South Coast Business & Technology Awards Raises More Than $200,000 for Scholarship Foundation

July 1, 2026 - 21:22

The annual South Coast Business & Technology Awards gala has raised over $200,000 for the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, organizers confirmed this week. The event, which honors innovation and leadership in the local economy, drew a crowd of business leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the region's growing tech and entrepreneurial sectors.

Among the honorees this year was William Wang, founder of Vizio, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to consumer electronics and philanthropy. Mission Wealth, a Santa Barbara-based financial planning firm, was recognized for its community impact and commitment to client education. The University of California, Santa Barbara's Department of Technology Management also took home an award for its work bridging academic research with commercial application.

Proceeds from the evening will support scholarships for local students pursuing higher education, particularly those interested in business, engineering, and technology fields. Since its inception, the awards program has raised millions for the Scholarship Foundation, helping hundreds of students attend college who might otherwise lack the financial means.

Event organizers noted that the strong turnout and fundraising success reflect the community's belief in investing in the next generation of innovators. The awards ceremony also featured a keynote address on the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the Santa Barbara economy.