The Central Coast Innovation Awards recognize the emerging technology in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. This event, hosted by Pacific Coast Business Times in partnership with UCSB CNSI, celebrates the Central Coast as a distinct innovation hub and puts the spotlight on the region’s entrepreneurs. As an integral part of the Innovation Awards, Startup Village has historically provided a place for early-stage companies to make connections, initiate deals, and in some cases, make their first public appearance among a hometown group. This year, Startup Village showcases 39 startups from four sponsoring Universities – UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, Cal State Channel Islands, and Cal Lutheran. Explore this year’s collection of exciting startups below!

UC Santa Barbara

Condor Calibration Logo

Condor Calibration Services

Condor makes and deploys calibration targets for the validation of atmospheric methane for the oil and gas industry. We are commercializing DOE technology to validate detections of methane from satellites, aircraft, and drones. The technology consists of a vessel containing a known volume and concentration of methane. Calibration in remote sensing is essential for monitoring and quantification of atmospheric methane. Our technology is the only consistent and reproducible method to do this.

Delos Data

Delos Data

Delos Data is a stealth-mode startup.

Hikari logo

Hikari Medical Technologies 

 Hikari Medical Technologies is redefining how medicine is delivered. We are building a drug reformulation platform that improves efficacy, safety, and convenience using a novel light-triggered nanoparticle carrier and a wearable watch-like device that non-invasively activates drug release from inside the body using light. We transform therapies that require continuous infusion into a single injection lasting up to two days, giving patients freedom and clinicians precise control.

JaffX

Jaffx

Jaffx Audio designs, manufactures and markets open-source digital audio equipment for musicians. Their flagship offering is an open-source guitar pedal that promotes community-driven development and sharing of digital audio effects. The platform serves a need for stage-ready hardware that is freely extensible at multiple levels, ranging from a simple drag-n-drop interface to coding your own effects.

LIT

Light Integration Technologies

Light Integration Technologies (LIT) is an integrated photonics company developing next-generation heterogeneously integrated photonic platforms for quantum sensing, computing, and defense applications. By combining best-in-class components (e.g. various lasers, magnetless optical isolators, high speed modulators, detectors, low power switches, liquid crystal based beam steering, and micromachined vapor cells) onto a low-loss silicon nitride chip platform, LIT replaces bulky optical table setups with compact, fieldable solutions. Backed by multiple SBIR/STTR programs across NASA, Navy, Army, Space Force and Air Force, LIT is making quantum technology deployable.

Marino Soil Foods Logo

Marino Soil Foods

Marino Soil Foods is a Santa Barbara-based startup transforming marine and agricultural waste into high-quality soil amendments. Our certified fish hydrolysate and wool pellet fertilizers support regenerative agriculture by creating local inputs for local outputs. We're building a circular economy that strengthens both coastal and farming communities. 

Metabowlite Logo

Metabowlite

Metabowlite LLC develops autonomous health‑monitoring technology focused on early disease detection and continuous biomarker tracking. Our urine‑based diagnostic system delivers real‑time insights that support timely, personalized care. Designed for geriatric settings, it integrates seamlessly into retirement homes and skilled nursing facilities to identify risks such as dehydration, kidney issues, and urinary tract infections. By uniting modular fluidics, reagent chemistry, and spectral analysis, Metabowlite turns routine urinalysis into a proactive, non‑invasive monitoring solution.

NetSplit

NetSplit

Our product, Net-Split, is a software that intelligently manages and monitors internet performance for shared environments such as hotels, offices, and schools. Running on a compact device that plugs directly into existing networks, netSplit optimizes bandwidth distribution and reduces latency through advanced traffic management techniques. Its AI agent continuously detects quality issues and automatically adjusts network configurations in real time, helping businesses maintain reliable connectivity, improve user experience, and reduce unnecessary infrastructure costs.

RazeMath Logo

RazeMath

RazeMath is an AI-powered platform designed to help college students succeed in STEM courses through personalized tutoring and interactive learning tools. Our goal is to modernize math education across universities by providing students with intelligent, on-demand academic support.

Starbot

Starbot

StarBot Inc is a robotics and AI company based in Santa Barbara, California. We design and build wheeled humanoid service robots powered by local language models, autonomous navigation, and robotic arm coordination. Our robots can greet customers, deliver items, assist with orders, and support operations in restaurants, hotels, clinics, and retail stores. We combine hardware sales with a monthly subscription model for continuous software upgrades and smarter performance.

Cal Poly

AwareNet Logo

AwareNet

AwareNet is a free community safety platform that turns neighborhoods and apartment communities into real-time emergency response networks. When someone needs help, verified nearby neighbors and 911 are alerted instantly, helping close the critical 7–14 minute gap before professional responders arrive, improving outcomes and saving lives. AwareNet also provides HOAs and community leaders with communication and coordination tools, and partners with local business sponsors to support safer, more connected neighborhoods.

