Round 3: Titans of Tech Nominees

We are accepting nomination submissions for our 2023 Titans of Tech. Every week or so we will share some of the submissions we’ve received. If you don’t see your nominee this week, keep an eye out for the following week. Keep reading to see some of the inspiring folks who have been nominated already and click the button below to nominate someone who inspires you!

Holger Schmidt

“…Professor Schmidt and his team represent a decades-long body of research on optofluidic chips towards diagnostic devices. This work is not only scientifically groundbreaking, demonstrates the technology’s real-world application and impact. Professor Schmidt’s dedication to translational research and contributing to societal impact is invaluable and inspiring, and this alone is deserving of the Titans of Tech title. Add to it his incredibly collaborative approach, always willing to explore new and useful ways to apply his expertise in support of his colleagues and making new discoveries, and his exceptional mentorship, dedicated to his students’ success and uplifting our campus community –Professor Schmidt is without doubt deserving of this award…”- Andrea Pesce

Cameron Pye

“As the Co-Founder & CEO of Santa Cruz-based Unnatural Products (UNP), Cameron Pye has shown exceptional leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the company has made remarkable strides in the pharmaceutical industry. With an impressive fundraising achievement of over $30 million from leading venture capitalists and strategic investors, UNP stands as a testament to Cameron's commitment to bridging the gap between advanced scientific research and practical therapeutic applications…Cameron's contributions to the scientific community extend beyond his entrepreneurial success. He is a prolific author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, showcasing his deep understanding and continuous contributions to the field of chemistry. Moreover, as an inventor on multiple patents, he has proven his ability to not only generate new knowledge but also translate these insights into practical and innovative applications.” - Ryan Sharp

Susana Ruiz

“Ruiz is applying technologies and digital media in a new way that will allow communities to share our histories, cultures, and other stories using a deeper, immersive experience and thus facilitating higher-impact. Ruiz is one of three founding partners of the multiple award-winning Take Action Games (TAG), an artists’ studio with a portfolio traversing games, art, justice activism, and storytelling. Her collaborative work at UC Santa Cruz and TAG has garnered multiple accolades and contributed to global human rights movements. Besides the creative value that this innovative work can inspire, Ruiz’ motivations to contribute to paving the way for creative multimedia in uplifting social justice is incredibly admirable and inspiring, and beyond deserving of recognition as a Titan of Tech.” - Andrea Pesce

WEEK 2 NOMINEES

Jorian Wilkins

“Jorian Wilkins has worked tirelessly in the last 18 months to advocate for more funding for the downtown district of Santa Cruz. The assessment that funds our organization and district was severely underfunded, because the funding source was 30 years behind the current economic basis. As a result, the staff was severely underpaid, stretched thin with resources…Jorian launched a successful marketing campaign to persuade the majority of stakeholders in the district…that increase of fees were necessary to the vitality of our downtown district. Her strong leadership, strategic planning abilities and charismatic partnership skills, are absolutely the reason why our district's campaign for better funding was approved by the City Council and downtown businesses. The district will now have funding to provide better, safe, cleaning and welcoming services...” -

Clint Cowden

“Dean Clint Cowden should be nominated as a Titan of Tech due to his exceptional leadership in career technical education and workforce development. As the dean of these crucial areas for Hartnell College, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the college's mission of delivering career technical education, job training, and workforce development. Clint oversees the operations of the Alisal Campus and plays a pivotal role in planning, evaluating, and developing CTE programs. His ability to coordinate across various components ensures student and program success…”

Ed (Richard) Green

“It’s a rare individual whose work can bring peace to a grieving family, solve cold crimes, play a role in Nobel-winning research, and fuel a growing local industry. Ed Green, associate professor of biomolecular engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has founded, or co-founded, no fewer than three companies in Santa Cruz. Astrea Forensics applies DNA technology to forensics identify human remains and suspects, Dovetail Genomics, now part of Cantata Bio, provides tools for researchers’ understanding of human, plant, and animal diseases and genomics, ClaretBio’s tools are the key to extract useful information from degraded DNA samples.

Green developed his interest in paleogenomics and ancient DNA while working with Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. It was there that he discovered a new way to extract and sequence ancient DNA leading to headlines for making the genetic connection between Neanderthals and early humans. Solving the technical challenges of sequencing small amounts of highly fragmented DNA from ancient bones was the foundation of his highly impactful work in forensic genomics…”

Want to hear more about their inspiring stories? Make sure to RSVP to attend Titans of Tech!

WEEK 1 NOMINEES

Annie Morhauser

“Creating art from the heart has always been her passion. Her “special tech” in glasswork has found a place in the hearts and homes of newlyweds and the world.”- Matthew Swinnerton

Marco Rolandi

“Marco developed the world's 1st compostable/biodegradable foam that replace EPS (Styrofoam) and EPE (Expanded Polyethylene)!” - Toby Corey

Tammie Weigl

“Tammie has served Santa Cruz County for many, many years and has been at the forefront of broadband expansion. Working with local ISPs and the Central Coast Broadband Consortium, Tammie has done as much to expand digital access in our region as any individual. She is the definition of a public servant and a true titan of local tech.” - James Hackett

Juliane Farrand

“Juliane Farrand, Head of People, should be a 2023 Titan of Tech for being the backbone of Joby Aviation’s success from the very early days of when we were just beginning.” JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation

Please note that not all nominees will be selected as Titans. Nominations will be reviewed by Santa Cruz Works board. We will announce the Titans in December!

Want to nominate someone?

Sign up using the Nomination Form. Please double check that your nominee has not already been selected as a Titan of Tech in the past.

Interested in tabling at our upcoming event?

If you’re a partner, please email malina [at] santacruzworks.org to let us know you would like to table at Titans of Tech. If you’re not a Santa Cruz Works partner, please sign up for a one-time tabling fee (Networker Tier).