For many entrepreneurs, the past few years have served as something of a litmus test. From lockdowns and layoffs to a tumultuous economy, business owners have had to take a hard look at themselves and ask: How badly do I want to do this? 

UC Davis researchers have created the first ever comprehensive pangenome for North American grapes, a blueprint that will allow breeders to select rootstock by its genetic propensity for specific desired traits — say, drought tolerance or heat resistance. 

811 is the national toll-free, call-before-you-dig number. Homeowners, excavators and contractors must call 811 before excavating to have underground utility lines marked to prevent accidental damage. But the system is flawed and inefficient, according to 811spotter co-founder and CEO Marc Krichman.

Microplastics can be found everywhere, from Antarctica to Mt. Everest to breast milk. A Western Regional Winner in 2022, Soar Optics develops technology to identify these microscopic particles in water.

California’s insurance crisis is damaging the housing market and more. Will legislators fix it before the next big blaze? 

The new center will utilize motion capture and photogrammetry — which uses photography to determine the distance between objects — to image birds in flight and create 3D models of the wing shapes that will help design uncrewed aerial systems, or UAS. 

Women from all over California gathered in Sacramento earlier this month for the third annual Women MakingCA Conference, offering advice on starting businesses, mentorship, entrepreneurship and balancing work and life as part of Women’s History Month.

In 2019, CEO Maria Medrano co-founded the equity-driven startup Inspirame to repair these critical gaps in college enrollment and workforce development.