NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Two California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) startups won prizes at the Sunstone Startup Launch Competition, a California State University (CSU) pitch competition with a total of $200,000 in prize money at stake. At this event, held at CSU, Northridge on Friday, May 8, 2026, teams showcased their ideas to a panel of 30 judges from across the state.

Elora is developing aesthetic jewelry that is embedded with drug detection technology to empower women to feel safe and confident while enjoying social experiences. Elora was a participant in the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (CIE) Summer Accelerator 2025 cohort, an intensive 10-week program that provides students and recent graduates with the resources necessary to turn their innovative ideas into full-fledged startups. The startup was created by Addison Bounds (Business Administration, ’25), MBA student at the University of South Florida, of Jupiter, Florida, and biomedical engineering master’s student Kiara Robichaud of Redding, Connecticut. 

Elora claimed first place in the Hardware and Consumer Products category, earning $20,000, and also took home the Grand Prize, with an additional $20,000, bringing their total winnings to $40,000. 

“Winning is very encouraging because it validates Elora’s business plan on another level with the provided funding,” said Bounds. “Such a large scale win shows that community leaders and influential people care about the horrific issue of drink spiking enough to fund a solution. That gives me hope for the future we are trying to create, where survivors are supported and prevention is prioritized.” 

Everest Medical Solutions pitched their shoulder dystocia treatment device, a tool designed to support safer births by offering providers a standardized and effective way to manage shoulder dystocia emergencies. Everest Medical was an AngelCon 2026 finalist, where they competed for more than $100,000 in equity-backed funding. The startup was created by Jenna Eissmann (M.S. Engineering Management, ’25) of Reno, Nevada, and Madeleine Mumford (M.S. Biomedical Engineering, ’25) of Snoqualmie, Washington. 

Everest Medical won first place in the Health and Wellness category, taking home $20,000. 

“This win is truly awesome for Everest. The tabling event gave us the opportunity to defend and explain our timeline, business model and milestones to the judges,” said Eissmann. “I am proud of Everest, and grateful for the opportunity to represent my company and the quality of entrepreneurship that comes from Cal Poly.” 

The competition featured a two-phase format. All teams first participated in a “trade show”-style expo where 30 judges evaluated startups and selected the top three winners in each of five categories: AI and Digital Technology, Hardware and Consumer Products, Health and Wellness, Service-Based Businesses and Social Impact. The first-, second- and third-place winners in each category received $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The first-place winners from each category then took the stage to deliver a pitch and face a Q&A from judges, competing for the grand prize of an additional $20,000. 

Next year’s Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition will be held at CSU, Fresno in May 2027. 

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About the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE):

The CIE opens a world of entrepreneurial opportunities to Cal Poly students, faculty and community members and promotes entrepreneurial activity and dialogue across the university and throughout San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit https://cie.calpoly.edu/.