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

INNOVATION NEWS

Check out our news highlights and archive here.

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

Not on our mailing list yet? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Interested in getting 10,000+ eyeballs to view your company’s content?

Become a Santa Cruz Works Partner or, see 3rd party content Sponsors.

Doug Erickson 3/22/25 Doug Erickson 3/22/25

SwellCycle Demo Day March 28, 2025

Ready to test ride a SwellCycle board? Sign up fast for this amazing new experience in surfing.

Guest User 2/5/25 Guest User 2/5/25

Ms. Blue: Restoring UCSC’s Iconic Whale Skeleton

UCSC’s iconic blue whale skeleton, Ms. Blue, is undergoing a sustainable restoration using innovative materials and technology.

Malina Long 12/12/23 Malina Long 12/12/23

Major Milestones Achieved By Santa Cruz County Companies in 2023

A reflection of some significant milestones achieved by Santa Cruz County companies in 2023.

Doug Erickson 5/25/23 Doug Erickson 5/25/23

New Tech June 2023

JUNE GLOOM? No way! Join us at the June New Tech for Checkerspot, Earth.Island, Stakabl, Swell Cycle Surfboards, The Floow, X Academy, and more.

September 9, 2026

Betting Big on AI: Lessons from Omni's 10x Scale-Up

How a scrappy team of ex-Lookers turned Santa Cruz roots into a $1.5B AI-powered data company, and what they learned along the way.

A Different Pace in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A day at Reggiardo Ranch invites Santa Cruz’s tech community to trade constant connection for redwoods, good food, and a slower pace.

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!