Contact: Candice Conti
805-756-5171;clconti@calpoly.edu

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Three new companies recently graduated from the SLO HotHouse Incubator, a Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) program devoted to taking businesses from startup to sustainable.

“CIE provides a structured, two-year program for startups to receive individual coaching from subject-matter expert mentors, including assistance with product development and business management,” said Judy Mahan, CIE incubator director. “CIE has worked closely with these startups to move them through the commercialization process and successfully launch.”

Boost Acquisition is a data analytics company that is targeting the auto industry. The company’s proprietary technology helps enterprises efficiently reach the consumers who are most receptive to their offering. Boost has begun generating revenue and is preparing for a national rollout with one of the largest auto listing companies in the industry.

MegaMatter is a chemical company developing highly effective, nontoxic flame-retardants. It is conducting pilot trials and regulatory testing.

Moja Outdoors builds content- and community-driven retail experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Its first focus is rock climbing, and its website, mojagear.com, allows users to share stories, videos and gear information and buy niche products with exclusive offers.

“The SLO Hothouse Incubator program helped us launch our product and gave us the knowledge and skills we need to operate our business and manage its growth,” said Joshua Hirahara, Boost Acquisition co-founder and CEO. “The people and resources provided through the program have been instrumental in getting our business where it is today.”

Since its inception in 2010, the CIE has promoted regional economic development. Six out of 12 graduating incubator companies are running businesses in San Luis Obispo County, including Boost Acquisition and MegaMatter.

To date, the graduating incubating companies combined have added 30 new jobs to the overall economy and 19 locally.

CIE offers faculty, students and community members the tools to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses. By providing quality coaching, professional consulting and connections with industry professionals, the CIE creates an environment where new businesses can develop and thrive.

“San Luis Obispo is on a journey toward becoming an innovation hub, and the CIE is proud to be part of that ecosystem,” said CIE Executive Director Tod Nelson.

For more information on CIE programs, visit cie.calpoly.edu.

About the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship manages and supports a wide variety of programs and activities to stimulate the entrepreneurial Learn by Doing spirit at Cal Poly and to assist entrepreneurs in following their dreams. For more information, go to cie.calpoly.edu.

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