Aquacycl wins $25K MetroConnect export grand prize

World Trade Center San Diego and 150+ voting audience award $25K for international expansion

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)—home of the region’s Export Small Business Development Center—named Aquacycl, which provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to reduce costs and environmental impact, as the winner of the MetroConnect export accelerator program, now in its seventh year. Made possible through a grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Booz Allen Hamilton, and Deloitte, Aquacycl will use the $25,000 award to expand its presence in Europe and Mexico with its patented BETT system and micro-aeration solutions.

“In a volatile time for global trade, the results of MetroConnect’s seventh cohort are impressive and proof of the importance of international expansion for small- and mid-sized companies,” said Lucas Coleman, director of WTCSD. 

“Our Grand Prize winner Aquacycl embodies the strength of San Diego’s innovation economy, leveraging our excellence in clean technology on an international stage. Whether it’s streamlining customs processes, identifying, and securing reliable distributors, or cultivating leads in India, Turkey, and the UK amid economic uncertainty, we know that connectivity to international markets grows jobs and business resilience here at home.”

Escondido-based Aquacycl beat out three other finalists in MetroConnect VII, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch. The grand prize-winning company was decided via real-time audience vote during the Grand Prize PitchFest event June 5 at The Alexandria. Prior to this, a committee of senior international business leaders in San Diego helped the WTCSD team nominate these top performers, out of the initial 15-company cohort.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In seven years, MetroConnect has helped 110 local, small and mid-sized businesses generate a net increase of $106 million in international sales, 552 international contracts, and 28 overseas facilities. Cohort companies have seen on average 66 percent export growth and 45 percent revenue growth. This international growth has coincided with 357 new hires here in the San Diego region.

Each cohort year, WTCSD selects 15 export-ready small businesses to receive $5,000 export grants, access to executive workshops, translation software, travel perks with international airlines flying out of SAN, and a chance to win a $25,000 grand prize to aid in further international market expansion. Applications for year eight of the MetroConnect program are now open through August 1, 2025. Interested small- and medium-sized companies that are looking to pursue international sales as a near-term priority or already exporting its goods or services may apply here.

apply at MetroconnectSD.org

GLOBAL CONNECTION IN CHANGING TIMES

Changes at the federal level have drastically shifted the rhetoric around global trade, but the truth remains. According to The World Bank, countries that trade internationally enjoy more economic growth, are more innovative and productive, and can provide more opportunities to citizens. San Diego is no exception—regional small businesses that export tend to have a larger and more diversified customer base, pick up best practices from global competitors, build up economies of scale, and ultimately pay their employees more. Access to international customers and markets is essential in helping San Diego boost resilience, as small businesses employ nearly 60 percent of San Diegans.

”We’re incredibly honored to be named this year’s MetroConnect Grand Prize Winner,” said Orianna Bretschger, CEO and Founder at Aquacycl. “The program has been instrumental in accelerating our international growth strategy, helping us expand into new markets while navigating complex export logistics and regulations. This recognition validates the critical role water reuse and decentralized wastewater solutions play in building a more sustainable future.”

“For over a decade, JPMorgan Chase and MetroConnect have partnered to help San Diego businesses grow globally and innovate boldly,” said Aaron Ryan, Managing Director for San Diego Middle Market Banking at program underwriter JPMorgan Chase. “We’re living in a new era of uncertainty, and navigating complex global markets takes the right support. San Diego’s businesses are rising to the challenge, and we’re proud to help them seize opportunities on the world stage.”

WTCSD hosted its MetroConnect Grand Prize PitchFest on June 5, with remarks by Nikia Clarke, Executive Director, WTCSD; Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego; Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, Co-founders, Nixon; and program underwriter Michael Monroe, Principal, Director of Data Science, Booz Allen, among others.

WTCSD maintains year-round support for global expansion through its Export Specialty Small Business Development Center and international trade missions.

learn more

MetroConnect Spotlight: Surf Loch

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 Ranney Lochtefeld, a partner at MetroConnect VII finalist Surf Loch, to discuss the company’s artificial wave pools and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Surf Loch and its mission.

