Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

? ONE WEEK LEFT! ? ?? Innovation Quest applications are due NEXT WEEK—don’t miss your chance to compete for up to $15K! Whether you're refining an idea or ready to launch, iQ is your opportunity to take the next step. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3P4oh72

?? Exciting News! ?? Cal Poly alumnus Avi Peltz has co-founded Adam (YC W25), an AI-powered CAD design startup that has just been accepted into Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 batch! ?? Adam is transforming the world of mechanical design by allowing engineers to generate parametric 3D models from simple text descriptions—making the design process faster and more efficient. We’re thrilled to see Peltz and his team making waves in the startup world. Congrats to Adam on this huge milestone! ??

Six groundbreaking startups are set to compete for $100K+ in equity investment on May 1st at AngelCon! From AI-driven recycling to next-gen biometrics, these innovators are shaping the future. Meet the Top 6 finalists:? ?? Castlelock Corporation?– The fastest biometric electromechanical safety device for AR-15s, ensuring firearm security. ?? Essemble, Inc.?– A B2B SaaS platform transforming construction management with seamless collaboration tools. ?? GreenSight Tech?– A tech-driven solution for large-scale electronics disposal and resale, fueling the circular economy. ?? Mr. Turtle?– A refill station network reducing single-use plastic for household soaps and detergents. ?? ODIN Diagnostics?– AI-powered eye-tracking technology for rapid, non-invasive concussion assessments. ?? SB3D Technologies, Inc. (DBA Vizualeyes)?– Smart 3D visualization for dentistry, enhancing diagnostics, documentation, and telemedicine. Check out our press release for more details! https://lnkd.in/g2xzMBCA Get your tickets to the live event: https://lnkd.in/gXbYHzg6 Presented by Pacific Premier Bank #angelinvestment #angelcon #techstartups #sbdc #angelcon2025 #startups #business #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #startuplife #smallbusiness #startupbusiness #innovation #businessowner #success #technology #entrepreneurlife #tech

?? Dreaming of launching a startup? Spend your summer in beautiful San Luis Obispo, building the company of your dreams with $10K in seed funding! ?? The CIE Summer Accelerator is a 12-week, full-time program that helps Cal Poly students and recent alumni turn ideas into real, scalable companies. Don't miss our INFO SESSION to hear all about it! ?? ?? Info Session: Thursday, March 6 ??The Hatchery (Bldg. 2, Room 206) ?11:10 AM - 12:00 PM Free pizza included! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3XpmHkH

?? LAST CHANCE for AngelCon 2025 tickets at a special price - early bird pricing ends TONIGHT at midnight! Don't miss out - watch six qualified tech startups pitch for $100K+, make valuable connections, and gain insights from industry leaders. ??? Secure your early bird tickets now for a better price: https://lnkd.in/gXbYHzg6 ? Presented by Pacific Premier Bank ? #angelinvestment #angelcon #techstartups #sbdc #angelcon2025 #startups #business #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #startuplife #smallbusiness #startupbusiness #innovation #businessowner #success #technology #entrepreneurlife #tech

?? March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of women who are shaping the future. ? At the CIE, we’re highlighting inspiring women entrepreneurs who are making an impact. Kicking off our series is Mayela Fernandez Cantu, Cal Poly MBA student and co-founder of Ecoplasticity, a startup developing innovative packaging crafted from seaweed designed to disintegrate in nature and landfills. ?? ?? Read her story here and stay tuned for more spotlights throughout the month: https://lnkd.in/gfmhCEMJ

ODIN Diagnostics, a startup in our Incubator program, was recently featured in the San Luis Obispo Tribune for their work developing groundbreaking technology to detect concussions quickly and accurately. ??? Their portable, eye-tracking headset is changing how concussions are diagnosed, improving safety for athletes at all levels. With support from the Incubator, ODIN’s team of Cal Poly graduates is turning their vision into reality through mentorship, funding and hands-on resources. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gRa8Revb

? We’re getting closer and closer to Innovation Quest (iQ) applications closing—don’t miss your chance to compete for up to $15,000! ???? Still on the fence? Take it from past iQ participant, Alex Rosenbaum: "The worst thing that can happen is you get valuable feedback on your pitch and company. Or you could make it and win $15,000 to help develop the technology further." Take the leap! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gAzKeHJ

In honor of Black History Month, we’re continuing our spotlight on Black-owned businesses in SLO County! ? ?? This week, we’re featuring Hush Harbor Artisan Bakery & Café, a beloved Atascadero gem founded by Donnie Monroe and Penni Monroe. What started as a leap of faith has grown into a community favorite where quality food and connection go hand in hand. ?? Read more about their journey and impact here ??: https://lnkd.in/ddgNUc_b

?? Billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore recently spoke to Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business, inspiring students to think big and take risks. ?? From founding Jet.com and Diapers.com to co-owning the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lore spoke about entrepreneurship, leadership and what makes a “superstar” employee. His advice? Success isn’t about job-hopping—it’s about proving your value, taking smart risks and leading with empathy. ?? Read more about his talk here: https://lnkd.in/gDrb8tTD