Welcome to the May Issue of Larta Institute's Sustainability Innovators Monthly Newsletter!
It’s been an exciting month at Larta! Last week, Rohit Shukla, Larta's CEO, moderated two engaging panels at LABEST 2025, discussing the future of biotech in Los Angeles. A huge thank you to UCLA Technology Development Group for hosting! Check out the recap and photos here!
We’re also thrilled to announce the newVenture Fellows and Heal.LA Cohorts! These programs continue to support innovators tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. Read on for more details about these exciting new partnerships and more!
—— Community Programs ——
Now in its third year, the Venture Fellows program continues to support innovative entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the most pressing challenges communities face today.
This year’s cohort is building bold, science- and tech-driven solutions to improve climate resilience, public health, and quality of life across underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles and beyond. From water conservation and access to weather-resilient infrastructure and food systems, these ventures are united by a shared commitment to equity, impact, and community-rooted innovation.
Since 2020, the Heal.LA program has supported early-stage companies that are reimagining health equity through innovation, inclusion, and community-driven impact.
The 2025 cohort is tackling critical health challenges—from AI-powered care navigation and allergy detection to mental health support and chronic disease management. These ventures are developing tech-enabled solutions that center marginalized populations and elevate access, affordability, and agency in healthcare.
Join us to learn more about non-dilutive funding opportunities you can receive from the National Institute of Health (NIH). In this webinar, the Larta team will be discussing:
Types of NIH grants
Company qualifications
Application process
Tips for a successful application
How to receive additional Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding
BV IgniteX® is a DOE EPIC Prize-recognized, 12-week, primarily virtual, cohort program designed to empower start-ups offering scalable solutions for critical human infrastructure.
Participants receive up to $35,000 in non-dilutive grant funding and in-kind services and potential equity investment funding of $50,000 to $100,000.
Gross-Wen Technologieswas founded in 2014 by Dr. Martin Gross and Dr. Zhiyou Wen at Iowa State University while developing GWT’s sustainable RAB™ system to help municipal and industrial clients effectively treat wastewater in more economical and reliable ways. Since then, GWT has grown into a trusted source for environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment.
ThermoShadeis committed to making cities and communities more resilient to climate change by providing a clean, effective, and affordable cooling solution. Its high-tech passive cooling shade panels can be installed on any outdoor structure, creating shaded spaces that feel up to 20°F cooler than traditional awnings. By integrating innovative climate technology, ThermoShade helps mitigate urban heat and enhance outdoor comfort.
Pharus Diagnostics was founded by Dr. Ken H. Yu, a physician-scientist and faculty member at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, to advance the early detection of hard-to-diagnose cancers—starting with pancreatic cancer. By combining cutting-edge machine learning with biomarker discovery, Pharus is working to transform how we detect and monitor cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Today, Pharus continues to pioneer AI-powered diagnostic solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
Partner withus to support or sponsor Larta’s programs and initiatives: Contact Carlos Gutierrez, Chief Development Officer, atcgutierrez@larta.org.
Our mission is to foster science & technology innovation for a sustainable planet. Let's feed, fuel, and heal the world.
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