Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of October 2, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Looking to expand into Mexico’s advanced manufacturing market? Join WTCSD and GO-Biz for an informational webinar on participating in the California Pavilion at Expo Manufactura 2027, where California companies can learn about market opportunities in Mexico and meet potential buyers and partners.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of September 25, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
WTCSD case study: NEET®SHEETS wins $9K in grants toward Latin America expansion
NEET®SHEETS is an ergonomic bed linen company servicing hospitality and healthcare workers. With support from World Trade Center San Diego, the woman- and BIPOC-owned small business secured $8,824 in total grants to support its expansion into Latin American and Caribbean markets. Through the MetroConnect export accelerator program, the company received $5,000 to identify priority markets and distributors, followed by a $3,824 STEP grant to develop English and Spanish marketing materials, a promotional video, and sample boxes for prospective distributors.
In March, I wrote that San Diego needed to play offense in an uncertain global economy. We committed to leading with data, deepening trusted partnerships, and positioning our region for investment in the industries where we have distinct strengths.
Earlier this month, we brought that commitment to Japan.
Joined by Mayor Todd Gloria, Congressman Scott Peters, and leaders from across San Diego’s business and research community, World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) led our most ambitious trade mission yet: three major cities, five days, and more than 25 meetings and programs across Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka.
We returned with promising opportunities and partners already preparing to visit San Diego to advance them.
Why Japan matters
Japan has contributed $7.6 billion in foreign direct investment to San Diego since 2015, making it one of our region’s most important investment partners. Companies such as Kyocera have invested here for decades, supporting engineering, advanced manufacturing, and connections to global supply chains. Our universities and research institutions maintain relationships that expand what we can accomplish here at home.
Those ties provide a foundation for the next generation of collaboration. As the United States and Japan seek to strengthen industrial capacity and advance critical technologies, San Diego has much to contribute. We designed this trade mission around areas where those priorities intersect with our strengths, and where Japanese partners bring complementary capabilities.
We began in Yokohama, San Diego’s first and longest-standing Sister City, ahead of our 70th anniversary next year. Mayor Gloria’s address to the Yokohama City Council reaffirmed a relationship that has connected our communities across generations. That history of trust matters when asking partners to build something new together.
Some of our most consequential discussions focused on shipbuilding and maritime industrial collaboration.
The United States wants to expand its capacity to build and maintain ships, but longstanding challenges in workforce, infrastructure, and production make that difficult. San Diego brings a substantial maritime economy, major shipbuilding and repair operations, and emerging capabilities in autonomous systems, while Japan brings deep expertise in ship design, manufacturing, and industrial processes.
Our meetings with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) and the Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) explored how those strengths could work together.
The enthusiasm of our Japanese counterparts stood out. Partners were eager to understand what San Diego could offer and to bring a substantial contingent of decision-makers here to continue the discussion. A win: MLIT plans to lead a reverse trade mission to San Diego this November.
San Diego State University is an important part of this opportunity. Building on its ship design capabilities and agreement with South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries, stronger ties with Japanese industry could help establish new expertise with global reach right here in our region. For a university that recently achieved R1 research status and is developing its Mission Valley Innovation District, the possibilities extend across education, research, and industry.
This is where deliberate economic development can make a difference: Recognizing a national need, organizing our regional strengths, and bringing the right partners to the table.
Opening doors for investment and innovation
Our “Spotlight on San Diego” investment attraction event brought together 220 attendees, including executives from SoftBank, Mitsubishi Electric, Sumitomo Pharma, and dozens of other Japanese companies with the experience and capacity to make substantial investments in our region.
What struck me was the caliber of decision-makers in the room and the opportunity to put San Diego directly in front of companies capable of shaping our region’s next chapter.
We also opened doors for small businesses and startups building their international presence. WTCSD’s MetroConnect companies pitched at Kyocera’s R&D Center, while San Diego life sciences companies shared their breakthroughs in the heart of Osaka’s biomedical cluster.
Meetings at the University of Osaka and Nakanoshima Qross created opportunities to deepen connections among life sciences researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.
