Tag: biotech

The Right to Win: San Diego’s Defense Innovation Roadmap

By EDC Research Bureau,

San Diego leads in autonomous defense tech. EDC Roadmap shows how to scale it.

Backed by new San Diego Defense Council, Defense Innovation Roadmap outlines strategies to move technologies from pilot to production

Today, San Diego Regional EDC released “The Right to Win: San Diego’s Defense Innovation Roadmap,” a diagnostic of the region’s defense economy paired with a Defense Innovation Roadmap to better connect San Diego’s military, research, and industry assets and move more technologies from pilot to production. Developed with New Localism Associates and underwritten by Booz Allen Hamilton, these data-backed tools arrive as Washington pushes the defense industrial base to move faster, produce more, and bring in commercial innovation.

San Diego starts from a position of strength. The region receives an average of $11.6 billion a year in Department of War (DoW) contracts and grants and is home to more than 6,700 defense-related assets—from military installations to primes, startups, and research institutions. The defense ecosystem generated an estimated $61.3 billion in economic impact in FY2025, or 22.2% of regional GRP, according to the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). But the EDC report finds that having these assets is not the same as having a connected innovation ecosystem.

“No region has a stronger right to win in defense innovation than San Diego. We lead the nation in autonomy and sit at the convergence of emerging technology and the military’s most important legacy capabilities. Yet places with far less are moving with more coordination and urgency. This Roadmap gives us the plan to change that. We will always be a proud home to the Navy, and the new San Diego Defense Council—a partnership driven by EDC and SDMAC—will ensure that we are building what it needs next,” said Nikia Clarke, Chief Strategy Officer at San Diego Regional EDC.

The report draws on analysis of DoW contract spending, a survey of more than 750 firms, executive interviews, and an advisory committee of industry and ecosystem leaders.

Key findings

  1. San Diego has one of the nation’s most significant concentrations of defense assets and capabilities.
    The region has more than 6,700 total defense-related assets, including military installations, prime contractors, sub-prime contractors, and research institutions. This concentration of military demand, research, talent, and industry provides a strong foundation for continued defense growth.
  2. San Diego is a national leader in critical defense technologies, with a competitive advantage across multiple domains.
    San Diego ranks #1 nationally in DoW contract obligations for autonomous and unmanned systems, with additional top 10 rankings in maritime and shipbuilding, engineering and technical services, and aircraft and aviation. This breadth of expertise positions the region to lead in developing, integrating, and deploying technologies critical to national defense.
  3. San Diego has the potential to roughly double the number of firms in its defense industrial base.
    More than 7,600 regional companies have yet to engage with the DoW, at least half developing technologies aligned with national defense priorities. Winning average-sized contracts for even half of interested firms in three priority technologies would add roughly $52 million in economic impact.
  4. The region’s biggest opportunity is more than just innovation—it is paving pathways from innovation to adoption to scaling.
    Despite the region’s strengths, 62% of surveyed companies involved with the DoW identified difficulty moving from pilot stage to full-scale production. Expanding access to testing and validation, acquisition expertise, and manufacturing infrastructure will help companies overcome these barriers and scale.
  5. Greater regional coordination is essential to translating San Diego’s defense strengths into investment and economic growth.
    Despite its substantial defense footprint, interviews with industry stakeholders and advisory group discussions highlighted the need for stronger regional coordination around testing access, industry engagement, and advocacy. A unified regional effort can help expand the national perception of San Diego from a military town to a defense innovation powerhouse, attracting new investment, companies, and opportunities for economic growth.

“Washington is asking the defense industrial base to move faster, produce more, and bring in commercial innovation. This report and Roadmap will help our region answer that call with a unified set of priorities. I’ll work with the Navy, my colleagues in Congress, and local partners to make sure San Diego’s needs are heard, from testing infrastructure to workforce, and that our installations and the companies that support them remain central to U.S. national security,” said Congressman Scott Peters.