Surf Loch is a company based in San Diego, 

California that specializes in designing and building surf pools and wave-generating technology for surfing. We are utilize highly-controllable pneumatic wave generating technology (compressed air and vacuum) to create quality surfing waves, just like the ocean and design and engineer the underlying technology that makes man-made surfing lagoons possible, offering controlled and repeatable waves for surfers of all levels, anywhere away from the ocean. 

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in MetroConnect to optimize our international exporting. Being able to competitively export our products to minimize customs duties has proven difficult, as we utilize many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that can be purchased in-country, but our specialty expertise is assembling them together and providing our software to connect everything.  

Determining the mix between ‘services’ exports and ‘durable goods’ exports with our integrated systems adds a layer of complexity to our export process but also opens opportunities to minimize taxable duty. 

How did MetroConnect help your company?

Our company was unaware of all the support, grant, and mentorship opportunities that were available to us before our introduction to the MetroConnect program. The program has been an invaluable resource for us to help navigate the complex world of international exports.  

We appreciate the resources they have put together and the way they make it easy for us to have a one-stop shop to find the resources we need to effectively sell our products and services abroad. We intend on using the contacts made and resources made available in the future as we continue to expand our global footprint.

What is on the horizon for Surf Loch’s international growth?

The international expansion of the surf pool market is growing rapidly. We believe that there is a strong market for our products and services abroad and we are actively expanding our business in Europe, MENA, and Brazil. We intend on continuing to utilize the resources made available to us from the MetroConnect program for years to come.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

Ensure that you understand the regulatory compliance requirements of where you are exporting to, and whether you will be subject to domestic licensing or reporting requirements.  

Before starting the program, we were unaware that there were so many potential export requirements we could be subject to, so the MetroConnect program was very helpful in providing information on these topics. 


Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

PlusLearn 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.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Aquacycl

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 Orianna Bretschger, CEO of MetroConnect VII finalist Aquacycl, to discuss the company’s industrial wastewater treatment and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Aquacycl and its mission.

Aquacycl provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to help companies reduce operational costs, mitigate climate impacts, and support healthy watersheds and communities worldwide. Our products and services guarantee permit compliance, greenhouse gas mitigation, reliable performance in variable production environments, and operational savings.

Aquacycl is revolutionizing the treatment of challenging industrial wastes generated from food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical facilities, with a total serviceable market opportunity approaching $100 billion, and our existing clients include PepsiCo and other global enterprises in food, beverage, and chemical production.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

Aquacycl applied to be in MetroConnect for the wide variety of business resources and export support the program provides. We hoped to expand our international presence, particularly in Mexico and Europe, where industrial water challenges are rapidly growing and sustainability regulations are tightening.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

As a growing company, the support and resources MetroConnect has provided have been invaluable. For example, we were able to use the program’s grant in order to cover some of the broker fees associated with the export of our system into Mexico.

We also leveraged MetroConnect to access valuable international business resources that helped us strengthen our export readiness and better navigate the complexities of international shipping and compliance.

What is on the horizon for Aquacycl’s international growth?

Aquacycl intends to accelerate sales in the EU due to the region’s increasingly strict regulatory framework and emphasis on circular economic initiatives. We will also continue to grow sales within the tequila and mezcal distilling regions of Mexico to help customers avoid business risk through water reuse initiatives.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

The advice we would give other companies beginning to grow internationally is to understand and take advantage of the suite of great resources MetroConnect offers. We also recommend companies keep export manifests short and simple to speed up inspections and avoid extra shipping or border fees.


Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

PlusLearn 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.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Sunday Golf

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 Ronan Galvin, co-owner of MetroConnect VII finalist Sunday Golf, to discuss the company’s modern golf gear and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Sunday Golf and its mission.

