2024 Recipients

In 2024, the Dorfman Incubator Grant program awarded a total of $140,000 to five startups working across consumer marketplaces, healthcare technology, renewable energy, sustainability, and signage technology. Several recipients were repeat grantees, reflecting continued progress and momentum supported by the program.

• BumperPass: a digital marketplace simplifying the search, purchase, and resale of personalized license plates. Founded by Cal Lutheran MBA alumna Ana Claudia da Silva.
• Misfit Munchies (now UpPup): a sustainable pet food startup transforming imperfect local produce into nutritious dog treats. Originally started by four Cal Lutheran alumna and employee Rosie Baker ’21, ’25; and alumnae Lannie Pham ’24; Princesa Martinez; and Karen Rodriguez ’24.
• PlotSign: a platform modernizing the signage industry through improved standardization and transparency. Founded by Cal Lutheran alumnus and Hub101 member Zach Dunn. PlotSign is a repeat grant recipient.
• Suma: founded by community partner Denice Wharton, a SaaS platform transforming licensing management for Certified Nursing Assistants and healthcare employers, with a strong commitment to hiring Cal Lutheran student interns.
• Wayside Energy: creating a recyclable, modular, and rigid single piece injection molded battery pack system with a unique geothermal cooling system that is industry leading in price, reliability, safety, and performance while being cheap and simple to manufacture. Founded by Cal Lutheran alumnus, James Werbe. Wayside is a repeat grant recipient.