News Highlights
We don’t only report the news, we make the news. Our news highlights and archive here.
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Santa Cruz Works Hosting Summer Rooftop Mixer on June 4
Santa Cruz Works to host summer rooftop mixer. 10 teams from CruzHacks 2025, SC Launchpad, etc. will exhibit. Food, beverage, and live music included.
Joby Aviation Announces Closing of $250 Million Investment
Joby announced the successful closing of the first $250 million tranche of a previously announced strategic investment from Toyota Motor Corporation.
The PG&E Corporation Foundation Offering $500,000 in Community-Focused Grants for Environmental Stewardship
The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) is accepting applications for its Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program.
X Academy High School Robotics Team Heading to World Championship in Michigan
The X Academy High School Robotics Team is heading to World Championship in Michigan and they need your support!
Your New Marketing Copilot: MySidecar Lands at Our Summer Rooftop Mixer
MySidecar is an AI-powered marketing platform that helps lean teams go from strategy to execution fast. Meet co-founder Jonathan Lo at the Summer Rooftop Mixer on June 4 and see it in action.
PVUSD Awarded Best Communities for Music Education
Congratulations to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) for receiving national recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation! PVUSD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation, highlighting its outstanding commitment to music education.
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Photos
In its 8th year, Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 was a huge success. Over the next 2 weeks, we will make a full story and videos of the events. For now, we have 2 collections of photos: Business Plan Pitch Competition, and Job Fair.
Santa Cruz Works Welcomes New COO John Tran
Santa Cruz Works welcomes John Tran as COO. A seasoned venture investor, John will lead corporate sponsorship efforts to grow Santa Cruz Accelerates, now nearing its 7th cohort with 60+ startup alumni and counting.
Robotics Cats Makes Disaster-Tech Awards Finals
Robotics Cats makes Disaster Tech Awards finals.
Want to Fight Climate Change and Get Paid for It? Mynt Has a Plug for You
Invest just $100 in Mynt Systems’ EV charging project in West Sacramento. Earn 9% interest, support clean tech, and help build the future—funding closes May 28 on Climatize.
SC County Business Council Annual Meeting
Join Santa Cruz County’s top business leaders on May 22 for updates, networking, and light bites—plus insights from Supervisor Kim DeSerpa on the county’s economic future.
UCSC’s Blueprint for Change Welcomes Tech Enthusiasts
Explore how technology can spark social change.
The Nonprofit Killer: A Fun Little Bill That Could Accidentally Torch Civil Society
H.R. 9495, dubbed the “nonprofit killer,” could let the federal government revoke tax-exempt status without due process. Critics warn it threatens free speech and civil society, giving unchecked power to silence advocacy under vague claims of “supporting terrorism.”
Watsonville Student Adds Up to Top 20 in the Nation
Sequoia Olson of Salinas placed in the Top 20 nationwide in the 2025 Math Kangaroo competition, showcasing exceptional problem-solving skills. Their achievement celebrates curiosity, hard work, and a love for math—proving that brilliance adds up at any age.
Santa Cruz Works Welcomes New Team Member
Santa Cruz Works is excited to welcome Tavleen to the team!
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Participating Companies and Organizations Announced
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 employers announced.
Craig Vachon Joins Human Rights Foundation to Lead Global AI & Freedom Efforts
Craig Vachon, a Santa Cruz Works member, has joined the Human Rights Foundation to lead its new AI for Individual Rights initiative, using open-source AI tools to fight authoritarian control and empower global activists through education, grants, and hands-on training.
2025 Congressional App Challenge Returns!
Jimmy Panetta welcomes middle and high school students to participate in the Congressional App Challenge.
Joby Flies Two Aircraft Simultaneously in Testing Milestone
Joby shared a recent milestone that has double the fun!
Santa Cruz Launchpad Volunteers Wanted!
Want to make a difference in your community? Come volunteer at Santa Cruz Launchpad!