City of Elk Grove Announces 10 Finalists for Pitch Elk Grove

For Immediate Release
August 20, 2024

Contact: Sara Rodrigues
(916) 627-3308
[email protected]

After an extensive review process, the City of Elk Grove is thrilled to announce the ten outstanding startups that have advanced to the finals of the third annual Pitch Elk Grove startup competition. Originally planning to select eight finalists, the decision was made to expand to ten due to the exceptionally high caliber of the semi-finalists. These ten finalists represent the very best of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Sacramento region, bringing forward groundbreaking ideas that address pressing challenges and seize significant market opportunities.

On September 19, 2024, the finalists will present their ventures live to a panel of industry experts at The Center at District56 in Elk Grove. They will compete for their share of $20,000 in prize money: $10,000 for the best startup, $5,000 for the second-best startup, $2,500 for the third-best startup, and $2,500 for the best Elk Grove startup.

"We are thrilled to introduce the finalists of this year's Pitch Elk Grove competition, " said Darrell Doan, Economic Development Director for the City of Elk Grove. "The competition has been fierce, with each startup demonstrating remarkable innovation and potential. Expanding the number of finalists to ten speaks to the incredible talent we have in our region. We are confident that these finalists will not only impress the judges but will also continue to drive economic growth and innovation forward in greater Sacramento.

Announcing the 10 Finalists

• AIVision Food Inc. (Davis): AI-based SmartProbe technology for pest control.
• Demotu (Cameron Park): 3D movement analysis using computer vision for gyms, clinics, and
  trainers.
• Happy Ladders (El Dorado Hills): Early intervention platform empowering parents to expand the
  potential of their child with developmental needs.
• Japa, Inc. (Woodland): B2B SaaS leveraging AI and IoT sensors to revolutionize parking
  management with smart automation.
• LogRx (Sacramento): An app allowing first responders to track medications.
• PowerTechs (Sacramento): AI, data, and XR for workforce development in clean energy and
  manufacturing industries.
• Red Line Safety, Inc. (Sacramento): Wearable technology for firefighter safety and efficiency
  providing real-time incident information.
• Strived (Davis): Empowering teachers with actionable insights through data.
• Tiami Networks (Elk Grove): AI sensors that extract radar sensing information from 5G networks.
• ValleyMatch (Elk Grove): A refreshing, swipeless way to meet matches in person using AI-
  empowered human matchmakers.

Each of these teams has demonstrated early adoption, a solid growth strategy, and a deep understanding of their industries. Backed by strong and knowledgeable teams, they have shown a remarkable ability to clearly articulate their vision and deliver high-quality presentations. These visionary entrepreneurs, with their creativity, strong potential for growth, and commitment to making a tangible impact, are poised to drive our community forward.

"This year's finalists represent a diverse array of innovations, each bringing something unique to the table," said Laura Good, President and CEO of StartupSac. "Their creativity and determination are a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our local startup community."

Pitch Elk Grove offers innovative, early stage, investable startups in the greater Sacramento region a chance to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and win their portion of $20,000 in prize money. The competition is produced by the City of Elk Grove in partnership with StartupSac, a non-profit that supports entrepreneurial success in the region, and Explore Elk Grove, the official tourism marketing organization for the City of Elk Grove. Pitch Elk Grove is part of the Startup Elk Grove Incentive Program which provides technical and financial assistance to launching and scaling
startups and the places that support them.

This Year's Judges

• Brooke Borseth, Moneta Ventures
• David Lopez, Sacramento Angels
• Kevin Nagle, Jaguar Ventures
• Dave Sanders, Sacramento Angels
• Rachel Zillner, MinervaVerse

Last year's winner was Ravata Solutions of Davis, an assistive reproduction technology company
revolutionizing IVF success rates. The 2022 grand prize winner was Folsom-based electric vehicle
tax credit and rebate platform, EV Life.

Register to attend Pitch Elk Grove

View more information about contest criteria

For more information about the Startup Elk Grove Incentive Program and how the City of Elk Grove
can support your startup, visit investelkgrove.org.

About Elk Grove

Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 178,000 people located in the dynamic and
affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 5th largest economy in the world.
Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime,
excellent schools, over 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events
and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. With its highly educated workforce, modern
facilities and infrastructure, and pro-business attitude, it's clear why major corporations and
institutions such as Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, UC Davis, AllData, and Kubota call Elk Grove
home. Our dedicated staff of economic development professionals are ready to help you plan,
finance, and fast-track your next business expansion or relocation project. For more information,
visit investelkgrove.org.

About StartupSac

StartupSac was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2017 and is accelerating the
greater Sacramento region's startup and innovation ecosystem by informing, educating,
empowering, and connecting its startup founders and innovators. For more information, visit
startupsac.com.

About Explore Elk Grove

Explore Elk Grove is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that inspires locals and visitors alike to visit,
shop, dine, meet and gather at our local businesses, parks, attractions, hotels and venues in order
to foster positive economic development for Elk Grove. For more information, visit
exploreelkgrove.com.

Sponsors

The Sacramento Business Journal is the official media sponsor and Wilton Rancheria is the first-
place prize sponsor of this year's Pitch Elk Grove.