MetroConnect
Return to World Trade Center San Diego
MetroConnect, the flagship program of WTC San Diego, provides small- and medium-sized companies with the resources necessary to engage in global markets.
MetroConnect awards companies with matching funds, connects them with relevant export-oriented partners and resources, and arranges specialized workshops to increase their knowledge and awareness of global export trends and regulations.
MetroConnect is generously underwritten by
OVER FIVE YEARS,
MetroConnect COMPANIES HAVE GENERATED
63%
average export growth
40%
average revenue growth
543
total new intl. contracts
MetroConnect Companies
Scroll over the full list of past MetroConnect companies to learn more:
Access Trax
Access Trax is a women-owned social impact business on a mission to make the outdoors accessible for all. The company empowers people of all physical abilities to easily access outdoor terrain such as sand at the beach with its ADA compliant portable access mats.
Benchmark Labs
Benchmark Labs is a Techstars-backed agricultural and IoT technology company that uses IoT sensors to assist farmers implement more sustainable practices and help them save natural resources by using in-situ environmental forecasts.
Critter Technology
Critter Technology specializes in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of specialized coatings with unique functionality. AntCant® is an easy to apply coating that produces a surface that ants and potentially other insects cannot adhere to and gain traction.
GigaIO
Based in Carlsbad, GigaIO democratizes Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing architectures by delivering the elasticity of the cloud at a fraction of the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
Gold Coast Mead
As the first meadery in Southern California, Gold Coast Mead’s endeavor leads the reawakening of Fermented Honey Libations to bring you Joy and Sunshine in a bottle. Golden Coast Mead has helped launch over 20 different meaderies, including ones in Africa and Jamaica, to aid in remote communities ability to create jobs and economies.
iAssay
iAssay® has developed a Point-of-Care Test (POCT) diagnostics solution for testing patients wherever they are, consolidating FDA cleared point of care cartridges and Health IT Clouds onto one handheld platform.
Nano PharmaSolutions
Nano PharmaSolutions, Inc. was founded in 2019 by a team of pharmaceutical scientists and material scientist as a solution provider for drug development. Its NanoTransformer™ technology turns insoluble drug molecules to nanoparticles so they can get into our body better.
Novo Brazil Brewing Company
Founded by the Carneiro family in 2014, Novo Brazil Brewing Company is an international, award-winning brewery based in Chula Vista and guided by its Brazilian soul.
Primo Energy
Primo Energy was founded in 2013 to design and build hybrid distributed energy platforms using wind, solar, and battery storage.
Real Dog Box
Real Dog Box complements any diet and budget and teaches dog owners how to incorporate fresh food into everyday life. A few dollars a day spent on real food can prevent six out of the 10 most common dog vet visits – that’s why it makes and delivers a monthly box of fresh treats and chews to prevent food-related illnesses.
Shop My Porch
Shop My Porch is a social shopping platform – including a mobile app, website, and a series of social media groups – that matches home-based artisans with people looking for home crafted goods on a hyperlocal basis.
Solecta Membranes
As manufacturers deal with variable raw material quality, rising costs for energy, and increased quality standards for their finished products, Solecta helps improve their separations processes through unique and innovative membrane solutions.
Sparsha Pharma
Sparsha Pharma’s mission is to develop clinically effective, innovative, and affordable transdermal therapeutic products to improve the quality of life of patients.
The Good Face
The Good Face helps you discover safe products that fit your skin’s unique needs and make you look and feel your best.
TRABUS Technologies
From the development of a spectrally-efficient peer-to-peer (SEPP) technology that could revolutionize the wireless industry to engineering support to armed services, TRABUS is committed to solving real-world problems through technical innovation.
Amavara
Amavara has created the world’s best transparent mineral sunscreen using its proprietary EarthWell® Zinc technology with naturally sourced Non-Nano Zinc Oxide as the only active ingredient, providing Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection and 80 minutes Water and Sweat Resistance.
Blue Sky Network
Blue Sky Network is a pioneer in the development of satellite tracking and two-way voice and data communications for commercial, government, and privately held fleets working in remote areas around the world.
