RIVERSIDE -- Riverside County closed out its ninth annual Innovation Month with a Fast Pitch Finale that drew more than 100 entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and community partners to the Riverside Convention Center.

The monthlong series featured regional pitch competitions, partnerships, networking events and workshops designed to highlight the county's growing innovation ecosystem and support for high-growth businesses. The finale was presented in partnership with Impact Riverside County and showcased 10 startup finalists spanning advanced materials, sustainability, consumer products, artificial intelligence and health care technologies.

Super Foam took first place and earned the opportunity to advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco in November, where competitors will vie for a $1 million investment prize. The company has developed a lightweight, high-energy-absorbing foam aimed at outperforming traditional impact protection materials used in construction, transportation and protective equipment.

Basestud.io placed second with a next-generation, solar-powered streetlight platform designed to provide resilient lighting, renewable energy and connectivity during outages and emergencies. No Cap! Soda Pop secured third place with a zero-sugar, zero-caffeine beverage line positioned to meet consumer demand for healthier soda alternatives.

County officials said Innovation Month continues to serve as a platform for connecting local entrepreneurs to national and global opportunities while reinforcing Riverside County's position as a destination for innovation and emerging industries.