In semiconductors, we explored how San Diego’s strengths in chip design and edge AI could complement Japan’s manufacturing and materials expertise. At Kyoto Fusioneering, discussions with General Atomics and UC San Diego focused on the partnerships and infrastructure needed to move fusion toward commercial use.
There were lessons to bring home, too. Our exchange with Mori Building offered a firsthand look at how Tokyo integrates density, green space, mobility, and culture into ambitious urban development. And conversations with Japan Airlines continued the case for expanded connectivity, building on daily service between San Diego and Tokyo.
The work continues in San Diego
The value of this trade mission will grow through sustained engagement. November’s maritime delegation will give Japanese partners a closer look at our assets and an opportunity to refine practical areas of collaboration. In early February, we will invite attendees from the Spotlight on San Diego event to a follow-on event here at home to explore investment opportunities firsthand.
Our goal is to turn these relationships into investment in San Diego, new business for local companies, and capabilities that support good jobs for years to come.
These efforts will also inform our broader direction. On November 17 at BCG, we invite you to join the launch of WTCSD’s updated ‘Go Global: Trade & Investment Strategy.’ The first iteration, released in 2015, helped shape a decade of international economic development for San Diego. This next chapter will help set our course for the decade ahead.
As we do that work, we want to hear from you. Share your ideas, your successes, and the challenges shaping your decisions. Help us understand the economy through your eyes. Great economic development depends on that exchange and on our ability to turn what we learn into action.
Japan reinforced my confidence in what San Diego can accomplish. We have capabilities the world needs and partners eager to work with us. Our responsibility now is to sustain that momentum and turn it into lasting opportunity for the people and businesses who call this region home.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of September 18, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Case study: Harland Brewing expands into 7-Eleven Japan with WTCSD support
With support from World Trade Center San Diego, San Diego-based Harland Brewing leveraged MetroConnect‘s export consulting resources to update its marketing strategy, deepen its distributor relationships, and land new placements—ultimately expanding its brews into 7-Eleven locations across Japan.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of September 11, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Looking to expand into Mexico’s advanced manufacturing market? Join WTCSD amd GO-Biz for an informational webinar on participating in the California Pavilion at Expo Manufactura 2027, where California companies can learn about market opportunities and meet potential buyers and partners.
WORLD TRADE CENTER SAN DIEGO CONVENES REGIONAL DELEGATION TO CREATE LOCAL JOBS, EXPAND SAN DIEGO GLOBAL IDENTITY
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria,Congressman Scott Peters, and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)—the international team at San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC)—are leading a 2026 trade delegation to Japan. During the September 7–11 trade mission, business, civic, and academic leaders will build partnerships across defense and maritime dual-use technologies, AI and semiconductors, life sciences, and urban development.
As trade policy uncertainty reshapes the global economy, it is more important than ever for San Diego companies and institutions to strengthen ties with trusted international partners. Japan—San Diego’s second-largest foreign investor and a global leader in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, robotics, shipbuilding, life sciences, and emerging technologies—offers significant opportunities for collaboration with San Diego’s innovation economy. This trade mission will explore new pathways for investment, market access, research collaboration, and business connectivity while reinforcing San Diego’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.
“San Diego is open for business, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we show up and build relationships around the world,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “WTCSD trade missions create opportunities to attract investment, support job growth, and open new markets for San Diego businesses. Japan is one of our most important global partners, and as we approach 70 years of friendship between San Diego and Yokohama, we are building on that relationship to bring new investment, partnerships and opportunities home to our region.”
“Now is the time to identify the right global partners to build the future together. Japan’s complementary expertisein developing and scaling critical technologies, along with its decades–long commitment to the San Diego binational region, make it a natural partnerin this moment.That’s why we’re returning for our second trade mission to Japan in a decade, to turn momentum into impact here at home,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of WTCSD and chief strategy officer at EDC.
Over the five-day trade mission in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, the delegation will pursue new business and institutional partnerships and showcase San Diego as a destination for investment.