Dynam.AI
Dynam.AI provides businesses across the globe with AI solutions built to up-level any organization in any industry. Dynam.AI’s suite of artificial intelligence solutions, including advanced deep learning and computer vision algorithms and models, are custom-tailored to each client’s needs.
Forward Slope
Forward Slope, Inc. (FSI) is an SBA-Certified Small Business that provides technology solutions and professional services to both government and enterprise clients.
LunaPBC
LunaPBC empowers individuals to directly and privately share health data for medical and quality of life discovery. The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission qualified LunaPBC as the first company to recognize data as currency to purchase shares of ownership in the organization.
Mayan Robotics
Mayan Robotics LLC is an American company specializing in the design and manufacture of essential electronic systems for unmanned vehicles, drones, and UAVs.
Modern Times Drinks
MODERN TIMES IS…an intrepid cadre of brewers, coffee roasters, and culinary wizards that began as a 30bbl production brewery and tasting room in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego in 2013.
MRIaudio
MRIaudio provides MRI patient headphones to hospitals and imaging centers around the world, and has sold more than 2300 MRIaudio systems to help millions of patients endure their MRI scans each year.
Omni2Max Inc.
Omni2Max Inc. is a professional technical service firm, headquartered in San Diego, California, dedicated to providing superior leadership, service and expertise for a wide range of technical solutions.
Semantic AI
Leveraging emerging technologies in AI/ML with facial/voice/character recognition, translation, transcription, & sentiment analysis, Semantic AI delivers enterprise intelligence platform solutions in both the commercial and federal space, from Counter-Terrorism to Supply Chain Risk Management, either on-premises or in the cloud
SIDUS Solutions
Specializing in environmental cameras, robotic-positioning, and lighting systems, SIDUS services and manufactures complete, integrated security and surveillance solutions for any marine, defense and subsea application.
TradeSun
Since its inception in the Navy, technologies such as text analytics, entity extraction, AI and NLP have been added, culminating in the incorporation of TradeSun as an intelligent, cloud-based trade finance platform that empowers banks to accelerate transaction approval.
Trex Enterprises
Trex Enterprises specializes in adaptive optics, millimeter-wave imaging, RF communications, sensor development, engineering, active and passive imaging, radar systems and novel telescope architectures for the defense and aerospace industry.
Uprise Energy
The Uprise Energy Mobile Power Station is a 10kW wind turbine that fits in a 20’ shipping container, and sets up in one hour to produce clean, affordable electricity.
White Labs
White Labs makes fresh, liquid yeast more accessible to the brewing, winemaking, distilling, cider making, kombucha and fermentation industries, as well as providing various fermentation products, services, analysis and education to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Aira
Aira is a service that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to connect blind and visually impaired people to highly trained, remotely-located agents.
Allett
Allett creates amazing patented slim wallets, proudly made in San Diego since 1995.
Artic Zero
As the pioneer of “better-for-you” frozen desserts, Arctic Zero thoughtfully crafts the best tasting and cleanest ingredient light ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts on the market.
AtYourGate
AtYourGate is an industry leader in mobile e-commerce and in-airport gate delivery services for needed food/beverage/retail items by travelers, flight crews, and airport employees.
Bitchin’ Sauce
Bitchin’ Sauce – The Almond Dip!
Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds is a property management suite that simplifies the world of OTAs, payments, reservations for the travel and hotel industry.
Conectric
Conectric Networks is a wireless sensor networking and energy application solution to automate and control the build environment
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s, producer of organic and fair trade personal care and food products distributed worldwide, is a family business committed to honoring the vision of founder Emanuel Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating profits to help make a better world.
Eddy Pump Corporation
Eddy Pump is an engineering and manufacturing company producing state-of-the-art material handling equipment for a multitude of industries including military, oil, mining, energy, and many others all over the world.
Epitope Diagnostics
Epitope Diagnostics, Inc. (EDI) strives to provide the highest quality products and services to the healthcare community. The fundamental objectives of EDI is to assist not only in detection but also prevention of diseases.
Hookit
Hookit expands sponsorship value thru data insight.
IPS Group
IPS Group is a design, engineering, and manufacturing company focused on low-power wireless telecommunications, payment processing systems, intelligent data management technologies, providing Smarter Parking for Smart Communities™ through its innovative and Fully-Integrated Parking Management Suite.
