San Diego’s Biotech Industry

San Diego is home to some of the largest and most innovative biotech companies globally. This blog highlights 20 San Diego-based biotech startups and scaleups that have received significant venture capital funding and are making groundbreaking advancements in the field.

San Diego has emerged as a major biotech hub due to relatively affordable lab spaces, access to a strong network of biotech investors, and a skilled bio-economy workforce. It competes with other key hubs in the US, such as the Greater Boston Area, North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, and South San Francisco.

The region hosts numerous notable life sciences organizations, including the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Industry giants like Pfizer, Illumina, and Thermo Fisher Scientific also maintain a significant presence in the area.

In San Diego, private biotechnology firms—many located in the La Jolla neighborhood—are driving innovation with groundbreaking discoveries. They benefit from funding by venture capital (VC) firms specializing in life sciences, including Boxer Capital LLC and Takeda Ventures Inc. One standout example is Vividion Therapeutics, Inc., which Bayer AG acquired for $1.5 billion in 2021, solidifying its reputation as a rising star in the region.

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Why San Diego is a Leading Biotech Hub

San Diego’s appeal as a biotech hub stems from a unique convergence of factors:

• Proximity to world-class research institutions like UCSD and the Salk Institute, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• A strong talent pool drawn from the region’s universities and global biotechnology networks.
• Availability of biotech buildings and incubators designed to support early-stage startups.
• Proximity to venture capital firms specializing in life sciences, providing crucial funding and mentorship for growth.
• A collaborative ecosystem, with companies in bioengineering, medical devices, and biopharma working in synergy.

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Featuring the Best Biotech Startups in San Diego

Without further ado, here are the top 20 private biotech firms in the San Diego area:

1. NATIONAL RESILIENCE

Chief Executive Officer: Rahul Singhvi
Founded: 2020
National Resilience (aka Resilience) is a technology-focused biomanufacturing company offering production and development solutions for cell and gene therapies, nucleic acids, and vaccines. Their advanced facilities are designed to provide scalability and resilience for pharmaceutical production, ensuring continuity even during global disruptions. Resilience has raised a total of $2B across four rounds, with a Series D funding completed on June 6, 2022. Magnetic Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners are notable investors.

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2. ARTIVA BIOTHERAPEUTICS

Chief Executive Officer: Fred Aslan
Founded: 2019
Artiva Biotherapeutics develops and commercializes allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapies to treat hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. These therapies are designed for off-the-shelf use, improving accessibility for cancer patients globally. On February 26, 2021, Artiva closed its Series B round with notable investors including Wellington Management and Janus Henderson Investors.

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3. EPIC SCIENCES

Chief Executive Officer: Lloyd Sanders
Founded: 2008
Epic Sciences focuses on novel diagnostics to personalize cancer treatment. Their AR-V7 CTC liquid biopsy test is clinically validated for metastatic prostate cancer. Their liquid biopsy technology allows real-time monitoring of disease progression, enabling personalized therapeutic decisions. On June 1, 2022, the company closed its Series F round, backed by Blue Ox Healthcare Partners and Deerfield.

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4. RAYZEBIO

Chief Executive Officer: Ken Song
Founded: 2020
RayzeBio, committed to enhancing cancer patient outcomes through tailored radioisotopes, raised Series C funding on June 15, 2021. The company’s focus on targeted radiopharmaceuticals ensures higher efficacy with reduced side effects compared to traditional therapies. Significant investors include Perceptive Advisors and Logos Capital.

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5. ELEMENT BIOSCIENCES

Chief Executive Officer: Molly He
Founded: 2017
Element Biosciences, known for its cutting-edge genomic analysis tools, offers a flexible and high-performing DNA sequencing platform. This platform enables researchers to achieve cost-effective and accurate genomic data, advancing diagnostics and personalized medicine. On June 29, 2021, they completed their Series C round, with JS Capital Management and Fidelity Management as key investors.

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6. ASPEN NEUROSCIENCE

Chief Executive Officer: Damien McDevitt
Founded: 2018
Aspen Neuroscience is pioneering tailored cell replacement therapy for neurological illnesses using induced pluripotent stem cells. Their flagship program focuses on Parkinson’s disease, with the potential to transform treatment paradigms for neurodegenerative disorders. Their Series B round closed on May 9, 2022, with backing from GV and Frazier Life Sciences.

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7. NANOCELLECT BIOMEDICAL

Chief Executive Officer: Chris Neary
Founded: 2009
NanoCellect Biomedical develops accessible and innovative cell sorting technology like the WOLF Cell Sorter. Their compact, easy-to-use systems are ideal for academic and clinical labs with limited budgets. Series D funding was completed on August 13, 2021, with investors FusionX Ventures and Vertical Venture Partners.

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8. DEBUT BIOTECH

Chief Executive Officer: Joshua Britton
Founded: 2019
Debut Biotech is revolutionizing cell-free enzyme manufacturing, creating sustainable bio-based solutions. Their proprietary platform bypasses the need for traditional cell-based systems, reducing production costs and environmental impact. Completed its Series A round on August 12, 2021, supported by Material Impact Fund and KdT Ventures.

