On June 4, innovation is taking to the rooftops in Santa Cruz. On June 4, Santa Cruz Works will host its first-ever Summer Rooftop Mixer, an evening dedicated to celebration, connection, and community—topped with panoramic views and a showcase of the brightest startup talent from CruzHacks 2025 and Launchpad 2025.

This year’s featured startups represent the future of climate tech, AI, social impact, education, home automation, and local artisan goods. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to meet the minds behind these ventures, ask questions, and experience their innovations firsthand.

Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Champions

Tesphase: Taking the spotlight is Tesphase, the Launchpad 2025 Overall Winner. Tesphase’s smart home energy management system optimizes renewable energy usage within the home, reducing household emissions while saving on utility bills. The startup’s innovation earned them a total of $15,000 in awards, including UCSC’s $10,000 Climate Action Award. As the climate crisis looms, Tesphase offers a tangible, scalable solution for greener living.
LeakGuard was crowned winner of the Tech Prize for its AI-powered leak detection software. Aimed at preventing water damage and conserving resources, LeakGuard’s system uses predictive algorithms to detect issues before they escalate—saving homeowners thousands and preserving precious water.
Razemath: Winner of the Social Impact Prize, Razemath is reimagining education with an AI-driven tutoring platform that adapts to each student’s unique learning style. In a time when educational equity remains a pressing issue, Razemath empowers students of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.
Kiln, winner of the Mainstreet Prize, is bringing Santa Cruz soul to the fragrance world. With hand-sculpted ceramic bottles and locally inspired scents, Kiln elevates artisan craftsmanship and eco-conscious design into a sensorial experience. Their presence at the Mixer will be a treat for both the eyes and the nose.

CruzHacks 2025 Trailblazers

From CruzHacks, a fresh crop of collegiate innovators is turning bold ideas into impactful products.

BenefitFinder aims to close the knowledge gap around government support systems. Its friendly interface helps users discover benefits they qualify for—federal, state, or local—bringing accessibility and dignity to the search for help.
Botanical Bots makes plant care simple and smart. This web-based system monitors soil conditions and automatically waters plants based on species-specific needs. For tech-savvy gardeners and forgetful plant parents alike, Botanical Bots offers a sleek solution for green thumbs.
EchoJournal integrates the Gemini LLM to analyze personal journal entries, providing users with emotional and mental health insights. As AI meets wellness, EchoJournal offers a unique digital therapist experience for the self-reflective generation.
Ganc streamlines club and event management for university communities, helping students organize, promote, and manage their events with ease—making student life more connected and vibrant.
NoteBird enhances academic productivity by organizing notes, summarizing material, and even generating quizzes. It's the ultimate digital study buddy for overwhelmed students.
OpenPockets shines a light on political funding by breaking down how industries and sectors allocate their donations. With transparency as its mission, OpenPockets is arming voters with the knowledge they need to hold elected officials accountable.

Bonus!

MySideCar - MySidecar is an AI-powered marketing platform that helps lean teams go from strategy to execution fast. Meet co-founder Jonathan Lo, and see it in action.
X Academy - The X Academy High School Robotics Team is heading to World Championship in Michigan and they need your support!

Join the Celebration

The Summer Rooftop Mixer is more than just a party—it’s a celebration of local ingenuity and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an investor, student, mentor, or curious community member, come see the future—up on the roof.

Expect:
✨ Panoramic rooftop views
🎶 Live music by Cruz Control
🍴 Light bites and refreshments (included with your ticket)
🤝 A welcoming community of forward-thinkers

Don't miss this opportunity to grow your network, spark ideas, and enjoy the Santa Cruz summer vibe. See you on the rooftop!

REgister here