KULR Technology Group
KULR Technology Group uses a proprietary carbon fiber technology co-developed with NASA to solve heat management and battery safety challenges for a variety of markets including aerospace, electric vehicles, camera displays, robotics, power storage, and consumer electronics.
LRAD Corporation
LRAD Corporation’s long range acoustic hailing devices, mass notification, and innovative Genasys distributed messaging systems allow users to clearly communicate warnings and instructions, resolve uncertain situations, and enhance safety in a variety of applications including defense, law enforcement, and more.
MRP Training Solutions
As a force multiplier, MRP Training Solutions, a service disabled veteran-owned small business based in San Diego, provides technical, operational, administrative, and logistics training and mission support to military personnel located at worldwide locations.
PKL Services, Inc.
PKL Services, Inc. is a global provider of skilled personnel, delivering the most up to date aerospace maintenance, training, and logistics services.
Quality Controlled Manufacturing
A precision machining company, QCMI provide customers with components that have complex shapes, contours, exacting tolerance, and stringent quality requirements.
Raveon Technologies
Raveon designs and manufactures certified long-range wireless products for data communications, GPS tracking, and security.
Scientist.com
Scientist.com is the world’s leading marketplace for outsourced scientific sourcing.
Telaeris, Inc.
Telaeris, Inc. is a San Diego-based engineering firm focused on developing RFID solutions for safety and security. Its custom designed handheld badge readers enable mobile ID validation, visitor management, biometric identification, and personnel rostering.
Coronado Brewing Co.
Coronado Brewing Co. is a local craft brewery that specializes in abundantly hoppy West Coast-style ales. The company was honored in 2014 with one of the brewing industry's most prestigious awards—World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster for a Mid-Size Brewing Company.
CP Global Manufacturing
CP Global Manufacturing is a world leader in manufacturing and installing recycling equipment. The company is committed to global sustainability by providing the best waste diversion solutions through innovation, education and integrity.
CureMatch
CureMatch has developed a proprietary software platform aimed at guiding oncologists in selecting the most advanced personalized cancer therapies for patients. The technology analyzes more than 4.5 million different drug combinations to find and rank the most advanced cancer treatments.
Del Mar Oceanographic
Del Mar Oceanographic produces the Wirewalker, a vertically-profiling instrument platform for oceanographic research and monitoring. Propelled by ocean waves, the Wirewalker can converting traditional one-dimensional sensor data to two-dimensional depth-time images of the ocean interior.
Dermala
Dermala is developing novel skincare products for acne, eczema and aging skin based on the latest advances in human microbiome research. The company focuses on optimizing skin health from the inside-out, for natural lasting effects and without the use of harsh chemicals.
Envision Solar International
Envision Solar International, Inc. is a sustainable technology innovation company. Envision provides customers with advanced renewably energized electric vehicle (EV) charging, media and branding, and energy security systems.
FoxFury
FoxFury makes innovative, portable, go-anywhere, lightning tools for the industries it serves. The company’s application-specific LED lights are used in firefighting, police, military, industrial safety, hazardous area, filming and photography.
Guru
Local tech startup Guru creates digital experiences for museums, aquariums and zoos using audio, video, virtual reality and more. Recently, the company took home $225,000 worth of VC and professional services at SeismicSD investment competition.
Julian Hard Cider
Julian Hard Cider is a local, veteran-owned business that produces 100 percent fresh-pressed, all-natural hard cider.
Optimized Fuel Technologies
Optimized Fuel Technologies develops and manufactures a patented, ionized air technology designed to improve energy efficiency and regulate emissions during the combustion process. The technology enables cleaner burns and emissions.
Performa Learning
Performa Learning provides the world’s only personalized, skills-based business English learning system. The company helps corporations and professionals around the world communicate more effectively.
Planck Aerosystems
Planck Aerosystems develops and employs technology to solve real problems at sea to promote a cleaner, safer and more efficient use of our oceans. The company builds technology that enables small drones to operate from moving vessels of any size, without the need for a dedicated pilot or extensive installed hardware.
Tioga Research
Tioga is a contract research organization that supports the research and early development of skin-applied products, including topical and transdermal drugs and prestige cosmetic products. The company provides support clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetic sectors.
