Santa Cruz Works News — Updates on Events, Community Stories & Local Innovation

INNOVATION NEWS

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NOTE: Our blogs are typically “assisted by AI”. We use AI to assist us in research and style.

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Doug Erickson 3/5/26 Doug Erickson 3/5/26

Santa Cruz Works New Tech March 4, 2026 Videos

We had a sold out event on March 4 with rapid-fire demos from Innovation Within, BrandCapsule, Radi8, Activity Ally, and The Host Mindset. Sponsored by Comcast Business and Wynn Capital.

Doug Erickson 2/12/26 Doug Erickson 2/12/26

Santa Cruz Works New Tech Returns March 4, 2026

Join Santa Cruz Works New Tech for networking at 6:00 pm with live music, food, drinks, and real conversation. At 7:00 pm, catch rapid-fire startup demos from Innovation Within, BrandCapsule, Radi8, Activity Ally, and The Host Mindset. Sponsored by Comcast Business and Wynn Capital.

September 8, 2026

Santa Cruz HardTech Launches to Support the County's Physical Builders

A new SBDC-backed initiative, Santa Cruz HardTech, is organizing the county's hardware, robotics, biotech, and clean energy founders — offering free advising, capital guidance, and a monthly meetup at Idea Fab Labs.

Westly Prize Now Accepting Applications for 2027

The Westly Prize is an annual award from the Westly Foundation for young social innovators in CA that gives out up to $145,000 total, including three $40,000 Grand Prizes, as unrestricted funding to early-stage founders tackling social challenges in areas like AI, education, health, environment, and youth development.

NPS to Showcase Five Breakthrough Technologies at Reverse Pitch Event

Investors and industry leaders get an exclusive look at Navy-born innovations ranging from artificial muscles to satellite-free data transfer.

Building Belonging: Four Highlights From Cabrillo's Fall 2026 Semester Kickoff

Cabrillo College's fall semester opened with a burst of momentum, from new collaborative student support spaces to the leasing launch of Costa Vista, its groundbreaking student housing project with UC Santa Cruz.

September 4, 2026

GOODLES Just Beat Barilla at Its Own Game — And Barilla Had to Buy It to Find Out

A Santa Cruz mac-and-cheese startup just got acquired by a 149-year-old Italian pasta giant. The real story isn't the deal, it's what it says about legacy brands, category disruption, and why $88 million buys you something money can't build.

High School Robotics Club Open Houses — Students & Mentors Wanted!

The High School Robotics Club is opening their doors! Students, mentors, and innovators are invited to explore hands-on robotics, meet local teams, discover opportunities, and learn how to get involved.

September 3, 2026

Winner Announced: Ocean Film Festival Ticket Giveaway

The winner of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour ticket giveaway has been announced!

Win Tickets for SUP Shack

To celebrate SUP Shack's team-building experiences, we're giving away a SUP rental for two people at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Enter through Santa Cruz Works for your chance to win and experience a little of the SUP Shack adventure for yourself.

Startup World Cup Comes to Santa Cruz October 17

Santa Cruz Works is proud to sponsor Startup World Cup Santa Cruz Regional, landing at The Catalyst on October 17, 2026. Startups will pitch for a shot at $1M. Full details drop on September 9 at the Santa Cruz Works New Tech.