Sunday Golf operates in the golf industry with a mission to remind the world that life is meant to be enjoyed. Our core focus is designing the best golf bags that match any style of play—whether you’re heading to a par 3 course, the driving range, a simulator, or a full course. We also offer options tailored for kids.

Our brand stands out by being more relatable than aspirational, connecting with the everyday golfer in a fun and approachable way.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in the MetroConnect program for support exporting internationally. Sunday Golf currently exports to the UK, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—markets chosen for their robust golf culture and demand.

Exporting is critical for us as it dramatically expands our opportunity to share our products and mission worldwide, but it can come with challenges such as gaining access to new markets and identifying reliable distributors. Our goal in applying for the MetroConnect program was to leverage their resources and advice as we continued to grow.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

The MetroConnect program has played a pivotal role in our international expansion. It enabled us to exhibit at the PGA Show, where we connected with key distributors. We also hosted our Australian distributor in San Diego, further strengthening our relationship. And we are strongly considering exhibiting or visiting the Japan Golf show next March.

Through the U.S. Commercial Service, a key MetroConnect partner, we were introduced to valuable contacts in new foreign markets. As a result, we secured international distribution agreements with Grand Trading (Canada), Vin Distribution (Southeast Asia), and Second Chance (UK/Western Europe).

The foundational export strategy and mentorship provided by WTCSD have been game-changing.

What is on the horizon for Sunday Golf’s international growth?

Over the next year, Sunday Golf will continue strengthening relationships and growing sales in our current international markets. A key focus will be identifying and securing distribution partners in untapped regions such as Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and potentially Latin America. We also plan to increase participation in international trade shows and further invest in our digital marketing efforts to support global growth.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

For companies looking to expand internationally, we strongly recommend leveraging WTCSD and its mentorship programs. As a small, bootstrapped company, WTCSD has been invaluable in helping us to grow our business internationally and create more jobs in San Diego.

With MetroConnect’s support, Sunday Golf was able to go from $0 in international revenue to $1M in forecasted international revenue in just one year. We would not be where we are today without the program.


Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

PlusLearn 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.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Epitope Diagnostics

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.


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.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

PlusLearn 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.

World Trade Center San Diego’s 2024 Annual Report

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD), the international affiliate of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the regional leader on trade and investment, cultivates a pipeline of export-ready firms, maximizes foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities, and enhances San Diego’s global identity. In WTCSD’s 2024 Annual Report, see how we helped San Diego companies participate in a globally connected economy to create quality local jobs, and make the San Diego region more prosperous, competitive, and resilient.

WTCSD’S CORE PILLARS

  • Exports: Supporting exporters creates quality jobs and builds resiliency in small businesses. WTCSD grows regional exports by facilitating sustainable connections to customers and markets for local firms.
  • Investment: Foreign investment strengthens competitive industry clusters and enables the expansion of local companies. WTCSD assists investing companies and supports international air service expansion.
  • Global Identity: A strong global reputation for innovation makes the region more competitive and connected. WTCSD communicates the impact of global trends on the regional economy and stewards relationships with the markets that matter most for growth.

Exports

Priority: As the region’s Export Specialty Small Business Development Center (SBDC), WTCSD cultivates a pipeline of export-ready firms, and supports these companies in their efforts to grow in international markets.

  • WTCSD kicked off its seventh MetroConnect cohort, awarding 15 San Diego companies in tech, life sciences, and consumer goods $175,000 in grants and equipping them with translation software and workshops to access international markets.

  • Export SBDC at WTCSD supported 120 companies via one-on-one counseling and webinars, including helping San Diego companies win $39,476 in STEP funding for export activities.

Investment

Priority: Maximize foreign investment opportunities for the region by building and institutionalizing linkages with strategic markets abroad, as well as better leveraging local companies, partners, and assets.

  • Following WTCSD’s 2022 Netherlands trade mission, San Diego International Airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced a new direct flight between San Diego and Amsterdam, with thrice-weekly service starting May 2025.

