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City of Elk Grove Announces
Pitch Elk Grove 2025 Winners
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The City of Elk Grove successfully hosted its fourth annual Pitch Elk Grove competition on September 4th, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative startups from across the Sacramento region. This year set a new record for Pitch Elk Grove with 70 applications from startups across the region, the most in the event’s history, and a record 240 attendees filling the room, making it the most attended event to date. Held at Elk Grove’s Community Center, District56, the event awarded $20,000 in prizes to standout ventures while celebrating the collaborative spirit that powers the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This year’s competition featured nine startups at the forefront of innovation, each tackling pressing challenges and significant market opportunities. Finalists pitched their ideas before a distinguished panel of judges, competing for top awards: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place, and $2,500 for the best Elk Grove startup.
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And the Winners Are...
Elk Grove’s Mayor, Bobbie Singh-Allen, joined by first-place sponsor representative Kevin Singh, Tribal Council Spokesperson of returning sponsor Wilton Rancheria, awarded the $10,000 grand prize to IGH Naturals of Sacramento. Their patented electrolyte mix, HuMOLYTE, is designed to ease chemotherapy-related side effects. IGH’s win was especially significant, marking the company’s third time applying to Pitch Elk Grove. After advancing as a semifinalist last year, IGH returned in 2025, took the stage as a finalist, and ultimately secured the first-place prize.
Vice Mayor Sergio Robles, joined by second-place sponsor representative Rachel Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer of Kaiser Permanente, presented the $5,000 second-place prize to EnlitenAI, a Tracy-based startup whose AI-driven clinical decision support tool delivers personalized, life-changing neurology care, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology to improve patient outcomes and advance the future of healthcare.
Councilmember Darren Suen, joined by third-place sponsor representative Annah Rulon, Manager of Municipal Sales for Republic Services, awarded the $2,500 third-place prize to Rely, a Sacramento-based startup, for their innovative one-click renter data-sharing platform, which uses built-in intelligence to streamline leasing and transform the rental experience. Lastly, City Manager Jason Behrmann presented the $2,500 Best Elk Grove Startup Award to Soar Optics, an Elk Grove-based company developing cutting-edge technology to detect microplastics quickly and cost-effectively, addressing a critical environmental challenge and showcasing the ingenuity emerging from our local startup community.
The competition was fierce, with each finalist offering a unique vision that exemplified the innovation and entrepreneurial drive thriving in the Sacramento region.
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Engaging the Audience
Beyond the main competition, Pitch Elk Grove 2025 also gave applicants who didn’t advance to the finals a platform to share their entrepreneurial visions through brief “elevator pitches” during transitional moments. This segment created valuable opportunities for aspiring founders to connect with potential mentors, investors, and collaborators in an encouraging, supportive environment.
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A True Collaboration Across the Region
Pitch Elk Grove is more than just a startup competition; it is a testament to the power of collaboration across the Greater Sacramento area. Produced by the City of Elk Grove’s Office of Economic Development, Invest Elk Grove, in partnership with StartupSac, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurial success in the region, and Explore Elk Grove, the official tourism marketing organization for the City of Elk Grove, the event brought together regional leaders, venture capitalists, and industry experts, all united in their commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators. With the backing of supportive sponsors like Wilton Rancheria, Kaiser Permanente, Republic Services, and the Sacramento Business Journal, Pitch Elk Grove highlighted the collective effort to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the region.
“We are proud to have partnered with such incredible sponsors and partners this year,” said Jason Behrmann, Elk Grove City Manager. “Their support is proof that Pitch Elk Grove has become a true regional celebration of entrepreneurship. The strong participation we’ve seen from across the Sacramento region highlights the power of our collaborative ecosystem and the unique benefits it offers to startups choosing to grow here.”
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Celebrating Elk Grove’s Local Talent and Support
In addition to showcasing promising startups, the event also celebrated the rich local talent that makes Elk Grove a vibrant community. “Pitch Elk Grove reflects the very best of our community,” said Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen. “It’s not only about the bold ideas coming from startups across our region, but also about the local businesses that bring this event to life. From AV and floral design to videography, photography, catering, music, coffee, wine, and craft beer, Elk Grove’s own talent makes this celebration possible and shows that entrepreneurship thrives at every level in our city.”
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Looking Forward to the Fifth Edition
The success of Pitch Elk Grove 2025 sets the stage for an even more dynamic and impactful fifth edition in 2026. The City of Elk Grove remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting the entrepreneurial community through continued collaboration and strategic initiatives.
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About the City of Elk Grove | Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 182,842 people located in the dynamic and affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 4th largest economy in the world. Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. With its highly educated workforce, modern facilities and infrastructure, and pro-business attitude, it's clear why major corporations and institutions such as Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, UC Davis, AllData, and Kubota call Elk Grove home. Our dedicated staff of economic development professionals are ready to help you plan, finance, and fast-track your next business expansion or relocation project. Contact us today. |
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City of Elk Grove
Office of Economic Development
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 627-3338
TTY 888-435-6092
Relay Service 711
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