Telecommunications

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San Diego’s Telecommunications Industry

A world leader in wireless technologies, San Diego companies are driving local and global innovation that keep us all connected. Founded in San Diego in 1985, Qualcomm invented technologies at the heart of 3G and 4G wireless and the first smartphone, and continues to pioneer new technologies that range from 5G to artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things to artificial, and augmented reality. With a $4 billion economic impact, the company’s presence strengthens the regional economy and promotes continued growth through spinoff startups and fringe industries. Qualcomm’s alumni have gone on to start or sell inventions to major companies including Viasat, Leap Wireless, Kyocera, Motorola, Ericsson, and more, many of which maintain operations in San Diego.

Today, San Diego stands as the second most patent-intense region in the U.S., supported by the intellectual property Qualcomm has developed and the innovation it has catalyzed throughout the region.

EDC Study: AI in San Diego

#1
Largest concentration of military assets in the worldSDMAC economic impact report

Key Companies

Key Resources

EvoNexus is a non-profit technology incubator and hub for Southern California’s startup community designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies. EvoNexus’ relationships with real estate, technology, and life science companies make it possible for the organization to take zero equity or fees from incubating startups and help grow Southern California’s innovation economy. Since 2010, the incubator has supported more than 200 startups that have garnered a combined $1.9 billion in funding and outcomes.

Tech San Diego, formerly Software San Diego, is the unifying voice of technology community – fostering innovation and business growth. Tech San Diego supports members from all sectors of the technology industry, including SaaS, wireless services, IoT, data analytics, and more.

Startup San Diego is the official non-profit organization to support individuals building startups in San Diego, to represent the interests of entrepreneurs, celebrate successes, and foster a cohesive and collaborative community.

Preferred Providers of Engineering and Software talent have been identified by employers as the top training programs in San Diego for high-demand jobs. Through EDC’s Advancing San Diego program, Preferred Providers participate in a competitive application process and are evaluated annually against a skills-based criteria developed by industry, a commitment to industry engagement, and their ability to reach and serve a diverse student body.

By the Numbers

More on the industry

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Mayor, WTCSD delegation cut ribbon on Qualcomm Amsterdam operation

Mayor Todd Gloria to lead Netherlands trade mission to strengthen economic ties with EU

Question about this Industry Profile? Get in touch:

Sofia Nelson-Ferezi
Sofia Nelson-Ferezi

Coordinator, Research