Larta Institute

We are filled with gratitude after hosting Larta Institute's 2nd Annual ECO Festival! Thank you to everyone who made this two-day event a resounding success – from our incredible attendees, companies, and speakers to our devoted partners, sponsors, and of course, our team. #ECO24 was more than just a gathering; it was a true reminder of the power of community as we continue to advance our united mission of foster science & technology innovation for a sustainable planet. With Los Angeles as our backdrop, representing the nation’s #1 economy by county and the 20th largest economy in the world, this is not just a place we call home - but an entrepreneurial hub for #sustainability and #healthcare innovation and a dynamic force for shaping the future. Key themes emerged during the event: 🌍 A shared mission to build a sustainable planet. 🤝 The importance of collaboration to drive equity, resilience, and adaptation. 💡 The collective desire to identify, nurture, and scale innovative solutions for communities in LA and beyond. This is just the beginning. Thank you for being part of this journey and let’s keep the momentum going. 👉 larta.org to stay in the loop and get involved.

As we reflect on an incredible 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the community that helped us make this year unforgettable. Together, we empowered entrepreneurs, advanced groundbreaking innovations, and fostered impactful conversations. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together:   🚀 Empowering Entrepreneurs: We graduated 38 companies in total through our Community Labs programs (#VentureFellows and #HealLA) driving climate and healthcare solutions for under-resourced communities. We supported 560+ companies through our Federal programs (#SBIR and #TABA), scaling innovations aligned with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), USDA, NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and more. 🌍 Fostering Collaboration: Through our #RoadtoECO to #ECO24 event series, we united innovators, industry experts, investors, philanthropists, and government leaders to tackle local and global challenges. 🌾 Advancing Food Security: We continued to advance urban agriculture efforts with Rooted Horizons: One-Year Check-In, promoting food sovereignty in LA.   This year, we demonstrated the power of innovation, collaboration, and community. As we gear up for an exciting 2025, we invite you to be part of this journey. Your support makes our work possible. If you believe in empowering entrepreneurs, advancing sustainability, and driving impact, please consider donating to help us continue creating change. Every contribution fuels innovation and makes a difference. Thank you for your partnership and belief in our mission.   🔗 Learn more and donate today: larta.org/donate

7 Generation Games is Empowering the Next Generation with Impactful Learning Tools 📚 Larta Institute is excited to shine a spotlight on 7 Generation Games, a company that is revolutionizing education through game-based learning. 7 Generation Games combines immersive storytelling and interactive gameplay to teach math, history, and critical thinking. Their educational games engage students in meaningful ways, empowering them to master key subjects while fostering problem-solving skills. 🎮 Founded by Maria Burns Ortiz and AnnMaria De Mars, with a mission to make learning accessible and fun, 7 Generation Games is creating a brighter future for students, particularly those in underserved communities. Larta Institute is proud to support 7 Generation Games in their mission to inspire the next generation of learners. 🎓 Learn more about their journey in our Impact Report: larta.org/impact 👉 Explore their games: https://lnkd.in/eXMKVCBy #LartaAlumni #EdTechInnovation #GameBasedLearning #EducationalGames #SDG4 #SDG10

Thank You for Supporting Innovation & Impact! 🌍 Your support empowers Larta Institute to champion innovators tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges—from climate solutions to healthcare breakthroughs. Together, we’re creating pathways for bold ideas to become reality. But there’s so much more to do! Your continued generosity fuels our mission to accelerate innovation for a more sustainable, equitable future. How You Can Keep Driving Change: ➡️ Donate: Every contribution helps bring transformative solutions to life. ➡️ Learn More: Discover the innovators we’re uplifting and their incredible work. ➡️ Share: Spread the word and inspire others to join our mission. Let’s keep building a future of possibility—together. 🔗 larta.org/donate #ThankYou #SupportInnovation #LartaInstituteImpact

Aquaria is Transforming Water Sustainability with Innovative Solutions 🌊 At Larta Institute, we are thrilled to highlight Aquaria, a visionary company revolutionizing water management with cutting-edge technology. Aquaria is leveraging smart solutions to improve water efficiency and sustainability, using real-time data to monitor and optimize water systems. Their advanced tools help industries and communities reduce waste, conserve water, and enhance the management of this vital resource. 💧 Led by co-founding brothers Brian Sheng & Eric Sheng, Aquaria is driving positive change in water conservation, helping build a more sustainable future for communities worldwide. Larta Institute is proud to support Aquaria as they continue to lead the way in sustainable water solutions. 💡 Learn more about their journey in our Impact Report: larta.org/impact 👉 Explore their innovations: https://lnkd.in/eRMT9e3W #LartaAlumni #WaterSustainability #InnovationForGood #SmartWater #SDG6