Tunnel Vision
Using virtual reality technology, Tunnel Vision recreates the skydiving environment of jumping out of an airplane with breathtaking views while in the safety of a wind tunnel. The company supplies the hardware, software and content to wind tunnels.
Urban Translations
Urban Translations builds relationships by providing a hospitality platform that allows for guest convenience and staff efficiency. The translation software enables guests to order menu items and amenities, in any language, with the touch of a finger on tablets and smartphones.
Aurora Spine
Aurora Spine is a publicly traded medical device company specializing in minimally-invasive, regenerative surgical technologies. Through the development of innovative, customized implants, Aurora hopes to become the leader in advanced spinal technologies.
AVACEN Medical
AVACEN Medical is the creator of the AVACEN 100. The AVACEN 100, the world’s first noninvasive, over the counter medical device allowing consumers and patients to increase whole-body circulation from a single convenient treatment location.
Calbiotech
Calbiotech is a world leader in immunoassay development and manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience, the team conducts business with major reference labs, pharmaceutical companies, universities and research centers around the globe.
Deering Banjo Company
Deering Banjo Company is a family-run business and the world’s largest manufacturer of artisan banjos. Started in 1975 by Greg and Janet Deering, the company is well known for its expertly crafted GoodTime™ product line.
ElliptiGO
In 2010, ElliptiGO introduced the world’s first elliptical bicycle to minimize the risks associated with running. Since then, ElliptiGO has become the leader in high-performance elliptical bicycles for professional athletes, NCAA teams and recreational runners alike.
GroundMetrics Inc.
GroundMetrics Inc. is a world leader in electromagnetic sensing, providing oil and gas operators with an unprecedented look at the subsurface. The company’s customized analysis and reporting leads to increased production, improved efficiency and a reduction in wasteful spending.
Hyperikon
Hyperikon sells energy-efficient home improvement solutions, such as LED lighting, in the e-commerce space. The company has grown to become one of the leading U.S.-based LED providers serving the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
INOVA Drone
INOVA Drone develops professional grade, small unmanned aerial system solutions for mission critical applications, with an emphasis on public safety, defense and critical infrastructure inspection.
MANTA Instruments
MANTA helps its customers develop the best nano-enabled products faster and more profitably, by providing state-of-the-art scientific instruments characterization. MANTA’s ViewSizer 3000 measures nanoparticle concentration, size distribution and kinetic processes with a single test.
Ocean Aero
Ocean Aero is the creator of the “Submaran,” an unmanned surface/sub-surface hybrid vessel. Powered by wind and solar energy and capable of months at sea, this robotic marine vessel hosts an array of ocean observational and data recording sensors, making it ideal for a multitude of applications.
Ocean Reef
Ocean Reef invents, designs and produces equipment for diving. Separately, the company’s Nemo’s Garden project is an initiative to create an alternative system of agriculture dedicated to areas where plant growth is difficult.
Rough Draft Brewing Company
Rough Draft Brewing Company is a family-owned microbrewery devoted to creating high quality craft beers that are well balanced and approachable. Rough Draft beers are available in grocery and liquor stores, restaurants and bars and in the company’s local tasting room.
Solatube Worldwide Sales
Solatube Worldwide Sales is an independent LLC and global distributor of Solatube International. Solatube tubular daylighting devices are high-performance, green building components that bring daylight into interior spaces where traditional skylights and windows can’t reach.
VaultRMS
VaultRMS is the creator of Vault Exposure Tracker, a software platform focused on firefighter exposure data. By tracking exposures, the company helps emergency responders get the benefits they need, while building up a data set that will contribute to the advancement of relevant cancer research.
Whova
Whova offers an all-in-one event management solutions for event organizers. By integrating utilities such as online registration, name card printing, onsite check-in and a mobile event app, Whova is revolutionizing event organization and engagement for all parties involved.
AirStrip
AirStrip produces Sense4Baby, a wireless heart rate monitor system for babies and their mothers. The platform was featured in the Apple Watch product launch and enables doctors to remotely monitor patients.
Applied Membranes
Applied Membranes is a manufacturer and distributor of water filtration systems and components that revolve around reverse osmosis technology.
