UC Davis Big Bang Competition is the biggest startup event in Davis. This year, 70 companies participated in the 8 month program that started in October 2016 and concluded with the final pitches held on May 25th. Personally, I was quite impressed with the final presentations. Here are the award winners of the competition:
1st Place ($10, 000)
Raydiant Oximetry has developed a low-cost, noninvasive fetal pulse oximeter that keeps mothers and babies safe during labor and delivery. The device is intended to reduce medically unnecessary c-sections that can create health complications to millions of babies and mothers each year and increase healthcare costs.
2nd Place ($5,000)
Chromatiscope aims to boost students’ scientific literacy by combining four specialized laboratory devices—each of which costs thousands of dollars—into a single, easy-to-use device that costs just $40 to $70. The result: more students can have the experiences necessary to excel in STEM.
People’s Choice ($2,500)
This award was voted by the audience.
AthleticOutlook: A web-based platform that connects high school and college athletes with NCAA-experienced coaches for evaluations, feedback and resources.
Gowan / AGR Challenge Award ($10,000)
Two teams tied for this award and split the cash prize.
FloraPulse is building a data service for growers that provides water stress data for their crops in real time. This could replace current technology (pressure chambers) that dates back to the 1960s and that is slow, expensive and often inaccurate.
ReNew Foods is developing great-tasting, healthy snacks from high-quality rescued fruit and vegetable pressings.
Biomedical Innovation Award ($4,000)
Oomni Inc. is developing a drug called Oomnicoxib. When combined with current chemotherapies, the drug will improve cancer treatment.
Global Poverty Alleviation ($3,000)
Reach 1600 Foundation has developed a free, adaptive SAT prep program for students from underserved communities.
Innovation in Food & Agriculture Award ($3,000)
WISRAN identifies operation logistics inefficiencies in real-time for growers to capture profits.
1st Place Food + Ag Innovation Pitch and Poster Contest ($1,000)
Global Water Farms is working on developing solar powered desalination plants.
It will be interesting to see how the startups that participated in the competition turn out. Sierra Energy can trace their roots as a past Big Bang People’s Choice Winner. If you are interested in participating in next year’s Big Bang’s Competition, check out their site around October.
