Selected from a competitive pool of 108 applicants, the winners emerged after live pitches before a distinguished panel of independent judges and a full house of more than 575 attendees.
“This event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible in our region, and we’re incredibly proud of every finalist who took the stage,” said Samantha Edwardes, program coordinator for the StartUp Humboldt Competition. “At its core, this competition is about impact. If these ventures achieve their goals, they are projected to collectively generate $4 million in revenue in their first year and more than $150 million over five years, while creating 30 living-wage jobs in year one and over 200 in the years ahead. StartUp Humboldt will continue to support them as they grow.”
The winning ventures reflect the diversity, ambition, and ingenuity emerging across California’s North Coast, spanning industries from lactose-free dairy products and innovative food waste solutions to advanced technology and AI consulting.
Two ventures were selected in the Scale Venture track, receiving $125,000 and $55,000, respectively, to support growth, job creation, and regional impact:
- $125,000 winner: Jersey Scoops — lactose-free, cow-to-cone ice cream distributed by zero-emissions electric vehicles.
- $55,000 winner: GridIQ — smart grid power line technology designed for wildfire prevention.
The Scale Venture awards were presented by Kacie Flynn of Cal Poly Humboldt’s Sponsored Programs Foundation and College of the Redwoods President Keith Flamer. GridIQ’s award includes an additional $5,000 contribution from BlueTechValley, recognizing the venture’s alignment with their focus on energy innovation.
All three ventures were awarded in the Microventure track, receiving $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to support early-stage growth and community-rooted business development, with the additional $5,000 made possible through a contribution from Lost Coast Ventures:
- $15,000 winner: LAF Systems — transforming food waste into living soil, filling a critical infrastructure gap, and keeping resources within the region.
- $10,000 winner: GroundedAI — helping local businesses save time and money through responsible AI adoption.
- $5,000 winner: Throat Punch Ice Cream — a high-energy brand redefining the ice cream experience with bold, unconventional flavors.
Finalists were evaluated on desirability, feasibility, and viability, along with community impact and storytelling during their final presentations. They all completed an intensive education and mentorship phase leading up to the event, receiving expert instruction in financial modeling, business model iteration, pitch development, and target market analysis. Through one-on-one advising with the North Coast SBDC, Lost Coast Ventures, BlueTechValley, and the Institute for Entrepreneurship Education, founders strengthened their readiness to grow, create jobs, and attract investment.
The independent judging panel represented business expertise, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development, and included Clair Whitmer, deputy director of CalOSBA; Matt Welton, former senior director of Talent Acquisition at Adidas; Tribal Chairperson of Blue Lake Rancheria Jason Ramos; AJ Herrera, VP of Corporate Marketing at Cloudflare; Abe Stevens, founder of Humboldt Distillery and Fortuna City councilmember; Meredith Maier, executive director of Arcata Chamber of Commerce; and Jennifer Budwig, senior vice president and COO of Redwood Capital Bank.
The Final Pitch Event served as both a high-stakes competition and a celebration of innovation. In addition to live pitches, attendees engaged with semifinalists and select applicants through a curated vendor fair showcasing local ventures.
Founded by the NorCal SBDC, Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation, College of the Redwoods, the Institute for Entrepreneurship Education, and Lost Coast Ventures, StartUp Humboldt is designed to support high-potential entrepreneurs across the North Coast by providing access to capital, mentorship, and a pathway to growth. Coast Central Credit Union was the Titan Sponsor of this inaugural program, with additional support from ChicoSTART, DANCO, Rainbow Self Storage, and other community organizations.