Agenda items include:
Celebrating 70 years of a Sister City partnership between San Diego and Yokohama, including a special address by Mayor Gloria to the Yokohama City Council and meetings with Yokohama’s city council president and other leadership—among other elected officials across the country.
A visit to the U.S. Naval Base at Yokosuka, the largest naval base outside of the U.S., with deep ties to San Diego
Advancing semiconductor and AI collaboration through meetings with Japanese industry and academic leaders—including Kyocera, RISE-A, and Yokohama Hardtech Hub—focused on pairing San Diego’s semiconductor design and edge AI strengths with Japan’s manufacturing and materials expertise.
Driving fusion energy commercializationthrough a visit to Kyoto Fusioneering, a tour of the University of Osaka’s Institute of Laser Engineering, and discussions with General Atomics, UC San Diego, and Japanese partners on the technologies, infrastructure, and talent needed to commercialize fusion energy.
Strengthening maritime and shipbuilding partnershipsthrough meetings with Japan’s federal government agenciesand the Port of San Diego, General Dynamics NASSCO, SAIC, and emerging defense technology company Firestorm Labs.
Pitchingthe San Diego binational region for investment at a Tokyo investment summit spotlighting opportunities in dual-use technology, real estate, and R&D on both sides of the border for an audience of investment-ready companies.
Deepening cooperation with Japan’s life sciences ecosystem through meetings at Osaka University and NakanoshimaQross—a next-generation innovation hub bringing together hospitals, startups, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, investors, and government—together with Biocom, San Diego R&D leaders, and investors.
Delegates will participate in more than a dozen meetings, site visits, and networking events throughout the trade mission. The 40+ member, cross-sector San Diego delegation includes representatives from leading innovators Qualcomm, ASML, General Atomics, General Dynamics NASSCO, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Mitsubishi Electric Ventures; growing startups Firestorm Labs, La Jolla Labs, Artis BioSolutions, AquaPoro Technologies, and ActivBody; public and civic leaders from the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Tijuana EDC, SANDAG, San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Biocom; research institutions UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; and more.
“The U.S. is stronger when we work with trusted allies to build more resilient supply chains, strengthen our industrial base, and stay ahead in the technologies that will define our future,” said Congressman Scott Peters. “From shipbuilding and maritime capacity to semiconductors, defense, and fusion energy, this trade mission is about turning strong U.S.-Japan relationships into real economic and national security outcomes for San Diego and the country.”
The trade mission is organized by World Trade Center San Diego, the international team at EDC, with support provided by the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and sponsorship byAmbix Ventures, Ganmi Corporation, Alaska Airlines, SAIC, and San Diego State University.
Learn more about Japan and San Diego’s connection here, and follow along during the trade mission: #SDinJP
WTCSD has previously led trade missionsto France, Singapore, South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Vancouver, and more.This marks WTCSD’s second trade mission to Japan in the past decade.
About World Trade Center San Diego World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) is the international team within San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC). WTCSD works to further San Diego’s global competitiveness by building an export pipeline, attracting and retaining foreign investment, and increasing San Diego’s global profile abroad. WTCSD.org
For media queries or other questions, contact:
Bree Burris
Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of September 4, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Join us for Summer Bash and celebrate the innovation ecosystem that makes San Diego a top 10 science and technology cluster worldwide! In partnership with Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Novo Brazil Brewing, enjoy meaningful networking, live music, tacos, and drinks—all at Casa at Campus Point by Alexandria.
EDC’s Inclusive Growth blog series highlights and celebrates local companies helping drive economic progress toward San Diego’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.
Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals for San Diego related to increasing: 1) the supply of talent, 2) quality small business jobs, and 3) newly thriving households. The goals inform San Diego’s economic priorities and make the business case for economic inclusion.
Regional talent demand remains high
To maintain economic competitiveness, the region needs 20,000 students per year completing post-secondary education within six years of graduating high school.
