A look at San Diego’s top headlines…
As we close out the year (and decade!) in San Diego, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the ‘good news’ about our region’s companies, leaders, institutions, and more. Keep reading below for a recap of this year’s top stories, and check out the full edition here.
Here’s to creating a more prosperous San Diego in the next decade.
-Team EDC
Together, San Diego leaders work to create a more inclusive regional economy
While the growth of our innovation economy has created tremendous opportunities, it has also perpetuated systemic inequities within our region. This year, we saw more companies, elected officials, and organizations make an active effort to build a more inclusive SD.
Local colleges add new programs, receive national accolades and funding
The region’s higher education system is integral for building a quality talent. This year, we saw more universities and colleges lean in to support a regional goal of 20,000 new skilled workers by 2030, while also earning recognition for new programs and accomplishments.
A great year for San Diego’s tech pioneer
Things are looking good for Qualcomm. This year, the tech giant took the no. 1 spot on Fortune’s Change the World List for connecting us all and bringing 5G to the globe. As part of its legal settlement, Qualcomm signed a six-year licensing deal with Apple. Following the announcement, Qualcomm stocks climbed 20 percent, marking the stock’s best day since 1999.
San Diego companies earn nearly $2 billion in VC funding
In 2019, San Diego saw 99 VC deals totaling nearly $2 billion (up to Q3). Majority of the VC transactions were concentrated in our local life sciences and healthcare sector, garnering $819 million in funds via 37 deals, followed by the tech sector with 27 deals. Since 1995, healthcare has consistently drawn the bulk of VC dollars into the region.
Global companies, startups and ‘unicorns’ make moves to San Diego
While the majority of our economic growth is going to come from companies already in the region, it’s always a good sign when firms relocate or open a new office in San Diego. This year, we saw some new names establish strongholds in the region, as well as existing companies, double-down on their presence.
San Diego tops national charts
2019 proved that San Diego was no stranger to some of the most coveted national rankings. From our vibrant startup ecosystem to our award-winning airport, high-level publications and organizations recognized what makes San Diego truly life-changing.
CONNECT joins forces with San Diego Venture Group
Two regional powerhouses with similar missions – to propel early-stage startups in San Diego – joined forces. This move brought forth a more resourceful, unified entity within San Diego, utilizing CONNECT’s reputation for supporting small, emerging tech companies mixed with SDVG’s impressive connections to VC investors.
San Diego welcomes new regional leaders
This year, influential organizations throughout the region brought on new leaders to spearhead their efforts.
San Diego celebrates 250 years!
In July 2019, City of San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and a group of representatives from the Kumeyaay nation gathered for a ceremony honoring San Diego’s 250th anniversary. The event took place at Old Town’s Presidio Park, marking the birthplace of San Diego and also commemorating the location where California began.
San Diego Integration Pilot Program (IPP) hits new milestones
San Diego is currently one of 10 state, local, and tribal governments to participate in the Integration Pilot Program, which allows our region to be at the forefront of an industry that is expected to reach a $43 billion market value by 2024. This year, the program – managed by EDC in collaboration with the City of San Diego – achieved new milestones.