Modern Meadow is shaping the future of materials with biofabrication 🌱 At Larta Institute, we are excited to spotlight Modern Meadow, a groundbreaking company that is revolutionizing the materials industry through biofabrication technology. Modern Meadow harnesses the power of biology to create sustainable materials, including leather and textiles, without the need for animals or harmful chemicals. By using cultured cells, they are able to produce high-quality, eco-friendly materials that have a significantly lower environmental footprint. 🌍 Modern Meadow is pioneering the next generation of materials, advancing sustainability in industries from fashion to automotive. With a commitment to reducing waste and reliance on traditional production methods, they are helping to shape a more sustainable world. Larta Institute is proud to support Modern Meadow as they continue to innovate and lead the charge in sustainable materials science. 🌿 Learn more about their journey in our Impact Report: larta.org/impact 👉 Explore their innovations: https://lnkd.in/eW4r3Zbx #LartaAlumni #SustainableInnovation #Biofabrication #EcoFriendlyMaterials #SDG13 #SDG15

CpG Diagnostics, Inc. is Advancing Precision Medicine with Epigenetic Innovation 🔬 At Larta Institute, we are proud to highlight CpG Diagnostics, Inc., a pioneering company revolutionizing cancer care through cutting-edge epigenetic tools. CpG Diagnostics, Inc. leverages innovative technology to identify unique DNA methylation markers, enabling precise cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. Their approach not only enhances the accuracy of detection but also tailors therapies to improve patient outcomes. 🌟 Led by Bodour Salhia, Ph.D, CpG Diagnostics, Inc. is driving impactful solutions that bridge the gap between science and patient care. With numerous achievements in research and technology development, they are at the forefront of transforming the future of oncology. Larta Institute is honored to support CpG Diagnostics, Inc. in their mission to deliver life-changing advancements in healthcare. 📊 Learn more about their journey in our Impact Report: larta.org/impact 👉 Explore their innovations: https://lnkd.in/gtrFcXnJ #LartaAlumni #HealthcareInnovation #PrecisionMedicine #BiotechSolutions #SDG3 #SDG5

How can we ensure that breakthrough #healthcare and #wellness solutions reach the communities that need them most, even when traditional funding models fall short? 🩺 While many ventures chase high-growth returns, transformative health innovations—especially those addressing systemic inequities and underserved populations—often struggle to secure the right investment. Join us at #ECO24 on December 10th for the “Bridging the Capital Gaps in Healthcare Innovation” panel. We’ll explore how industry leaders, healthcare systems, and philanthropic investors can collaborate to finance the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs. From piloting emergent solutions to leveraging catalytic capital, discover the pathways that empower founders to scale transformative innovations and improve health outcomes for everyone. Tune in to learn from: - Stephanie Hsieh, CEO, BioscienceLA - Jhaimy Fernandez, MD Fernandez, Associate Medical Director of Digital Health, AltaMed Health Services - Sophia Ononye, PhD MPH MBA, Founder & CEO, The Sophia Consulting Firm - Chris Orr, VP & Director of Trust Relationship Management, Pacific Premier Trust, a Division of Pacific Premier Bank Learn more and register now: larta.org/eco #ECO24 #HealthcareInnovation #ImpactInvesting #CatalyticCapital #EquitableHealth

How do we bridge the funding gaps for #climatetech and #sustainability solutions that prioritize long-term impact? As the climate crisis accelerates, the need for transformative ideas in sustainability, food systems, and resilience has never been greater. Yet, traditional funding often overlooks these critical innovations. Join us at #ECO24 for the panel "Fueling Innovation: Flavors of Capital in Advancing Climate Tech and Sustainable Solutions" on December 9th, where we’ll explore how catalytic capital can empower early-stage climate tech entrepreneurs to drive systemic change. Our dynamic speakers will share strategies for leveraging diverse forms of capital to scale solutions and build a more sustainable and resilient future. Hear from: - Efrain Escobedo, President & CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management - Arnab Pal, Senior Consultant, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Andrew Eil, Climate Finance, Policy, and Risk Consultant - Jessie Tang, Principal and Head of Strategic Initiatives, Gratitude Railroad - Kimelyn Harris, Head of Small Business Programs, Wells Fargo - Stephan Erkelens, President & CEO, RevHubOC - The Orange County Center for Innovation & Social Enterprise Learn more and register for #ECO24 now 👉 larta.org/eco

How can groundbreaking innovations make their way into the communities that need them most? For underserved neighborhoods in #LosAngeles, solutions like #cleanenergy, improved #air and #water quality, and resilient #infrastructure can be life-changing. But moving these ideas from pilot projects to widespread adoption requires strong partnerships between innovators, municipalities, and industry leaders. Join us for the panel "Bridging Innovation and Impact – Driving Adoption of Solutions through Public and Private Sector Partnerships" at #ECO24 on December 9th, where we’ll explore this critical challenge. Our expert speakers will discuss how pilot and demonstration projects can serve as a bridge, allowing innovators to showcase their community-centered solutions while giving decision-makers a low-risk way to evaluate their effectiveness. From addressing systemic barriers to prioritizing community engagement, this panel will uncover actionable insights for ensuring these technologies make a lasting positive impact. Hear insights from: - Miki Esposito, Assistant Director, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works - kecia washington, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power - Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director, Coalition for Community Solar Access - Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve - Marta Segura, Chief Heat & Climate Emergency Mobilization Officer, City of Los Angeles Final call for registrations now 👉 larta.org/eco