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9. BIO DURO-SUNDIA

Chief Executive Officer: Kent Payne
Founded: 2005
BioDuro-Sundia, an Advent International portfolio company, is a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) with over 27 years of experience. The company’s extensive expertise in drug discovery and development makes it a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical innovators. Operating across the US and China, BioDuro-Sundia employs over 3,000 staff members and has 10 global sites in 7 cities.

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10. POSEIDA THERAPEUTICS

Chief Executive Officer: Mark Gergen
Founded: 2014
Poseida leverages gene engineering expertise to create tailored therapeutics. Their proprietary non-viral gene editing platform offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional approaches. Post-IPO equity funding was completed on August 4, 2022, with investors like Schonfeld Strategic Advisors and Fidelity Management.

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11. PROMETHEUS BIOSCIENCES

Chief Executive Officer: Mark McKenna
Founded: 2019
Prometheus Biosciences focuses on precision medicine for immune-mediated diseases. Their diagnostic capabilities paired with therapeutic solutions are helping tackle chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease. Prometheus is backed by investors such as Vida Ventures and Foresite Capital.

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12. CRINETICS PHARMACEUTICALS

Chief Executive Officer: Scott Struthers
Founded: 2008
Crinetics develops therapies for rare endocrine diseases. Their flagship drug candidates focus on improving the quality of life for patients with hormonal imbalances and endocrine tumors. Key investors include 5AM Ventures and Versant Ventures.

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13. HUMAN LONGEVITY

Chief Executive Officer: Cynthia Collins
Founded: 2013
Human Longevity integrates genomics and AI to offer personalized health insights. Their solutions aim to extend human lifespan and improve health through preventive measures. Supported by Celgene Corporation and Illumina Ventures.

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14. INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS

Chief Executive Officer: Jacqueline Shea
Founded: 1979
Inovio specializes in developing DNA-based immunotherapies and vaccines. Their cutting-edge research focuses on combating infectious diseases, HPV, and cancer. Notable investors include CEPI and the U.S. Department of Defense.

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15. BIOLEGEND

Chief Executive Officer: Gene Lay
Founded: 2002
BioLegend offers high-quality research reagents for biomedical science. Their products span immunology, cancer research, and genomics.

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16. NUVASIVE

Chief Executive Officer: Chris Barry
Founded: 1997
NuVasive is a leading medical device company in San Diego, specializing in minimally invasive surgical solutions for spinal health. Their innovative solutions, such as the XLIF procedure, are designed to improve surgical outcomes and patient recovery times. NuVasive’s products are used worldwide, supported by advanced surgical planning tools and intraoperative neuromonitoring services. The company is a key player among San Diego biotech and medical device leaders.

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17. EAG LABORATORIES

Chief Executive Officer: Patrick Bennett
Founded: 1978
EAG Laboratories offers comprehensive scientific support for industries, including life sciences. Their expertise in analytical and materials sciences assists in drug development, product innovation, and regulatory compliance. Acquired by Eurofins in 2017, EAG continues to play a pivotal role in biotech innovation, offering services that help maintain quality and safety in global supply chains.

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18. BIOTIX

Chief Executive Officer: Paul Nowak
Founded: 2005
Biotix specializes in laboratory consumables and liquid handling solutions, serving researchers worldwide. Their precision-engineered pipette tips and other lab tools ensure accuracy and reproducibility in experiments. As one of the standout bioengineering companies in San Diego, Biotix’s products are designed to optimize workflows and support cutting-edge research.

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19. INTEGRATED DNA TECHNOLOGIES (IDT)

Chief Executive Officer: Trey Martin
Founded: 1987
IDT provides custom oligonucleotide synthesis and genome editing solutions. Their CRISPR and RNAi technologies are instrumental in advancing gene therapy and molecular diagnostics. IDT is a global leader in synthetic biology, with its San Diego site focusing on serving biotech and pharmaceutical innovators in California.

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20. ALTRAVISTA BIOSCIENCES

Chief Executive Officer: David Marston
Founded: 2012
AltraVista specializes in diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases. Their biomarker-based tests aim to enable earlier detection of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. A fast-growing San Diego biotech company, AltraVista’s innovative technologies are shaping the future of personalized neurology.

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Why Scispot is Essential for San Diego Biotech

Scispot is the leading lab operating platform (R&D Cloud) for biotech companies in San Diego and beyond, combining ELN, LIMS, and automation tools into a seamless, integrated solution. By streamlining R&D workflows and connecting instruments, data systems, and third-party applications, Scispot eliminates silos and accelerates scientific breakthroughs. With customizable no-code automation, advanced AI-powered analytics, and built-in compliance features, Scispot helps labs save time, maintain data integrity, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO standards.

San Diego’s thriving biotech ecosystem, home to innovative startups and world-renowned institutions, demands flexible and scalable tools to stay competitive. Scispot delivers unmatched value with its modular platform, enabling labs to configure workflows in minutes, gain real-time insights, and bring products to market faster. Trusted by hundreds of labs, Scispot ensures smooth onboarding and ongoing success, making it the go-to platform for San Diego’s top biotech companies.

Join the movement today and transform your lab operations with Scispot—where scientific breakthroughs happen faster and smarter. Request a demo now!

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