India, Jan. 2 -- PASADENA, Calif., January 1, 2026 - The Cal Poly Universities float "Jungle Jumpstart" has won the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy at the 137th Rose Parade. The student-built entry, depicting rainforest animals reviving an old robot, was named the most beautiful among the 23 official award winners announced Thursday by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

This marks the seventh time a self-built float has received the top honor and the first for Cal Poly. The parade's 2026 theme was "The Magic in Teamwork."

The Sweepstakes Award, honoring the most beautiful entry for float design, floral presentation, and entertainment, went to Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Their float, "Jungle Jumpstart," featured 21,000 flower...