Larson Innovations

Jake Larson built Cal Poly Performance Automotive Communications, Engineering,  and Design (PACED) from the ground up starting in 2022. The organization grew to the fourth highest funded club in the Cal Poly College of Engineering with over 200 students involved. At PACED, students are rebuilding a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette into a track ready high-performance race car, utilizing a Chevrolet LS engine, Dodge 8HP 8 Speed automatic transmission, Ford 8.8 differential, and C6 corvette rear subframe and suspension. The vehicle will be completed with a fully custom aero package and aims to hit the test track in 2026. 

After winning a quarterly design challenge, Larson and team worked closely with Callaway golf  over the course of a year to develop a golf glove that allows users to swing a golf club without the use of their fingers. The device aims to aid golfers with nerve damage, arthritis, joint pain, and missing digits. 

Challenged by local neonatologists, Jake and his business partner developed a catheter to safely administer surfactant to vulnerable premature babies and improve existing practices. The Larson-Bray duo designed their product, manufactured prototypes, and conducted  testing. They ultimately wrote a report outlining the benefit of their product.  

A passion project for Larson, the Executive is an  AI based video game currently underway. It aims to create an unprecedentedly  immersive gaming experience built on a series of "pillars of world building"

Larson spends time photographing his surroundings and close friends. He runs a small social media account showcasing his progress. He uses this account as a personal tool to try new forms of media and content creation as well as a creative outlet. 

Jake developed a new concentration/degree path for Cal Poly Biomedical Engineering students: Biomedical Engineering with Concentration in Human Factors and Complex systems. He assembled a curriculum based on a series of Cal Poly classes across multiple departments. The concentration was presented to the Biomedical Engineering Department and Industry Advisory Board and will be implemented as a focus in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

 Larson conducted an in-depth analysis of the client's business model, developed a tailored business plan and offered constructive feedback on website functionality, branding, and sales language, leading to significant improvements, and proposed actionable steps to revamp the product and explore new markets.

 Larson delivered strategic business development insights for product launch, marketing plans, corporate structuring, and product testing and created compelling marketing media to enhance sales and showcase products to industry giants like Mattel and Follett.

Larson engaged with the project since its inception, working closely with executives to brainstorm and implement next steps in development.

Worked with  the Human Factors Engineering  (HFE) Department to develop a human factors engineering internship program  for university students. The program was designed to closely resemble the work of the HFE department and get students to think about usability of their devices in application. 

 Larson collaborated with the logo redesign team, highlighting key business features for effective rebranding. He successfully executed a rebranding launch to stakeholders.

Larson and Team developed a software to aid nurses by reducing workflow barriers while increasing patient safety. The software combined human factors engineering as well as high reliability principles and complex systems understanding to best optimize workflows and improve safety. 

Larson and Team developed Cal Poly's first university-based off-campus housing software designed to transition university students from on-campus to off-campus living and eliminate housing struggles faced by students.  

At Trelleborg, Jake assisted in the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for medical devices, supported the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and principles, collaborated with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues, participated in the design and modification of manufacturing operations in a clean-room environment, conducted data analysis and report findings to support process improvements and maintained accurate documentation and records of engineering activities in compliance with regulatory standards.

Larson ran point on the YouTube channel at Cal Poly Career Services, reformatting and concentrating the information available to students and developing step by step guides to further one's career path. Additionally, he served as a student ambassador to support event staff and department administration. 

Larson managed media credential distribution and day-of event support. 

Served as a lifeguard and swim instructor for 3 years. Maintained a safe environment, provided appropriate care in the case of emergency situations, and instructed aquatic safety. 

Shadowed orthopedic surgeons on rounds, viewed X-rays, met with patients, and discussed treatment options. 

Shadowed orthopedic surgeons on rounds, viewed X-rays, met with patients, and discussed treatment options.