World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.
We sat down with Laura Mendez, Customer Service Representative at MetroConnect VII finalist Epitope Diagnostics Inc., to discuss the company’s in-vitro diagnostic products and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.
Tell us about Epitope and its mission.
Epitope is dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality, innovative in-vitro diagnostic products. We serve the global research, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, with a strong commitment to addressing the world’s unmet medical needs. Our goal is to be a leading contributor in advancing healthcare solutions worldwide.
Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?
We applied to be in MetroConnect for support as we began our international exporting journey.
The global medical diagnostics market is growing rapidly and competitive, and as a manufacturer of clinical laboratory diagnostic products, Epitope benefits from working across multiple regions. However, the process can be challenging for growing companies like ours, so the resources and support MetroConnect offers are invaluable to promote products of San Diego.
How did MetroConnect help your company?
Thanks to the support provided by the MetroConnect program and the Export SBDC team at WTCSD, Epitope successfully applied for the STEP program and was awarded a grant. This funding has partially covered our participation in trade shows in Dubai and Germany, significantly contributing to our efforts to expand into global markets.
Most importantly, we have continued to receive valuable counseling and mentorship from WTCSD, MetroConnect, and the U.S. Commercial Service. They have been instrumental in assisting us, from connecting with key contacts outside the U.S. for our current registration, to helping us apply for grants through the STEP program to offset trade show costs. With the help, Epitope was able to grow from two shows in 2023 to six shows in 2025.
What is on the horizon for Epitope’s international growth?
Epitope has plans for expansion, and with all our new partnerships, we are confident about the trajectory of our international sales growth. We are moving to a new building in San Diego to accommodate three times more space.
Additionally, we plan to continue exhibiting at trade shows and are likely to attend new ones. This year, we have added four more international shows to our list for promoting our products. Our ongoing strategy focuses on targeting more partners with our innovative products with six patents in Europe, India, the Middle East, and South America.
What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?
Our advice would be to evaluate and understand your market thoroughly. Select the right partners, such as distributors, freight forwarders, or customs brokers, ensuring they are reliable and experienced. Look for partners with local knowledge and expertise in navigating the complexities of the target market. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations as well as those in the export destination.
Thanks to MetroConnect we have been connected with excellent partners and received support throughout this process.
On June 5, Epitope is pitching to win $25,000 toward international growth:
Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!
Like Epitope Diagnostics, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.
The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.