In a significant win for California’s tech and entrepreneurship scene, San Leandro-based Coreshell Technologies has clinched the $1 million grand prize at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale. The company’s innovative approach to developing scalable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) not only showcases the ingenuity coming out of California but also signals the state’s leadership in green technology and business success on a global platform.
As reported by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, Coreshell’s rise to the top was fostered by the state’s SCALE (Success, Capital Access and Leadership for Entrepreneurs) Network. Contributing to their readiness was the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provided the startup with invaluable, yet no-cost, advising and training. Recognizing the company’s strides in clean energy, Governor Newsom said, “Coreshell’s transformational technology exemplifies the clean energy innovation and entrepreneurial drive that defines California businesses.”
Facing competition from more than 10,000 startups across 100 regions worldwide, Coreshell Technologies emerged victorious, underscoring the robust EV battery technology landscape in California. Also noted are two other California-based startups, GO TO-U from Los Angeles and Macro Cycle from San Francisco, which highlighted their respective advancements in EV charging management and zero-carbon emission materials, making it to the top ten of the competition.
California is leading the charge with its commitment to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) – it remains the top ZEV market in the nation with more than 2.47 million units sold, and in just the third quarter of 2025, a record-breaking 124,755 ZEVs were purchased. Coreshell’s role in this push towards a greener future supplements this narrative, offering innovations that address both efficiency and cost savings in battery technology. They’re tapping into metallurgical silicon, which, according to the government’s announcement, holds about ten times the capacity of traditional anodes, significantly lowering costs and increasing energy density by 30 – 40 percent.
The achievement of Coreshell Technologies speaks volumes of the state’s supportive frameworks and programs for small businesses. With more than 4.3 million small businesses within its borders, the Golden State continues to create pathways for entrepreneurs to thrive through initiatives like the SCALE Network. Funded by CalOSBA, this network aims at fostering capital readiness and offering advising services to businesses, including startups, in California, making certain that underinvested entrepreneurs find their standing.
