2026 Start, Grow, Stay Conference Highlights the Future of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Central Valley

The 2026 Start, Grow, Stay Conference hosted by the Fresno State Water, Energy, and Technology (WET) Center brought together a new wave of Central Valley entrepreneurs who are building solutions designed to shape the future of industries ranging from agriculture to automotive technology.

At the center of the event, seven companies took the stage to compete for up to $100,000 in innovation grant funding.

The participating founders included:

• Dr. Melinda Gonzales, Carbon Black Air Filter Solutions

• Deilen Davis, Engevity

• Nicandro Mendoza, Nopal PBС

• Tyler Bennett, Bennett West 2, LLC

• Jim Phene, Epiphene

• Suma Reddy, Gather

• Ben Runyon & Becca Cartier, Soldier Fly Technologies

  
  

The event was evaluated by a panel of judges including:

• Lauren Nikkel, Executive Director, Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce

• Trevor Thomas-Uribe, Capital Strategy and Innovation Specialist, Fresno State and F3

• Jacqueline Cromwell, Business & Logistics Consultant, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Moment Before the Pitch

Their ideas spanned robotics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven tools aimed at making everyday life safer, more efficient, and more accessible.

“I’m feeling amazing,” Dalen Davis, a junior mechanical engineering student at Fresno State and founder of Engevity, shared ahead of the pitch session. After weeks of preparation, anticipation filled the room as entrepreneurs prepared to present ideas they had refined through mentorship, feedback, and repeated practice. 

For many, the experience was both exciting and overwhelming in the best way.

“I’ve practiced a lot for the pitch, but I’m also very human, so I’m anxious,” shared Suma Reddy, co-founder and CEO of Gather, reflecting the mix of confidence and nerves that defined the day.

Ideas Built from Real-World Problems

One of the standout themes of the conference was how deeply personal experiences shaped each startup. Deilen Davis shared how a life-changing moment inspired his business.

“Seven months into my internship, my car engine exploded on the freeway,” Davis said. “I had to sell that car. It was completely done.”

That experience led him to ask a critical question: how can mechanical failures be predicted before they happen? His company, Engevity, is building predictive tools designed to identify potential vehicle issues early, helping drivers and fleet operators reduce costs and improve safety.

Another founder, Suma Reddy, described how conversations with agricultural growers helped shape her company’s direction.

Growers highlighted major barriers to adopting robotics in agriculture, including high costs and system complexity such as training workers and setting up infrastructure. Those challenges became the foundation for Gather, a company focused on creating accessible, easy-to-use robotic solutions for everyday agricultural work.

“We went back and asked, what would it mean to build something truly easy to use and accessible for the everyday worker?” Reddy said. “That’s how Gather was born.”

Preparing for Pitches

Beyond the stage, much of the Start, Grow, Stay Conference experience centered on preparation, mentorship, and continuous improvement. Entrepreneurs spent weeks refining their pitches, meeting with mentors, and incorporating feedback into their presentations. Many described daily practice sessions, revisions to messaging, and ongoing conversations about how to clearly communicate their value.

One participant noted the importance of working closely with mentor Kent, who provided direct and honest feedback throughout the process.

“He is unabashedly blunt about what needs to be changed, and he has been right 100% of the time,” the founder shared. “I can see the pitch getting stronger and stronger.”

For many participants, this process was about building a foundation for future opportunities and strengthening their ability to communicate their ideas in any setting.

Community, Collaboration, and Momentum

As the event unfolded, founders set up booths, welcomed visitors, and connected with attendees and fellow entrepreneurs. The atmosphere was energetic and collaborative, with entrepreneurs exchanging feedback, sharing experiences, and celebrating each other’s progress. Despite the competitive nature of the grant funding, the overarching tone of the conference was one of shared growth.

“My goal moving forward is to continue developing our business, trying again, and incorporating feedback into the next competition,” one founder said. “We’re constantly learning and getting better every time."

Winners of the Start, Grow, Stay Conference

The Start, Grow, Stay Conference concluded with recognition of two standout ventures that impressed the judges with their innovation, clarity, and potential for impact. 

The Tier I Winner was Carbon Black Air Filter Solutions, presented by Dr. Melinda Gonzales, whose work focuses on developing advanced filtration technology with real-world applications for environmental and air quality challenges.

The Tier II Winner was Soldier Fly Technologies, pitched by Ben Runyon and Becca Cartier. Their venture explores sustainable solutions that leverage insect-based systems to address waste and resource efficiency in innovative ways.

Both winning teams demonstrated strong technical understanding, clear market potential, and a commitment to solving pressing problems through scalable, real-world solutions.

Strengthening Central Valley Innovation

For many participants, the Start, Grow, Stay Conference represents more than a pitch competition. It is a platform for long-term development, connection, and opportunity. As Suma, an entrepreneur, reflected, having access to resources such as the WET Center is essential to unlocking the region’s full potential.

“As a Central Valley headquartered company, it’s incredible to have resources like [ the WET Center],” Reddy said. “These opportunities are incredibly important to unlock the growth potential we believe we have.”

The Start, Grow, Stay Conference continues to demonstrate the power of early-stage support for entrepreneurs who are solving real-world problems. From predictive automotive technology to accessible agricultural robotics, the ideas emerging from this cohort reflect both innovation and resilience. As these founders continue to refine their businesses, this is only the beginning.

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