Carlsbad Named Top Location for Startups

SD Regional Innovation Report 2016

Based on Connect’s San Diego Innovation Report 2016, the City of Carlsbad has consistently placed amongst the top locations chosen by startup companies. The annual San Diego Innovation Report measures the strength and impact of the regional innovation economy. Over the last three years, 95 startups were established in Carlsbad, more than any other area in the county. In 2016 alone, 32 startups made Carlsbad their home.

2016 was a banner year for the technology and life science innovation economy in San Diego with a total of 477 startups accounting for more than $55 billion of the gross domestic product. This includes 280 software companies, 95 life sciences companies and 63 information and communications technology companies. These new companies created more than 400K jobs and represent more than 40 percent of the region’s labor income. The average annual salary – $110,700 – for this sector is more than the average income in the region. Venture capitalist invested $1.5 billion through 118 deals, with 70 percent of the funding going to companies in the life sciences.

San Diego companies were also issued 6,252 patents in 2016 – more than any other county in Southern California. Of those patents, 675 were issued to Carlsbad companies. Join our growing entrepreneurial community and be inspired in work and life.

Read the 2016 Innovation Report