News Highlights
We don’t only report the news, we make the news. Our news highlights and archive here.
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Joby Aviation is Hiring in Monterey Bay
Joby Aviation has expanded its Marina facility and is hiring A&P mechanics to help bring its electric air taxis to market. Skilled aviation professionals are encouraged to apply.
Genome Polishing: Because Even Mother Nature Needs a Spell-Checker
UCSC and Google’s DeepPolisher AI halves genome assembly errors, cutting indels by 70%, boosting accuracy for 232 human genomes, and giving scientists an ultra-clean reference for disease research, drug discovery, and genetic diversity studies.
Joby Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Joby issued its Second Quarter 2025 Shareholder Letter detailing the company’s operational and financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.
From Dirt to Orbit: How Botanical Bots Are Hacking Houseplants and Growing Into a Startup
Botanical Bots, winners at CruzHacks 2025, created a smart self-watering plant system. After showcasing at Launchpad and the Summer Rooftop Mixer, the team is evolving into a full-fledged startup redefining how we care for plants at home.
Grid-Free, Fail-Proof: The Advanced Hybrid Power System for Modern Infrastructure
Blue Power Systems delivers cutting-edge hybrid off-grid power for homes, data centers, EV charging, and critical infrastructure. With patented generator-battery integration, it slashes fuel use and ensures 24/7 reliability—even when solar fails. Grid-free energy, reimagined for the modern world.
From Steam Engines to Superintelligence: The Next Growth Revolution
What if AI supercharges global growth to sci-fi levels? AGI could automate innovation, collapse costs, and upend labor markets—making capital king. The result? An economic boom like never before, with massive upside, deep inequality, and a very uncertain timeline.
AI 2027: The Roller Coaster to Tomorrowland
From stumbling AI assistants in 2025 to superintelligence by 2028, the AI 2027 timeline charts a rapid, transformative rise—highlighting breakthroughs in AI R&D, the emergence of a superhuman coder, and the dawn of a new digital era.
Joby Aviation Nears Final Certification for Electric Air Taxis
Joby is mere steps away to commercialization and remains on track to start flying first TIA aircraft in 2025.
Bringing Solar Power to Rural America: Powered by Climatize
In the first episode of Powered by Climatize, Climatize sits down with Tennessee farmer and Iraq veteran Joshua Dowdy, who now powers his entire operation with solar and battery storage.
California’s Economic Future: A Fireside Chat with the State Treasurer
On August 20th, the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce will host a pivotal fireside chat with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma at the Back Nine Grill & Bar.
ANA Holdings, Joby Plan to Accelerate Air Taxi Deployment in Japan
Joby and ANA intend to establish a joint venture to provide air taxi service in Japan.
Vibe Coding Webinar Recap
Did you miss our vibe coding webinar with Ian McHenry and Craig Vachon? Check it out here!
Joby’s Acquisition of Blade is Quietly Changing the Future
Joby’s acquisition of Blade Europe accelerates the shift to quieter, cleaner urban air travel. As cities push back against helicopter noise, Joby’s near-silent eVTOL aircraft offer a sustainable, people-first alternative that aligns with the future of transportation.
Joby Collaborates With L3Harris to Pursue Defense Applications for Autonomous Hybrid VTOL Aircraft
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced they are exploring opportunities to develop a new aircraft class for defense applications.
Let’s Talk Butts
Ciggyboard transforms toxic beach litter—cigarette butts—into functional surfboards. It’s weird, brilliant, and exactly the kind of innovation our oceans need. Support their crowdfunder to help clean coastlines, raise awareness, and ride waves of change—one recycled butt at a time.
Wynn Capital Hits $100M AUM Milestone, Fueled by Santa Cruz Innovation
Wynn Capital celebrates surpassing $100 million in assets under management, tracing its roots from the Pacific Stock Exchange to Santa Cruz’s tech community. Founder Thomas Wynn credits persistence, innovation, and key connections from New Tech Meetups for fueling long-term success.
The New Gatekeepers: GEO and the Future of Brand Visibility
On July 29, Santa Cruz Works hosted a powerful session led by Peggy Tierney Galvin, Chief Strategy Officer at Force4, unveiling one of the most urgent shifts in digital marketing: the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). For attendees seeking to stay ahead of the curve, Galvin’s message was clear—search as we’ve known it is dying, and AI-driven discovery is taking its place.
Santa Cruz Accelerates Announces AI Infrastructure Partner
Runpod joins Santa Cruz Works as the AI infrastructure partner for the 2025 Accelerates cohort, supporting founders with GPU-first infrastructure. Together, they’re helping startups move from training to production with speed, clarity, and real-world impact—not just pitch decks.
Liminal Space Unveils Convergence Zone – A Hands-On Adult Unschooling Summit for Santa Cruz Change-Makers
Liminal Space launches Convergence Zone, a hands-on adult unschooling summit on August 16 at 11th Hour in Santa Cruz. The event features playful, experiential sessions for locals seeking growth, connection, and community impact.
Confluent Webinar Recap and Recording
Did you miss our webinar with Confluent last week? Check out the recap and recording here to learn aobut Apache Katfka & Data Streaming for Startups.