Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025: Startup Pitch Competition & Job Fair – Where Innovation and Careers Take Flight
Santa Cruz, CA – March 3, 2025 – The premier startup and innovation event on the Central Coast returns on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz, CA. Now in its 8th year, the Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025, a co-production of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED) at UC Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Works, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers for an exciting day of startup pitches and career-building opportunities. This event is supported by several UCSC partners (Baskin Engineering, Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, QB3, Career Success) and Cabrillo College.
“Santa Cruz Launchpad is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for entrepreneurial success and career growth," said Dr. Manel Camps, Faculty Director at CIED. "Each year, we see students transform ideas into viable startups, job seekers connect with thriving companies, and the community come together to fuel the entrepreneurial ecosystem of our community.”
"Santa Cruz Launchpad isn’t just about startups—it’s about opportunities," said Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works. "With over 20 companies hiring for 200+ positions, this event bridges the gap between top talent and the innovative businesses that power our local economy."
Student Startup Pitch Competition from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
UCSC and Cabrillo students will compete for cash prizes in a high-stakes business plan competition, where 12 student teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of UC Santa Cruz alumni and industry mentors.
2025 Pitch Prize Categories:
Biotech/Health: $5,000
Social Impact: $5,000
Technology: $5,000
Main Street: $2,000
Six Runners-Up: $1,000 each
People’s Choice Award: $2,000
Winning teams may also qualify for the Santa Cruz Accelerates program and receive the OneValley Perks Package, valued at $1M.
Student Startup Pitch Competitions are due by Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Mentors Wanted!
Help students refine their startup ideas and pitches. If interested, email Kati Greaney at kgreaney@ycsc.edu with the subject: Mentor for 2025 Launchpad Teams.
Job & Internship Fair from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with 20+ local companies offering 200+ jobs and internships across various industries, including engineering, marketing, healthcare, project management, sales, tech, customer support, and more.
🚀 Previous Employers Included: Joby Aviation, PayStand, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Ambient Photonics, Cruz Foam, Digital NEST, Bay Federal Credit Union, Mynt, Central California Alliance for Health, Unnatural Products, Santa Cruz Seaside Company, Zero Motorcycles, PVUSD, and more.
📢 Interested in Hiring at SC Launchpad 2025? Contact Malina Long at malina@santacruzworks.org with the subject: Hiring at SC Launchpad 2025.
Employer registration details coming soon!
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday, May 21, 2025
📍 Location: Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz, CA
Why Attend?
✔ Discover groundbreaking startups and innovative ideas
✔ Connect with investors, mentors, and industry experts
✔ Explore career opportunities in Santa Cruz’s thriving business and tech scene
✔ Be inspired by keynote speakers and startup success stories
Santa Cruz Launchpad is a must-attend event for students, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to shape the future of innovation and economic growth in the region.
📢 Press Inquiries & Sponsorships: Contact us for more details.
📢 Student Applications: Open to UCSC and Cabrillo undergrads—details coming soon!
About the Organizers
CIED at UC Santa Cruz fosters entrepreneurial thinking and innovation by supporting students and startups with education, events, mentorship, and industry connections. Santa Cruz Works is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the local business ecosystem through networking, career development, and tech innovation.
Join us at Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 and be part of the next wave of innovation and opportunity!
For the UCSC Pitch Competition: UCSC: Kathleen Greaney kgreaney@ucsc.edu
For Job Fair Santa Cruz Works: Malina Long malina@santacruzworks.org