When you think about San Diego’s biggest industries, tourism and the military probably come to mind first. But there is another major player that is literally saving lives while pumping billions into our local economy: the life sciences industry.
San Diego has established itself as one of the top life sciences clusters in the entire United States. That’s an impressive company to keep among America’s most innovative regions. But what exactly makes a world-class life sciences hub, and why should San Diegans care?
The Right Mix of Innovation
Creating a top-tier life sciences market isn’t just about having smart people in labs, though San Diego certainly has those. It requires a unique ecosystem where several key ingredients come together:
World-Class Research Institutions: With top universities like UC San Diego ranking #2 nationally for biotech-related degrees and producing nearly 2,000 biological and biomedical science graduates annually, we’re constantly feeding fresh talent into the pipeline.
Substantial Funding: San Diego companies have attracted over $21 billion in venture capital since 2020, plus another $29 billion in post-IPO funding. That’s real money backing real innovation.
NIH Support: Our research institutions receive an average of $1.1 billion annually in National Institutes of Health funding, which shows the quality of research happening locally.
Innovation Output: In 2023 and 2024, San Diego achieved record years for new patents, proving our innovators aren’t just dreaming but creating actual breakthroughs.
The Economic Impact is Significant
The life sciences industry brings substantial economic benefits to our region. It employs over 75,000 people in San Diego, from PhD researchers to manufacturing workers to administrative staff
The industry spans 28.7 million square feet of specialized laboratory and office space throughout the county. From Torrey Pines to Sorrento Mesa, these research facilities are where the future of medicine is being developed.
Beyond the Lab Coat
What makes San Diego special is our collaborative spirit. The region has fostered strong partnerships between universities, hospitals, venture capital firms, and experienced developers who understand the unique needs of life sciences companies.
This ecosystem has created a “blossom effect” where successful companies spin off new startups, creating an expanding network of innovation. It’s why major pharmaceutical companies continue investing billions in our region, viewing San Diego as essential to their long-term strategies.
The life sciences industry represents San Diego’s future: a sustainable, knowledge-based economy that attracts top talent from around the world while improving human health.
Want to dive deeper into San Diego’s life sciences success story and how it compares to other top markets in the United States? Download JLL’s latest report for comprehensive insights and data.
About JLL
JLL is a Fortune 500 global commercial real estate company with deep local expertise in San Diego’s dynamic market. We’ve been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years. Since 2022, our San Diego team has completed over 1,300 lease transactions totaling 18.1 million square feet and $5 billion in sales, including significant work within the thriving life sciences sector highlighted in this article. Our trusted advisors combine local market knowledge with global resources to help businesses of all sizes navigate real estate decisions, from startups seeking their first office or lab space to established companies planning major expansions. Learn more here.
