![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0724-startup-lead-template.png?1720198311)
Startup of the Month: Strived.io
Education platform integrates academic and behavioral insights with AI
When a student is struggling with a concept, the reasons may go beyond the teaching. Other factors, such as social needs and learning styles, could play a role. But educators need science to identify and diagnose these issues, which may be happening anecdotally, according to Shweta Gandhi.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0624-startup-lead-template.png?1717701362)
Startup of the Month: Unstructured
Company helps businesses turn raw data into AI-friendly formats
Think about a global company where each department has its own unique jargon, and employees speak different languages. To thrive, this company would need a way to keep valuable information from getting lost in translation.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0524-startup-lead-template.png?1715052842)
Startup of the Month: 811spotter
Ticket management software for contractors’ efficiency, safety
811 is the national toll-free, call-before-you-dig number. Homeowners, excavators and contractors must call 811 before excavating to have underground utility lines marked to prevent accidental damage. But the system is flawed and inefficient, according to 811spotter co-founder and CEO Marc Krichman.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0424-startup-lead-template.png?1712851060)
Startup of the Month: Soar Optics
Company targets microplastics in water with high-tech microscopes
Microplastics can be found everywhere, from Antarctica to Mt. Everest to breast milk. A Western Regional Winner in 2022, Soar Optics develops technology to identify these microscopic particles in water.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0324-startup-lead-template.png?1711123097)
Startup of the Month: Inspirame
College and career navigation platform aims to repair education pipeline
In 2019, CEO Maria Medrano co-founded the equity-driven startup Inspirame to repair these critical gaps in college enrollment and workforce development.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0224-startup-lead-template.png?1706898909)
Startup of the Month: AgriNerds
Mapping tool helps farmers track carriers of bird flu
In recent years, avian influenza (or “bird flu”) has been on a rampage, wiping out wild and domestic birds, disrupting the environment, and causing a shortage of eggs and poultry meat. The Davis-based startup AgriNerds aims to help farmers to identify potential risks and protect poultry against the threat of diseased ducks.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0124-startup-lead-template.png?1704484767)
Startup of the Month: 3D Organic Polymer Silk
Trio of researchers aim to revolutionize orthopedic medicine with spider silk
With over 3 billion years of evolution under its belt, the natural world has a pretty long track record of creativity. Knowing this, three interdisciplinary researchers at UC Davis looked to the golden silk orb-weaver spider to develop an innovative biomaterial.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1223-startup-lead-template.png?1702054667)
Startup of the Month: OnSight Technology
Company deploys robots to detect issues on solar farms
After years in the solar farm industry, Derek Chase was looking into different drone companies to handle aerial flyovers. But he found these companies couldn’t provide the information he needed, which was found on the ground, under the panels, where the wires are.
Sponsored
Bank of Marin
BRINGING EXCELLENCE TO LOCAL RELATIONSHIP BANKING
From supporting local businesses through lending to strengthening the places it calls home through volunteerism and corporate philanthropy, Bank of Marin has been honored to call the Greater Sacramento region home since it joined the community in 2021.
![Gaston Salinas is the CEO and co-founder of Botanical Solution Inc. (Photo courtesy of BSI)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1123-startup-lead-template.png?1698963774)
Startup of the Month: Botanical Solution Inc.
Lab-grown plants offer key compounds for crop protection, vaccines
Grown in a lab from raw materials, so-called “baby trees” could be essential for protecting not only the future of fruits and vegetables, but also people. This is the aim of Botanical Solution Inc., a Davis-based ag tech startup with global roots.