Studio - Viral content doesn't happen by accident. Shortform Studio is a trend-focused video editing platform built for creators who want to stay ahead of what’s hot, now. It’s made to help users ride the algorithm wave all the way to the top.
Tesphase - Tesphase is building the next smart home system—one that helps homeowners optimize renewable energy usage while saving on bills. Its sustainability made smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.
Wattnest - Why replace your water heater when you can make it smarter? Wattnest lowers energy bills and improves water heating efficiency—all without changing the hardware. It’s plug-and-play intelligence for your pipes.
Whim - Whim reimagines social spontaneity with an app that combines AI drink ordering, line-skipping, and presence-based friend discovery. It’s all about sparking real-life connection—in real time.
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 is your chance to witness the ideas that will shape the future—built right here in our backyard. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, be inspired, and maybe even get hired. Join us May 21 at the Cocoanut Grove.