Talent scarcity has become the new normal as the fastest-growing occupations in San Diego typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Compounding this challenge, student success is demographically uneven in the San Diego region. Despite making up 36% of the region’s workforce in 2024, Hispanics and Latinos only account for 23% of post-secondary degree earners in San Diego.
The workforce of tomorrow is not represented in San Diego’s growing economy; employer-led talent development and retention efforts are critical to the future of San Diego’s economy. ASML is among those working toward a solution.
ASML is a global innovation leader in the semiconductor industry, providing chipmakers with the hardware, software, and services needed to produce advanced microchips. Those chips power the technologies we rely on every day, from smartphones and artificial intelligence to healthcare devices and clean energy solutions. ASML’s mission is to unlock the potential of people and society by advancing technology to shape a better future. In San Diego, that means not only growing its footprint, but also investing in the talent, education, and community partnerships that help our region thrive.
Inspiring interest, building opportunity
The semiconductor industry depends on a highly skilled workforce, and demand for STEM talent continues to grow faster than supply. Like all technology companies, ASML looks to recruit and retain top engineers, software developers, technicians, and other specialized professionals to sustain and advance its R&D and advanced manufacturing operations.
At the same time, the company recognizes that some students do not have many opportunities to learn about what a STEM career could look like for them. Lack of exposure, access, and professional networks can create barriers long before students begin making career decisions.
Addressing these challenges requires a long-term strategy. Talent development starts by inspiring curiosity and confidence in students well before they reach college or even high school age. That’s why ASML focuses on expanding access to STEM education, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities early on, particularly for priority students.
With partners including schools, nonprofits, and others in industry, ASML is helping create more pathways for local students to discover STEM careers and ultimately leverage technology to contribute to solving some of society’s key challenges, in San Diego and elsewhere.
Shared responsibility and intentional actions to support local talent
At ASML, talent development is viewed as a shared responsibility. As the company’s San Diego presence has grown, employing more than 2,000 locally, ASML has intentionally expanded its Community Partnership Program to strengthen the local STEM ecosystem and help create future talent pathways.
Since launching the program in 2023, ASML has grown its local portfolio to 10 active grants valued at $8 million, supporting organizations that will reach more than 25,000 students through K-12 STEM education, college readiness, career exploration, and workforce development programs.
ASML’s education partnerships span the student journey, from early science education programs with organizations like Science Delivered and the Children’s Museum of Discovery, to STEM learning with Ocean Discovery Institute and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. ASML also supports career readiness through Project Next, which introduces students to local employers and helps them explore education and career pathways. Through visits to ASML, students can meet employees, tour the facilities, and see firsthand what a future in STEM could look like.
ASML employees also play a direct role in the Community Partnership Program through volunteering, mentoring, and matching gifts. Last year alone, ASML San Diego employees contributed more than 2,500 volunteer hours in the community.
Why an investment in EDC
ASML values EDC as a trusted convener and partner that brings together industry, education, government, and community leaders around the issues that matter most to San Diego’s future.
“Through EDC’s events, working groups, research, and leadership forums, we gain valuable insights into regional workforce trends, economic development priorities, and opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to inclusive growth.” — Karen Reinhardt, US Head of HR, ASML
The partnership helps ensure that ASML remains connected to the broader needs of the community while contributing to conversations and initiatives that strengthen San Diego’s innovation economy for the long term.
Join the movement
Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers scaling innovative and intentional solutions. Major employers like ASML are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy. Join us:
Endorse the goals, and be part of the change San Diego’s economy demands
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of August 28, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
San Diego continues to add jobs, but growth remains uneven
EDC’s Q2 Economic Snapshot revealed that while healthcare and hospitality accounted for most added jobs, innovation-sector employment remains below its 2022 peak. At the same time, startups saw $1.6 billion in venture capital and office markets showed signs of shifting demand.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of August 21, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
San Diego’s summer is just getting started—join us Sept. 23 at Casa at Campus Point by Alexandria to celebrate everything that makes this region life-changing! With a few hundred of our closest friends, we’ll enjoy live music and local food and drinks at EDC’s seventh annual Summer Bash.