Strategies for the future

The Roadmap organizes proposed initiatives under three strategies:

  • Catalyze defense innovation: A San Diego Proving Grounds, a coordinated portfolio of air and maritime testing environments; a San Diego Defense Innovation Hub, building on UC San Diego’s FORGE and SDSU’s National Security Hub; and a San Diego Biodefense Consortium linking the region’s life sciences strength to defense health demand.
  • Enable defense production at scale: Ready to Deploy Sites to prepare manufacturing-ready parcels and speed permitting, and a Maritime Modernization Initiative building on the COMPASS coalition and CalSEA to help shipbuilders and suppliers adopt advanced manufacturing.
  • Advance regional advocacy and national positioning: A coordinated advocacy strategy at the federal, state, and regional levels, and a defense marketing strategy with signature activations including an Invest in San Diego experience, a San Diego Unmanned Maritime Systems Gauntlet, and defense-focused trade missions.

To drive implementation, EDC and SDMAC are establishing the San Diego Defense Council, a coordinating body that will advance the Defense Innovation Roadmap’s priorities, identify champions for individual initiatives, align partners and resources, track progress, and unify regional advocacy and marketing efforts.

“San Diego’s defense and innovation ecosystem is one of our region’s greatest economic strengths, and this Defense Innovation Roadmap gives us a shared, data-driven plan to grow it. Through our partnership with the San Diego Regional EDC, SDMAC is proud to help lead the integration of the military, industry, and university communities so that the technologies of tomorrow are developed, tested, and built right here in San Diego,” said David M. Boone, Rear Admiral, Civil Engineers Corps, USN (Retired); President & CEO, SDMAC.

“Too many good technologies stall between a successful pilot and a funded program. Bridging that gap takes more than innovation. It takes integration, acquisition know-how, and relationships on both sides. Companies like Booz Allen who are at the center of the defense tech ecosystem can help emerging companies navigate procurement, meet mission requirements, and plug into larger programs. The Roadmap’s vision for clearer pathways to market gives primes and startups a better way to work together, and gives the Navy and the Department of War a faster route from prototype to capability,” said Jennie Brooks, Executive Vice President at Booz Allen, the report’s underwriter.

“Imagine a founder with an autonomous vessel who can test it on the water this week, put it in front of Navy users next week, and find a production site the week after. That’s the San Diego story. If the region delivers coordinated proving grounds and ready-to-build sites, this becomes the place where defense and maritime companies are founded, proven, and built for decades to come. Seasats is proud to represent what’s possible if we get this moment right,” said Mike Flanigan, Co-Founder & CEO, Seasats—local manufacturer of autonomous surface vessels for defense, commercial, and scientific missions.

Underwritten by Booz Allen, with support from SDMAC, San Diego State University, UC San Diego, New Localism Associates, and the Prebys Foundation, the Defense Innovation Roadmap was released at an event at Firestorm Labs on October 27.

defenseSD.org

Read the report

Mayor Gloria, Rep. Peters to lead WTCSD Japan trade mission to strengthen economic ties in Indo-Pacific

By Bree Burris,

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 expertise in developing and scaling critical technologies, along with its decades–long commitment to the San Diego binational region, make it a natural partner in 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 commercialization through 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 partnerships through meetings with Japan’s federal government agencies and the Port of San Diego, General Dynamics NASSCO, SAIC, and emerging defense technology company Firestorm Labs. 
  • Pitching the 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 Nakanoshima Qross—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 by Ambix 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 

SD-JP data sheet

WTCSD has previously led trade missions to 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
Bree Burris

Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement

Rep. Peters, Mayor Gloria to lead France trade mission to strengthen economic ties with EU

By Bree Burris,

WORLD TRADE CENTER SAN DIEGO CONVENES REGIONAL LEADERS TO HELP SAN DIEGO BUSINESSES EXPAND GLOBALLY, CREATE LOCAL JOBS

In order to foster vital global economic partnerships, Congressman Scott Peters, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD), the international team at San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), are leading a 2025 trade delegation to France. During the September 21–September 26 trade mission, business and civic leaders will promote the region’s key industries and seek to establish and strengthen business relationships across biotechnology, clean energy, maritime technologies, and tourism.

As geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty, and supply chain realignments reshape the global economy, it is more important than ever for San Diego companies and institutions to strengthen ties with trusted partners in Europe. France—home to leading firms in aerospace, life sciences, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing—offers natural synergies with San Diego’s innovation-driven economy. This trade mission aims to open new pathways for collaboration, investment, and market access that will help San Diego businesses remain competitive and resilient in a complex international landscape.

