Judges Favorite: Eco-Libre An application that battles consumerism culture

Crowd Favorite: The 78 Foundations Community Center

The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED), part of the College of Business at Cal State Monterey Bay, recently hosted the Startup Factory, a one-day immersive event for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. Held on November 2nd, 2024, at the College of Business on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus, this event brought together a dynamic mix of college and high school students.

The Startup Factory featured six teams, with about half of the participants being students from Cal State Monterey Bay and the other half from Stevenson School and Seaside High School. The event provided hands-on business startup activities and workshops, skill development sessions for idea refinement and effective communication, and networking opportunities with fellow participants and industry mentors. A concluding panel discussion included insights from student participants and prominent business leaders.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Glenn Bell, a Cal State Monterey Bay alumnus and accomplished Monterey-based guitarist. Mr. Bell, known for his unique style blending jazz guitar with innovative solo performances, is an active member of the reggae band Sensory Tribe and the hip-hop/R&B group The Bassment. His performance and address inspired and energized the participants.

The successful event was made possible through the partnership with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, emphasizing Cal State Monterey Bay’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success. This aligns with initiatives from the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office, promoting diversity, equity, and Black Student Success throughout the CSU system.