“It does not take a genius to create something of high value, but instead dedication to the process and grit to push oneself beyond the mundane. We are all capable of being an entrepreneur, in some form or another, if we apply the right tools and empower the creator inside us.”

​—Sana Karimi | Sociology Major

Maria Artunduaga founded Respira Labs, with the aim to revolutionize lung home healthcare and take on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She won the 19th annual Big Bang! Business Competition at UC Davis and continues to advocate for inclusion in the STEM fields. Read the article >

Sacramento is rising in the ranks of cities where nextgen entrepreneurs want to stake a claim. As the 11th best area in the U.S. for startups, Sacramento has become a landing spot for young workers and businesses, according to CommercialCafe, a national commercial real estate blog and data provider. Read the article >

Aggie Square’s chief innovation officer has held many titles: doctor, lawyer, NFL linebacker. The Sacramento Business Journal takes a look at Jim Kovach’s storied career. Read the article >

Among the newest five Big Ideas is “Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset” in all students, championed by Professor Andrew Hargadon. Read the article >

For Little Bang! Poster Competition alum Akshay Prabhu, nothing ties a meal together like community. His Davis-based startup, Foodnome, reflects that philosophy, turning homes into restaurants the way Uber turned regular cars into taxis. Read the article >

360VR Technology specializes in virtual 3D models of buildings that can be accessed by firefighters and law enforcement when an emergency strikes. They won the $10,000 Engineering Sector Award in the 19th annual UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition. Read the article >

RePurpose Energy makes large electric storage systems using retired electric car batteries. The startup won $12,500 at the 19th annual UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition. Read the article >

BioMilitus, which studies the use of insects in reducing agricultural waste and creating animal feed, will be using their $25K in UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition prizes to build a pilot program this summer. Read the article >

Respira Labs, founded by Maria Artunduage in 2018, won the top prize in the 19th annual UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition for developing a wearable device that uses artificial intelligence and other data to predict and prevent COPD attacks. BioMilitus also won prize money for its work in breeding black soldier fly larvae for use in poultry farming and aquaculture. Read the article >