“With years of enduring collaboration between France and the U.S., now is the time to reinforce our regional commitments on the world stage,” said Congressman Scott Peters. “I am eager to join WTCSD on the road—now for the fifth time—to strengthen our global collaboration, drive investments in innovation and R&D, and bolster public-private partnerships across critical industries.”

San Diego and France have shared expertise in knowledge-intensive industries, including biotechnology, aerospace and defense, and clean energy. France is San Diego’s third largest foreign investor, contributing $5.6 billion since 2014. Further, the country’s research institutions have built long-lasting relationships with San Diego’s premier universities including San Diego State University and UC San Diego. France is ranked third in Europe for R&D spending, with the Paris region ranking first worldwide for FDI in R&D and corporate projects.

Companies have also capitalized on these synchronicities. On the heels of its acquisition of San Diego-based Inhibrx, France’s largest life sciences company Sanofi announced its commitment to invest at least $20 billion in the U.S. by 2030. French aerospace giant Safran also calls San Diego home, with aerospace jobs making up nearly one-fifth of the region’s innovation employment.

Boasting one of the cleanest energy grids in Europe and producing more than half of the European Union’s nuclear energy, France is also home to the ITER fusion energy project—the largest international scientific collaboration in the world. As the project aims to create fusion energy at power plant scale, San Diego-based General Atomics is one of its largest contributors, fabricating the world’s most powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet for ITER.

“San Diego is an undeniable force in the global marketplace, and our future prosperity depends on strengthening those ties,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “From pandas returning to the Zoo to nonstop flights to Amsterdam to new tech jobs here at home, global engagement is delivering real results for San Diegans. I’m proud to continue this work alongside World Trade Center San Diego and Congressman Scott Peters, and to celebrate our new Sister City partnership with Marseille“

Over the five-day trade mission in Paris, Marseille, and Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, San Diego will look to build lasting institutional relationships and attract foreign investment in industries critical to the future.

Agenda items include:

  • The celebration of key partnerships including a new San Diego-Marseille Sister City Agreement; an MOU between life sciences trade organizations Eurobiomed and Biocom; and agreements for France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique to place leading researchers at San Diego State University and UC San Diego.
  • Opportunities to showcase San Diego’s innovation economy and major regional development projects to foreign investors.
  • Ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, tours and meetings with the organizers of the Paris Olympics for a best-practices discussion on infrastructure, tourism, and economic development.
  • Meeting and tour of ITER, where General Atomics’ recently-completed central solenoid magnet will be housed—a significant accomplishment for San Diego and clean energy innovation.
  • Formal meetings with major entities with investment interests in both countries, including Sanofi, LVMH Group, Dentons, and the Port of Marseille.

“As the rules of global commerce continue to shift rapidly, San Diego firms of all sizes need strong partnerships to navigate this moment,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of World Trade Center San Diego and chief strategy officer at San Diego Regional EDC. “That’s why we lead trade missions as a region—with a diverse cross-sector delegation of both the region’s largest and smallest employers working together to find opportunity in uncertainty.”

Delegates will participate in upwards of 15 meetings over the course of the trade mission, sharing best practices and driving business connectivity across many verticals. The nearly three dozen San Diego delegates include representatives from ASML, Ambix Ventures, Cubic Transportation Systems, General Atomics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and smaller businesses including French Bio Beach, GEN2X, and La Jolla Labs. Also in attendance are delegates from key agencies, academic institutions, and civic organizations such as the Port of San Diego, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, SoCal French American Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Tourism Authority, Biocom, San Diego State University, University of California Office of the President, UC San Diego, and others

The trade mission is organized by World Trade Center San Diego, the international team at EDC, with assistance and support provided by the U.S. Embassy in France, the SoCal French-American Chamber of Commerce, and Dentons Paris, and sponsorship by Qualcomm, Ambix Ventures, General Atomics, and San Diego Tourism Authority.

Learn more about France and San Diego’s connection here, and follow along during the trade mission: #SDinFR. 

SD-FR data sheet

WTCSD has previously led trade missions to Singapore, South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Vancouver, and more.

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
Bree Burris

Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement