Twenty-four local startups will compete for $50K in cash prizes at CSU Monterey Bay’s (CSUMB) Business and Information Technology Building Friday May 12, 2017 at 3 p.m.

Startup Challenge Participants

The finalists, hailing from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, will compete in a “shark tank” style final round hoping to join the likes of past winners who’ve since seen great success in their business ventures.

The challenge includes three divisions: Venture, for businesses intended to grow into large enterprises; Main Street, for small businesses; and Student, for high school through graduate school. All past winners in the Venture Division are still in business and have raised over $3.5M in capital investments. All but one of the Main Street winners are still in business. Information about divisions or prizes to be awarded is available here.

The 2017 finalists represent a range of businesses including food, medical and scientific devices, agtech, cycling, the arts, social services, financial services and business services.

Startup Challenge Monterey Bay is supported by CSUMB’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development. The premier sponsor for this event is the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA). Other major sponsors include the City of Salinas, the City of Marina and the City of Sand City. The Challenge also was supported through a grant from Wells Fargo. The full list of sponsors is available here.