Life Sciences

San Diego’s Life Sciences Industry

The Life Sciences cluster is a major driver of San Diego’s innovation economy. Consistently recognized as a top three Life Sciences market in the U.S., San Diego’s renowned universities and research institutions conduct groundbreaking research and train the region’s highly skilled workforce. This world-class talent and technology infrastructure enable the region to compete for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and venture capital investment year after year.

Key interdisciplinary fields within San Diego’s Life Sciences ecosystem include Biotechnology, Genomics, Medical Devices, RNA Therapeutics, and Pharmaceuticals, among many others. San Diego Life Sciences companies are transforming lives globally with life-saving therapeutics, personalized medicine for early detection, and innovative medical devices that enhance quality of life.

San Diego’s growing manufacturing footprint is amplified by proximity to Tijuana, Mexico’s world-class medical device manufacturing hub and its highly skilled workforce.

These unique assets, coupled with San Diego’s collaborative spirit, provide unparallel opportunities for Life Sciences companies of all sizes to grow, thrive, and call San Diego home.

Relevant EDC studies: Genomics Industry | Precision Health Ecosystem | AI in Life Sciences | RNA Cluster

Key Resources

1STRAND was founded in 2020 to address the need for education and awareness around RNA. It’s mission is to showcase San Diego County as the premier location for RNA therapeutics, research and development, and to be a forum to highlight the potential positive impact of RNA medicines on public health.

Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life sciences sector. The organization accelerates success for more than 1,400 members across the state by advocating for innovation, driving effective public policy, creating access to capital, removing barriers to doing business, developing the workforce of the future, and connecting people, talent, and capital.

San Diego Biotechnology Network was founded in September of 2008, addressing the need for more high quality, face to face networking among life sciences professionals in the greater San Diego area. The organization is open to individuals working at a biotechnology, diagnostics, green technology, medical devices, or pharmaceutical company in the greater San Diego area.

Accelerators and incubators are available for San Diego startups seeking support and growth in the Life Sciences industry.