Ecoplasticity Logo

Ecoplasticity

Ecoplasticity is transforming an invasive species of seaweed into a bio-based coating that replaces the plastic lining found in paperboard take-out containers, making them fully compostable, recyclable and compliant with EPR regulations. We're helping paper packaging manufacturers avoid $50k in penalties.

ENTEIN Logo

ENTEIN

ENTEIN delivers waste monetization through insect bio-conversion. We partner with food and agricultural businesses to transform organic by-products and residual streams into high-value resources. Surplus materials are converted into premium animal feed ingredients and nutrient-rich fertilizer products. ENTEIN manages system design, installation, operations, and distribution, enabling partners to stay focused on their core business while converting disposal costs into sustainable revenue and measurable environmental returns. 

Everest Medical Solutions

Everest Medical Solutions, Inc.

Everest Medical Solutions is addressing the unpredictable, life-threatening birth emergency of shoulder dystocia - the baby’s head is delivered, but its shoulders get stuck on the maternal pubic bones. At Everest, we solve this problem by extending the physician’s reach through our device, EMbrace, facilitating a safer, nontraumatic delivery.

Safeplate Logo

SafePlate Technologies

SafePlate provides a rapid, reliable contaminant testing device, initially focusing on gluten and the FDA “Top 9 Allergens,” that delivers lab-quality results in under 15 minutes, directly within the food manufacturing facility. Our automated biosensor technology empowers manufacturers to prevent costly recalls, improve efficiency, and protect consumers.

Cal State Channel Islands

BiomeScope Logo

BiomeScopeTM

BiomeScope is the AI subscription platform connecting gut microbiome tracking, personalized nutrition, and grocery ordering – insight to meal plan to doorstep. Recently published systematic reviews confirm the gut microbiome lies at the core of longevity, immunity, and disease, yet today’s alternatives ignore gut health or cost hundreds for one snapshot. Only BiomeScope empowers people to optimize their gut health daily. BiomeScope operates at the intersection of the $7.9B microbiome and $37B personalized nutrition markets. It is live with 30+ beta testers and 690+ food logs monthly.

CI Liquid Gold

CI Liquid Gold

Ci Liquid Gold is more than honey, It is an opportunity for students to be immersed in hands on bee work! Produced by students and staff at CSU Channel Islands, our honey is the sweet result of healthy hives and thriving pollinators. By teaching our students ethical beekeeping practices, we create happy bees and truly delicious, locally harvested honey!

DareGrafix

DareGrafix

DareGrafix is a Full Branding Solutions company that helps businesses grow through strategic branding, design, custom apparel, print, and marketing services. We partner with startups and established businesses to build strong brand identities, launch products, and scale their presence both online and offline. Our goal is to simplify branding and provide high-quality, affordable solutions that empower businesses to stand out and succeed in competitive markets.

Electric Sky Logo

Electric Sky Drone Shows

Electric Sky Drone Shows produces fully customized drone light shows for public events, brands, and major venues. We are redefining large scale live entertainment with synchronized drone fleets that light up the night sky. From 3D icons, logos, and product silhouettes to character moments, countdowns, reveals, and story driven sequences 400+ feet overhead, we bring big ideas to life in the air. Our team manages everything end to end, from creative and animation to FAA compliance, safety operations, and on site execution.

Leap Pharma

LeapPharm

Leap Pharma is an agile startup dedicated to bridging the gap between advanced veterinary science and everyday affordability. Their mission is to develop high-quality, human-grade wellness products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners.

McCoy's Signature Sips

McCoy's Signature Sips

At McCoy’s Signature Sips, we believe every cup tells a story. We specialize in creating personalized drinkware, such as custom mugs, Hydro Flasks, tumblers, and bottles, designed to help students, clubs, small businesses, and local organizations express their identity with style. Founded on campus and built with community in mind, our mission is to make high-quality custom merchandise fast, affordable, and meaningful.

Whether it’s a small batch for a school club or a large order for a local business, we provide one-on-one design support, same-day digital mockups, and a quick 48-hour turnaround on small orders. We don’t just print designs; we collaborate with our customers to create something they are proud to show off.

With strong ties to campus culture, creative design tools, and a commitment to handcrafted quality, McCoy’s Signature Sips continues to grow as a brand built on passion, craftsmanship, and community. Crafted for every sip, designed for every story.

ReEducate

ReEducate

ReEducate is an innovative edtech startup that delivers interactive learning through AR, 3D, and gamification. The platform combines theoretical and practical education using virtual labs, quizzes, and AI-powered “teachers” to enhance engagement. By integrating animations, games, and immersive experiences, ReEducate aims to modernize education, promote accessibility, and make learning more engaging and effective for students and educators.

