ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Since launching in 2022, the Pitch Elk Grove competition has showcased and awarded innovative startup companies from across the Sacramento region. Now in its fourth year, the event set new records with 70 applications submitted and the largest audience turnout to date on Sept. 4.

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen opened the evening by highlighting the competition’s role in advancing Elk Grove’s vision of becoming a place where businesses can develop and grow.

“Since 2022, the city’s Office of Economic Development, Invest Elk Grove, has collaborated with StartupSac to help accelerate early-stage ventures and strengthen our startup ecosystem,” Singh-Allen said.

She also noted that support from Explore Elk Grove, the city’s tourism marketing organization, has helped position the city as a hub where “innovation, entrepreneurship and community thrive.”

“To our finalists, congratulations on making it this far. Your vision and drive embody the spirit we celebrate tonight,” she said. “Let this evening be the start of new connections, fresh opportunities and bold ideas.”

Economic Development Director Darrell Doan recognized the sponsors, community partners and local businesses that supported the event by providing food, drinks and technical services. He also thanked the judges for sharing their expertise in evaluating the startups.

Nine finalists competed for a share of $20,000 in prize money, with the top winner receiving $10,000 and the opportunity to connect with mentors, investors and community partners. Each had five minutes to present their product or idea, which judges evaluated on market need, sales strategy, projected growth, customer progress and team experience and readiness.

For the first time this year, applicants who didn’t advance to the finals were invited to deliver 30- to 60-second “elevator pitches” between presentations, giving them visibility and an opportunity to connect with potential investors or collaborators.

 

Scott Holman of Red Line Safety, Inc. is shown during his five-minute presentation for this startup that offers a product called IMSAFE for firefighters and other first responders to better manage emergency situations.

After the finalist pitches, judges deliberated before city officials and sponsors returned to the stage to announce the winners.

Councilmember Darren Suen and Republic Services’ Annah Rulon presented the third-place award of $2,500 to Sacramento-based Rely, a rental and leasing platform that streamlines applications for landlords and renters with built-in intelligence.

City Manager Jason Behrmann awarded the Best of Elk Grove Startup Award, also $2,500, to Elk Grove-based Soar Optics, which develops cost- and time-efficient technology that addresses a critical environmental challenge of detecting microplastics.

Vice Mayor Sergio Robles and Kaiser Permanente Chief Operating Officer Rachel Wyatt presented the $5,000 second-place award to Tracy-based EnlitenAI, a clinical support tool that personalizes neurological care. The founder was inspired to create it as a tribute to his son, who recently lost his battle with epilepsy.

Mayor Singh-Allen and Wilton Rancheria’s Kevin Singh awarded the $10,000 grand prize to Rocklin-based IGH Naturals for its product HuMOLYTE, a patented electrolyte mix designed to ease chemotherapy side effects. This marked the startup’s second year competing, after reaching the semifinals last year.

Elk Grove residents and Sacramento-area business owners Raquel and John Valenzuela of VIP Global attended the event and told the Elk Grove Citizen that the Pitch Elk Grove event “highlights entrepreneurs and innovation throughout the region and provides opportunities for startups in any phase to connect with local investors and businesses.”

“It’s definitely putting Elk Grove on the map as a startup hub,” added Raquel Valenzuela. “We’ve had the opportunity to foster new business relationships and meet like-minded entrepreneurs. We’re really excited about the future of Elk Grove.”