Aventyn
Aventyn is a digital health company specializing in cloud connected clinical information. Its technology provides solutions through medical imaging, analytics and genome reporting for health providers and the pharmaceutical industry.
Bounce Composites
Bounce Composites creates high-quality and durable composite goods for the automotive, wind energy, aerospace and sporting goods industries. Its signature Stand Up paddleboards (Bounce SUP) allow for serious performance and usage while maintaining minimal environmental footprint.
Cypher Genomics
Cypher Genomics works to provide automated genome interpretation at scale for clinical labs, pharmaceutical companies and population genomics efforts. Acquired by Human Longevity in November 2015.
EdgeWave
EdgeWave provides internet security, email security, next generation firewall and network solutions to more than 6,000 companies worldwide. The company partners with tech leaders such as Huawei Technologies to protect the global economy from hackers.
Entra Health
Entra Health offers an FDA Class II software platform, serving as a one-stop shop for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine and mobile health devices. Acquired by CRF Health in July 2016.
IriSys
IriSys is a service provider for biotech and pharmaceutical companies wishing to develop products that meet US regulatory requirements. With a focus on Asia, IriSys acts as a bridge between foreign pharmaceutical firms and the U.S. market.
Portfolium
Portfolium bridges the workforce skills gap by empowering and connecting students with potential job opportunities. Portfolium’s platform provides students and other job seekers the chance to showcase the projects and creations on which they've worked to future employers.
ROBO 3D
ROBO 3D began with the vision of creating a more affordable 3D printer. The company’s product offerings include printer bundles, a specialized drone kit and a slew of custom filaments.
Total Communicator Solution
Total Communicator Solution develops fully integrated mobile marketing communication platforms. Its signature product, SparkCompass, utilizes state-of-the-art beacon technology, enabling the delivery of customized and relevant data for real-time consumer engagement.
VAVi Sport & Social
VAVi Sport & Social has become one of the premier sport league and social event organizers in the nation. Featuring large events such as the Del Mar Mud Run, the Ridiculous Obstacle Course and their flagship event, the WIPEOUT Run, VAVi is replicating their success in Australia and beyond.
Verve Mobile
Verve Mobile provides a dynamic location-based mobile marketing platform to help advertisers connect with consumers on their devices in real-time.
VisionTree
VisionTree has utilized cloud-based systems to become a leader in data collection, workflow integration and cross-platform applications. This has led to improvements in the quality and efficiency of communication, decision making and planning processes within the healthcare system.
Wearable Sensing
Wearable Sensing is creating wearable, wireless and dry sensor EEG brain activity monitoring systems. These systems enable research grade EEG recording in real-world environments, with applications in everything from pro-surfing to robotics to the study of PTSD.
IN FIVE years, MetroConnect HAS SUPPORTED:
80
companies across five cohorts
$890K
in export grants
$95M
net increase in exports
22
new overseas facilities
269
new San Diego jobs
543
new international contracts
COMPANY case studies
- Dr. Bronner’s leverages MetroConnect to generate $1.8M+ in purchase value
- EDDY Pump turns $10K grant into $5 million in exports
- Blue Sky Network turns $5K grant into 36% export increase
program benefits include:
- Up to $30,000 in grant funding
- Expert advising on STEP grant applications (opportunity for additional $5,000)
- Seven executive workshops on export-related topics, including: Market Selection, Complying with Export Controls, Financing Your Exports, Supply Chain Strategies, GDPR and Data Privacy
- Subscription to SystranPRO – machine translation software
- Flight discounts with partner airlines – American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines
- Mentors from multinational corporations in San Diego
- Consultations and support from vetted service providers:
- JPMorgan Chase (banking)
- Procopio (legal)
- RSM (tax/advisory)
- YCP Solidiance (Asia strategy/consulting)
and more! See WTCSD’s full MetroConnect offerings in this FAQ.
Want to learn more about MetroConnect?
We’re always looking for companies interested in sponsoring and helping our network succeed internationally. If you’re a small business that needs assistance exporting, and not quite sure if MetroConnect is right for you, feel free to drop us a line. We’re here to help.
Lucas Coleman
Sr. Manager, WTC; Director, Export Specialty SBDC
MetroConnect Newsletter
Sign up to receive updates on MetroConnect