Seagull icon

Seagull Technologies

Seagull Technologies, based in Southern California, is the parent company of PoliticianTradeTracker.us, the premier API for tracking politician stock trades. The platform delivers real-time trading data via a powerful application programming interface, enabling financial and data companies to offer their customers timely, actionable insights into politician trading activity.
"When Life Gives you Lemons, Make a Battery" - Seagull 

Cal Lutheran

Bumble Ball Logo

Bumble Ball

Bumble Ball is a fast-paced hybrid sport that blends the vertical energy of volleyball with the strategic flow of basketball—creating an entirely new way to compete, connect, and move. Designed for accessibility and versatility, Bumble Ball can be played virtually anywhere at a low cost, making it ideal for schools, parks, recreation centers, and community spaces.

The Bumble Ball court is intentionally multi-functional, doubling as a flexible surface for a wide range of other sports and activities. With minimal equipment requirements and scalable setup options, Bumble Ball lowers the barrier to entry while maximizing engagement and facility use.

More than a game, Bumble Ball is a platform—built for inclusivity, creativity, and high-energy competition in any environment.

Cassell Creative Logo

Cassell Creative Marketing

Cassell Creative Marketing is a student-powered marketing agency based in Thousand Oaks, CA, focused on helping small businesses grow through affordable, high-quality branding and digital marketing. We specialize in social media management, branding, and growth marketing, combining fresh student talent with personalized strategy to deliver results-driven creative solutions for local and emerging businesses.

Career Compass

Career Compass

Career Compass is an early-stage edtech platform helping Gen Z gain career clarity before committing years to the wrong major or job. Using AI-driven self-discovery and immersive career simulations, students explore real-world roles, identify their values and fit, and make informed career decisions, thereby reducing costly job-hopping and misalignment.

ESTE logo

ESTE

ESTE Leverage is an applied AI startup replacing one-size-fits-all education with personalized, AI-powered experiences that recognize what makes each learner unique. By enabling K-12, higher education, and teaching organizations to build around the individual rather than fit them into a mold, our technology expands student agency, strengthens professional practice, and meaningfully reduces educator workload.

Guidant

Guidant

Guidant is a technology engine that is transforming the way cemeteries sell property and other end-of-life services. With a patented platform that enables families to browse, select, and purchase cemetery property online from their own website, Guidant empowers cemeteries to modernize their sales process and meet the expectations of today’s digital consumer. Guidant simplifies the way families plan for tomorrow.

Hive Logo

HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center

HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center is an innovation hub located at the Camarillo Airport in Ventura County. It functions as a collaboration space designed to cultivate a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups through regular programming and events. Established by the Ventura County Department of Airports and supported by a Catalyst Grant, HIVE connects private enterprise, defense partners, and the public sector to accelerate the development and testing of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous systems.

Locust

Locust

Locust is building the robots that will win the robot wars in the next 12-36 months. We are building a robot army where thousands of robot soldiers can be given orders by a single commander. The robot infantryman is an FPV-style quadcopter enabled by Organic Intelligence to perform strike and ISR duties as an autonomous mission-driven agent. The Locust Carrier accomplishes autonomous care and feeding of the robot army, providing a robotic occupying force.

Qu Platforms

Qu Platforms

Qu embeds multi-perspective intelligence into AI conversations. We’re building a layered confidence system for AI: users can instantly sanity-check responses by engaging independent AI reviewers within the chat, strengthening answers for accuracy and completeness in real time. When deeper insight is needed, they can asynchronously tap specialized micro-consultants and bring human perspective back into the conversation. With over 800M weekly active users and the launch of its App Store, ChatGPT is becoming a global decision platform - and Qu ensures those decisions are stress-tested and informed by multiple perspectives.

Rivida

Rivida

Rivida is an agricultural technology company developing a NASA licensed filtration system that transforms manure lagoon wastewater into two valuable products: clean irrigation water and solid nitrogen fertilizer. By removing ammonia before it decomposes, the system eliminates existing methane emissions from manure lagoons and prevents new formation while enabling on farm fertilizer production and water reuse.

Triplete

Triplete

Triplete is a college sports travel platform that simplifies and elevates fan travel. We deliver curated trip planning through a centralized hub, making sports travel effortless. By combining trusted recommendations with local insight, Triplete helps fans travel confidently and experience college towns seamlessly. 

UpPup

UpPup

UpPup crafts sustainable dog treats from rescued “ugly” and surplus produce sourced in Ventura County and Southern California. We blend perfectly edible fruits and vegetables with clean, wholesome ingredients free of artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products. Created by dog lovers, our simple recipes support your pup’s health while reducing food waste and strengthening our local farming community.