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 the way a human editor would.

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Malina Long 9/1/23 Malina Long 9/1/23

New Blood Test Developed by UCSC Researchers Significantly Improve Cancer Detection

A novel liquid biopsy technology developed by Assistant Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Daniel Kim’s lab leverages RNA “dark matter” to enhance cancer diagnosis.

Doug Erickson 8/9/23 Doug Erickson 8/9/23

UCSC News: From Survivor to Scientist

Surviving pediatric brain cancer, 15-year-old Robert McCabe collaborates with his researcher sister, Molly, on genomic advancements at UC Santa Cruz's Treehouse Initiative, inspired by their family's profound cancer journey.

Doug Erickson 3/7/23 Doug Erickson 3/7/23

CruzHacks Winner Fundraises to Cure Cancer

16-year-old Kierra Wang, a member of a CruzHacks winning team, has continued her trailblazing mindset as a nominee for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign.

September 18, 2026

We're All Tech Bros Now

"Tech bro" once described a specific guy in a specific vest. Now it covers billionaires, biologists, and your aunt with an iPad. A label that fits everyone describes no one.

They Said AI Would Make Engineers Obsolete

Philippe Kahn, Santa Cruz inventor of the camera phone, rejects claims that AI will replace engineers. Instead, he calls for "enlightened engineers" who pair rigor with humility and ask, "What happens when we build this?"

They Said Photography Wasn't Art, Either

Critics once dismissed the camera as a machine for failed painters. It took more than a century to win the museum wall. AI art is on the same path — moving much faster.

September 17, 2026

Cabrillo College Joins as Partner for AHSC Internship Opportunity Program Cohort 2

Cabrillo College joins Santa Cruz Works as a parter of Cohort 2 of the AHSC internship opportunity program to open doors for local student internships.

Apple’s New AI Siri

David Pogue tested Apple’s new AI Siri 125 ways and found it remarkably capable. It searches personal data, controls apps, understands screens and cameras, handles complex commands, and could dramatically reduce app-switching, Googling, and everyday phone fumbling.

September 16, 2026

Santa Cruz Can't Punish Joby by Breaking Its Own Promise

A candidate for mayor has told UCSC students the City should walk away from its agreement with Joby Aviation. Here's what the agreement actually says — and why breaking it would cost Santa Cruz, not Joby.

September 15, 2026

Calling Santa Cruz Companies in the Wrigley Building: Help Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators

Do you have an awesome company in the Wrigley building? Help inspire the next generation of innovators!

Help Rename Santa Cruz Works' Titans Event

We’re renaming our annual event and we want YOUR input! Help us rename Titans and you could win VIP tickets to our next event and more!

Behind the Beans: Cat & Cloud Company Spotlight & Roastery Tour

Ever wonder what actually happens between the coffee farm and your coffee cup? Join Santa Cruz Works and Cat & Cloud Coffee for an inside look at their roastery, straight from the source. This is a how-it's-made field trip for coffee lovers, curious minds, and anyone who's ever wanted to take a peek behind the counter.