Machine learning enables real-time detection of fleeting anomalies before they fade away.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative promised bold change—curing disease, advancing equity, reshaping education. But amid Trump’s return and high-stakes politics, insiders say its mission wavers. Even UCSC, the university that unlocked the human genome, remains sidelined. Credibility—not cash—may prove CZI’s greatest test.

Onda, founded by Quincy Carroll, launched August 1, 2025, in Santa Cruz, blending AI-powered forecasts, surf session logging, and community chat to help surfers from Marin to Monterey optimize every wave and connect through shared local knowledge.

Fullpower-AI, led by tech legend Philippe Kahn, secured $25M and a 10-year Tempur Sealy deal. Now hiring local sales pros—skip the commute, work in Santa Cruz, and help shape the future of AI-powered sleep.

The City of Salinas is rolling out StreetFront to StoreFront, a pop-up pilot program designed to help local entrepreneurs take the next step in growing their businesses.

From August 18–23, 2025, UC Santa Cruz will host SUSY 2025, the International Conference on Supersymmetry and Unification of Fundamental Interactions.

Joby Aviation achieves first piloted eVTOL flight between two public airports.

The prolonged Murray Street Bridge closure has crippled Seabright businesses, cutting traffic and sales. A petition led by La Posta’s Patrice Boyle urges opening the unused rail bridge to pedestrians and cyclists, restoring neighborhood connections and stabilizing the local economy.

Patriot Sustainable Fuels offers a scalable, agile, and distributed energy model, with a patented process born at UC Santa Cruz.

Climatize hit a major milestone: $𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 invested through Climatize.

After losing friends’ homes in the CZU Fires, Santa Cruz native Jake Haselden built AirMetrix.io, a wildfire detection and prevention platform using aerial imagery, IoT sensors, and AI—helping communities act before flames spread, protecting lives, property, and the environment.

Ocean Exchange's 2025 Collegiate Call for Solutions is still open. Three non-dilutive awards of $10,000 each will go to student-led solutions that drive ocean and coastal resiliency.

Paystand and Digital NEST launched Santa Cruz County’s first Bitcoin-focused financial literacy course for youth.

From Santa Cruz, Philippe Kahn’s Fullpower-AI just inked a 10-year deal with Tempur Sealy and doubled down on “Sleep AI.” Your bed won’t just hold you—it will know you, mapping your nights like telescopes map the cosmos.

For longtime Santa Cruz residents, cold ocean plunges aren’t a trend—they’re tradition. A bracing swim in the Pacific has long been embraced for its energizing, restorative effects. Now, a startup is working to bring the experience inland—with data, hardware, and clinical rigor.

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.

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 issued its Second Quarter 2025 Shareholder Letter detailing the company’s operational and financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.

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.

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.