ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The wait is over! Following a highly competitive review process, the City of Elk Grove is pleased to announce the nine startups advancing to the finals of the 2025 Pitch Elk Grove competition.

Initially planned as an eight-finalist event, the exceptional quality of this year’s semi-finalists led to an expansion to nine. These companies represent some of the most promising early-stage ventures in the Sacramento region, each offering innovative solutions to key challenges that present significant market opportunities.

On Sept. 4, the finalists will present their ventures live before 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 top startup, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place and $2,500 for the best Elk Grove-based startup.

By combining monetary awards with meaningful mentorship and exposure, Pitch Elk Grove delivers lasting value that extends far beyond competition day.

In preparation for the finals, each team will work closely with an experienced pitch coach to refine their presentations, strengthen their narratives and sharpen their delivery. This personalized guidance is designed to position them for success during the competition and beyond, equipping them with the skills, confidence and connections to engage future investors, partners and customers.

“These startups embody the bold thinking and innovative spirit that are fueling our region’s next wave of growth,” said Economic Development Director Darrell Doan. “This year’s competition was one of the most competitive yet and expanding the finalists to nine shows just how much talent we’re working with in Greater Sacramento.”

From breakthrough technologies to community-transforming solutions, each finalist has demonstrated early traction, a solid growth plan, and the ability to clearly communicate their vision. They’re led by passionate teams ready to make a measurable impact.

 

On Sept. 4, the Pitch Elk Grove competition finalists will present their ventures live before a panel of industry experts at The Center at District56.

The nine finalists are:

Demotu (Cameron Park): An AI-powered training platform using movement analysis for gyms and sports teams.

EnlitenAI (Tracy): Delivers personalized neurology care with AI-driven decision support for treatment optimization.

IGH Naturals (Sacramento): Offers a patented electrolyte mix that helps reduce chemo-related vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores.

Red Line Safety, Inc. (Greenwood): Develops wearable technology to protect firefighters, enhance operations, and safeguard property.

Rely (Sacramento): Verifies renter data once for use anywhere, helping operators lease faster with built-in intelligence.

Resolv (Truckee): Automates clean energy rebates using AI to unlock billions for contractors and incentive providers.

SeeMedX (Sacramento): Provides continuous, noninvasive heart monitoring to improve patient care and outcomes.

Soar Optics (Elk Grove): Creates products for the rapid and cost-effective detection of microplastics.

Stealth Talent Solutions (El Dorado Hills): An outcome-based hiring platform combining AI with agency-level service at software speed and scale.

“The quality of this year’s finalists reflects the growing strength of the Sacramento region’s startup ecosystem,” said Laura Good, President and CEO of StartupSac. “Pitch Elk Grove gives these founders a chance to showcase their potential and tap into a community of support that can help take them to the next level.”

Produced by the City of Elk Grove in partnership with StartupSac and Explore Elk Grove, Pitch Elk Grove offers early-stage, investable startups the opportunity to gain visibility, receive mentorship and compete for funding. The competition is part of the Startup Elk Grove Incentive Program, which provides technical and financial support to help startups launch, scale and thrive in Elk Grove.

The 2025 finalist judges include Cheryl Beninga of Wai Mohala Ventures, Ashu Bhalla of Moneta Ventures, Pam Kaur of BankTech Ventures, and Mariah Lichtenstern of DiverseCity Ventures. The final judge will be announced at a later date.

To attend this year’s Pitch Elk Grove event on Sept. 4, register at 3common.com/pitchelkgrove2025. For more information on the criteria of the contest, visit startupsac.com/pitch-elk-grove.

 

Produced by the City of Elk Grove in partnership with StartupSac and Explore Elk Grove, Pitch Elk Grove offers early-stage, investable startups the opportunity to gain visibility, receive mentorship and compete for funding.

The contest is proudly produced by the City of Elk Grove in collaboration with StartupSac, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting regional entrepreneurial success and Explore Elk Grove, the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

The Startup Elk Grove Incentive Program provides technical and financial assistance to launching and scaling technology and innovation-based startups, and to co-working and incubator facilities that support them. To qualify, companies must be emerging or scaling and commercializing innovative products or platforms. For more information, visit investelkgrove.org.