Santa Cruz Works New Tech April 1, 2026

Written By Doug Erickson

Join us on April 1 for Santa Cruz Works New Tech, returning to Chaminade for another evening of fresh ideas, smart people, and the kind of rapid-fire innovation that makes it hard to stay cynical for five full minutes. The first hour is all about connection: appetizers, beverages, networking, exhibits, and live music are all included with your event ticket. Then, at 7:00 pm, we shift into founder mode with a lineup of fast-paced presentations from companies and researchers tackling security, health, legal tech, behavioral AI, and even the mysteries of music and memory. But first, our effusive thanks to sponsor: Avison Young. Two Santa Cruz natives will bring glory and fame to this event.

Steve Jobs AI

April 1 is also the 50th anniversary of Apple Computer. We have asked the ghost of Steve Jobs to answer a few questions for us during the event. Steve Jobs accurately predicted the rise of Generative AI, or machine-driven knowledge, as early as 1983-95. He envisioned computers that could capture an individual's "underlying spirit" and principles to answer questions after they passed. He viewed AI as a potential "bicycle for the mind" that could enhance human creativity and intellect

Event Schedule

Can you keep a secret? We will soon announce two more additions to the lineup: one startup traveling from Norway with a game-changing collaboration app, and another stealth company exploring a wildly futuristic path to AI-powered brain access that does not involve drilling through your skull.

  • 6:00 pm - Doors open for appetizers, beverages, networking, exhibits, and live music by Cruz Control

  • 7:00 pm - Company presentations, plus 2 more to be announced soon

    • Bandit Systems: Security should stop problems before they become expensive headaches. Bandit Systems’ RealTime Remote Guard Service uses AI video analytics, cameras, patented audio systems, and trained operators to resolve 98% of crime and trespassing incidents in under 60 seconds.

    • The Hidden Singing Superpower: Fresh from UCSC Grad Slam 2026, Matt Evans explores a fascinating question: why does music remain so durable in memory even as other memories fade? His work looks at the surprising accuracy of internal musical recall and what that reveals about the brain.

    • Mimo Fit: MimoFit is building a home-based training system for people with Parkinson’s and related conditions. By combining adaptive exercise, neuroplasticity research, and simple at-home use, the company aims to make meaningful therapy more accessible and more consistent.

    • Vispo AI: Vispo helps founders manage the legal foundations of a startup without drowning in paperwork or legal bills. Its AI-powered platform guides users through incorporation, SAFE financing, and compliance, acting like a legal co-pilot built specifically for early-stage companies.

    • Cora AI: Customer Success agents that actually do the manual work to serve and grow your customers. So your teams can focus on the human, relationship-driven work to drive growth.

Tickets go on sale next week!

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