On September 4, 2025, the City of Elk Grove along with StartupSac hosted its fourth annual Pitch Elk Grove competition at District56. With 70 startup applications and a record-setting crowd of 240 attendees, the event marked a major milestone for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nine finalists competed for $20,000 in prize money, with a panel of expert judges selecting four standout companies.

First Place: IGH Naturals Tackles Chemotherapy Side Effects

IGH Naturals, based in Sacramento, won the $10,000 grand prize for its patented electrolyte solution, HuMOLYTE. Designed to ease chemotherapy-related side effects, HuMOLYTE combines magnesium-rich electrolytes with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to address dehydration, gut injury, and immune suppression. IGH’s win came after multiple attempts at the competition, showing perseverance and growth over time.

HuMOLYTE is backed by patents and scientific studies. It has shown strong results in protecting against gastrointestinal injury in preclinical models and may reduce the need for IV hydration during treatment. IGH’s product not only rehydrates but also helps repair the gut lining, supports immune function, and promotes a healthy microbiome. Their win reflects growing recognition of startups addressing healthcare challenges with science-backed solutions.

Second Place: EnlitenAI Builds a Legacy Through AI and Neurology

EnlitenAI, based in Tracy, earned the $5,000 second-place prize for their AI-driven clinical decision support platform. Founded in memory of the CEO’s son, who passed away from drug-resistant epilepsy, EnlitenAI is working to transform how neurological and neurobehavioral care is delivered.

The platform captures patient-specific data and translates it into personalized care insights. Although epilepsy is their first focus, the company’s vision spans a broad range of disorders, including autism, PTSD, Parkinson’s, and anxiety. Their approach offers an alternative to trial-and-error medicine by using context-aware, device-agnostic technology. EnlitenAI brings together deep tech and lived experience to solve real-world healthcare problems.

Third Place: Rely Brings Innovation to the Rental Market

Rely, based in Sacramento, founded by Heather Rankow, won the $2,500 third-place prize for its one-click data-sharing platform for renters. Heather, a former US Ski Team athlete turned real estate entrepreneur, is now using tech to make renting more transparent and less stressful.

Rely allows landlords to search for renters directly, flipping the traditional model. By offering verified renter data, the platform helps both sides of the rental process reduce risk and build trust. The idea is to create a better experience from search to lease, addressing ongoing issues in the housing market with smart, user-friendly technology.

Best Elk Grove Startup: Soar Optics Detects Microplastics Faster

Elk Grove-based Soar Optics took home the $2,500 Best Elk Grove Startup award for its rapid microplastics detection technology. Their tools use optical sensors related to FTIR and Raman spectroscopy to provide faster, more efficient analysis of microplastic contamination in water and other materials.

With new state requirements in California to monitor microplastics in drinking water, Soar Optics is creating solutions to meet the growing need for affordable and reliable testing. Their work addresses a critical environmental concern and places Elk Grove on the map for cleantech innovation.

Remaining Finalists

All nine competing companies did an outstanding job. Here’s the list of the remaining five companies.

  • Demotu (Cameron Park): AI-powered movement analysis platform for gyms and sports teams.
  • Red Line Safety, Inc. (Greenwood): Wearable tech protecting firefighters and enhancing operational safety.
  • Resolv (Truckee): AI-powered platform that automates clean energy rebates for contractors.
  • SeeMedX (Sacramento): Continuous, noninvasive heart monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
  • Stealth Talent Solutions (El Dorado Hills): Outcome-based recruiting platform delivering agency-level service at software scale.

Judges Bring Expertise to the Competition

The panel of judges at Pitch Elk Grove 2025 brought a wide range of expertise, offering startups valuable feedback and perspective.

  • Jeff Bader, Sacramento Angels board member, has held leadership roles at Micron and Intel and specializes in market growth and product optimization.

  • Cheryl Beninga, Managing Partner at Wai Mohala Ventures, has over two decades of venture capital experience and co-founded the accelerator FourthWave.

  • Ashu Bhalla, Partner at Moneta Ventures, evaluates early-stage companies for growth potential with a focus on enterprise software and SaaS.

  • Pam Kaur, Partner at BankTech Ventures, brings expertise in banking operations, fintech strategy, and scaling startups in regulated industries.

  • Mariah Lichtenstern, Founding Partner of DiverseCity Ventures, invests in purpose-driven startups and advises programs such as Berkeley SkyDeck and Founder Institute.

Their combined experience in venture capital, technology, and entrepreneurship ensured that finalists were evaluated against high standards of innovation and scalability.

A Regional Effort Backed by Community

The event was produced by the City of Elk Grove’s Office of Economic Development, in partnership with StartupSac and Explore Elk Grove. Sponsors included Wilton Rancheria, Kaiser Permanente, Republic Services, and the Sacramento Business Journal.

Judges brought experience from venture capital, software, medical tech, and community banking. Josh David Miller served as emcee, helping guide the audience through the evening’s program with energy and insight.

Wrap-Up

Pitch Elk Grove 2025 showcased the creativity and determination driving startups in the Sacramento region. From health innovations to environmental solutions, this year’s winners demonstrated the diverse ways entrepreneurs are shaping the future. With growing support from the community and strong momentum heading into 2026, Pitch Elk Grove continues to be a proving ground for founders ready to make an impact.

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