Regional startup companies developing and marketing sustainable technologies that address urgent societal needs collectively received $150,000 in grants at a “pitch challenge” competition organized by UCR’s Office of Technology Partnerships.
The annual SoCal OASIS™ Pitch Challenge was held earlier this month at the Riverside Convention Center, where five startup companies presented their ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience.
Super Foam took first place with a $75,000 grant. The company has developed an eco-friendly, high-performance foam that absorbs twice the impact of traditional polyurea foam. Among other applications, their foam can be used to line the inside of football helmets to better prevent head injuries.
Seedorina, a startup providing small farmers with advanced robot seeders called SeedBots, placed second and received a $40,000 grant. These devices automate seeding operations, record precise data, and enable small-scale growers to make informed decisions with minimal effort. Seedorina also supported UCR faculty in the NASA Space Challenge, showcasing its innovative technology for sustainable agricultural solutions in extreme environments.
Third place and a $30,000 grant went to 4th State Energies for its innovative plasma-created silicon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries. Its technology replaces graphite in batteries, resulting in lighter and more energy-dense energy storage systems.
The “people’s choice” $5,000 prize, awarded by the audience, went to HexHomes, which designs modular, hexagonal-shaped housing pods. Prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability, HexHomes aims to address housing challenges in Southern California by offering customers customizable, off-grid living solutions.
Rare Flora, which specializes in environmental remediation, was a finalist. It uses a proprietary seed mix to harnesses the power of specially identified plants to remove pollutants such as lithium, chromium, and arsenic from the soil of contaminated sites.
More than 150 people, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community members, attended the event to watch the startup teams pitch their ideas to the judges and audience. These grants are intended to transform entrepreneurial visions into impactful market solutions.
The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of U.S. Bank and the $150,000 in prize money provided by The James Irvine Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development in the region.
The annual competition is open to startups operating in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties that focus on sustainability sectors, including water management, clean energy, and air quality improvement. Applicants are evaluated based on their team’s expertise, the novelty of their solution, market potential, and their readiness for growth within a year.
By hosting the SoCal OASIS™ Pitch Challenge, UCR is driving innovation in the Inland Empire, providing opportunities for collaboration among entrepreneurial teams, and supporting the development of workforce talent. The event highlights UC Riverside’s commitment to fostering economic growth, advancing solutions to societal challenges, and fostering innovation.