  • WTCSD capitalized on the influx of foreign life sciences companies visiting San Diego during the 2024 BIO Convention by hosting an Invest in San Diego breakfast, with more than 100 global attendees heard remarks from Mayor Todd Gloria, WTCSD’s Executive Director Nikia Clarke, and leaders from Neurocrine, Avidity, Eli Lilly, and Element Biosciences.

Global Identity

Priority: Enhance the San Diego region’s reputation and visibility to underpin investment retention and attraction efforts, as well as global connectivity goals.

  • Representative Scott Peters, Councilmember Raul Campillo, and WTCSD led 2024’s trade mission to Singapore. The binational delegation of business and civic leaders promoted San Diego’s key industries, established and strengthened business relationships across biotechnology, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and urban infrastructure.

  • Following WTCSD’s 2023 trade mission to South Korea, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong-yeon Kim visited San Diego as part of a weeklong tour of California, where he toured UC San Diego, Illumina, Biocom, and threw out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game. WTCSD supported the Korean government’s efforts to arrange a meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom. 

READ THE FULL WTCSD 2024 ANNUAL REPORT


GET INVOLVED

WTCSD’s Q2 Global Brief: San Diego boosts international connectivity

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q2 2024, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

California, Gyeonggi Province sign MOU for collaboration

During WTCSD’s trade mission to South Korea last fall, Mayor Todd Gloria delivered a letter from Governor Newsom to Gyeonggi Province’s Governor Kim, inviting him to visit California and sign an MOU between the two regions. In May, Governor Kim did right by the invitation and joined Governor Newsom in Sacramento to sign the MOU that outlines three years of collaboration to foster trade relations, advance climate goals, and promote people-to-people exchanges among academics, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. The South Korean Governor also expanded on local partnerships and spent a week in San Diego visiting UC San Diego, Illumina, Biocom, as well as Mayor Gloria.
➝ Read More About the Partnership

Samsung Semiconductor expands San Diego footprint

Together with Mayor Todd Gloria and the Chamber, EDC and WTCSD celebrated the opening of Samsung Semiconductor‘s customer engagement office in San Diego. The company currently employs 200 San Diegans with plans for additional growth in its new Del Mar office and beyond. The expansion follows last year’s WTCSD trade mission to South Korea where Mayor Gloria and more than 30 delegates visited Samsung Biologics and other tech giants to strengthen relationships with the strategically important innovation cluster.
➝ Read More

MetroConnect alum Novo Brazil Brewing inks five-year licensing agreement with Padres

Nova Easy Kombucha, renowned for its innovative and flavorful kombucha offerings, has partnered with the San Diego Padres for a brand new City Connect-themed hard kombucha, which is available at multiple locations within Petco Park. The five-year agreement not only enhances the game day experience but also underscores Nova’s commitment to community engagement and growth in San Diego.
➝ Read More

San Diego News

Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.


You might also like:

WTCSD’s Q1 Global Brief: Spotlighting San Diego’s global growth

Each month, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q4 2023, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

WTCSD unveils MetroConnect VII export accelerator cohort

Together with Mayor Todd Gloria and underwriters Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., WTCSD announced the 15 companies named to MetroConnect VII, which helps local, small- and mid-sized businesses build resilience by facilitating increased sales in global markets. From strategic and health technology to consumer goods, the multi-industry cohort will have access to a suite of resources to support expansion into international markets, including up to $30,000 in grant funding.
➝ Meet the Companies

Following trade mission, Dutch TNO establishes first North American office in San Diego

Following its Urban Strategy predictive modeling platform demonstration during WTCSD’s 2022 Netherlands trade mission, the Dutch government’s premier applied science research organization TNO will locate its first North American employee in San Diego. The partnership aims to develop a regional digital twin to inform San Diego’s decisions on land use, infrastructure, transportation, and housing development, complementing the region’s inclusive economic goals.
➝Read More

How MetroConnect VII’s Wearable Sensing is revolutionizing neurological research

Wearable Sensing develops wearable brain activity monitoring sensors using its patented active dry electrode technology to support research needs in real time, including studying brain function, identifying neurological disorders, and investigating effects of treatments on brain activity. As part of the new MetroConnect VII cohort, the Rancho Bernardo-based company aims to launch its technology further onto the global stage and grow its international sales in markets like the Middle East.
➝Read More

San Diego News

Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.


You might also like:

For COVID-19 recovery resources and information: Visit this page, or see how we can help your company free of charge.

Meet the MetroConnect VII companies!

Add these to your ‘companies to watch’ list

Together with Mayor Todd Gloria and underwriters Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte and JPMorgan Chase & Co., World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) unveiled the seventh cohort of companies selected to participate in MetroConnect, the region’s comprehensive export assistance program helping local companies accelerate their international growth.

Since the program’s debut in 2015, 95 MetroConnect alumni have collectively added 302 new jobs to the region, signed more than 522 new contracts, and set up 22 new overseas facilities. On average, cohort companies grow their exports by an average 63 percent and revenues by 40 percent as part of the program. Alumni include Novo Brazil Brewing Co., Access Trax, White Labs, Dr. Bronner’s, Bitchin’ Sauce, Scientist.com, Aira (acquired by Blue Diego Investment Group), Cypher Genomics (acquired by Human Longevity Inc.), and many more.

Now, WTCSD is pleased to welcome the newest set of MetroConnect companies representing the diversity of San Diego’s innovation economy.

Meet the MetroConnect VII companies

  1. Aquacycl
  2. Epitope Diagnostics
  3. Fieldsheer
  4. GALT Aerospace
  5. Harland Brewing Company
  6. Health Innovation Products
  7. Lotus Sustainables
  8. Promo Drone
  9. Selk’bag
  10. Sunday Golf
  11. Surf Loch
  12. VECKTA
  13. VeV Scientific
  14. Visaic
  15. Wearable Sensing

Learn about the companies

The MetroConnect program is highly competitive, with just 15 companies selected based on a variety of criteria, including interest in new foreign markets, assessed impact of funds, current international traction and more. Applicants were assessed by a panel of senior level representatives from Biocom, Connect, CMTC, WTCSD and the U.S. Commercial Service.

“Since its launch, the City of San Diego has been a proud supporter of MetroConnect and the nearly 100 businesses it has helped grow internationally,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “As Mayor, I’m committed to supporting the small businesses that power San Diego’s economy, and international connectivity is an important tool in building economic resilience.”

Why go global?

Amid economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to help local SMEs build resilience by facilitating increased sales in global markets.

In 2022 alone, San Diego exported more than $32 billion in goods overseas, as well as billions more in services like software, cybersecurity, engineering and research. SMEs produce 92 percent of those goods—driving home the importance of programs like MetroConnect.

“Booz Allen is proud to support international business connectivity in San Diego through MetroConnect,” said Jennie Brooks, EVP at MetroConnect underwriter Booz Allen Hamilton, and EDC board chair. “The metrics don’t lie—it’s clear global companies are more competitive, efficient and successful. We’re committed to continuing this important work in San Diego’s business community.”

Next up for MetroConnect VII

The cohort will gain access to a suite of resources to support expansion into international markets, including executive workshops, flight discounts, language translation, and up to $30,000 in grant funding.

“2024 is filled with great opportunity for those who are prepared to navigate an uncertain and dynamic environment,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of WTCSD. “Now with new tracks focused on technology, health and consumer goods, the MetroConnect program will ensure San Diego’s rapidly growing firms are equipped to access global markets, share our region’s life-changing innovation with the world, and create high quality jobs here at home.”

Interested in growing your business internationally?

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies – free of charge – to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego. Whether your small company is interested in learning about exporting and international growth, or your SME is ready to export and grow internationally, WTCSD is here to help.

Ready to get involved? Click here to receive our monthly Global Brief Newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.