Build With Us

The best ecosystem doesn’t develop overnight. These are our innovation instigators. If you like pushing the boundaries of what’s never been done, partner with us!

Power the Possible

Our collective economic progress depends on continuous cultivation of a strong and inclusive ecosystem. That will keep current and future generations thriving while keeping us globally competitive. Together, we are redefining “best” to include innovators from unconventional backgrounds, creating the model and leading by example.

Leading the Charge

These companies and individuals are deeply invested in building a better future five, ten, and thirty years from now.

Corporate Investor Academia Industry Expert

Partner Highlights

“Shoutout to the Connect team for bringing thousands of people in the startup community to Petco Park. Trust & Will was proud to be an inclusion sponsor, as we exist because of the SD startup community.”

Cody Barbo

CEO, Trust & Will

“The support that Connect provides brings visibility to the next generation of innovators, and that directly aligns with Deloitte’s values. Connect has a unique ability to curate and inspire founders, and bring them together with corporations and industry experts to deepen support for one another, strengthening our entire innovation ecosystem.”

Patty Holman

Partner, Deloitte

Our Grant Funders

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration.

Connect is part of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network, serving entrepreneurs and small businesses with low to no-cost services to support business growth.

Funded in part through a Grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Connect’s Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with NIWC PAC supports NAVWAR’s SBIR/STTR Program. This collaboration is dedicated to providing educational resources and driving innovation by fostering strong partnerships among industry, government, and academia.

Supporting the translational power of our region’s life science community, we support life science founders and elevate rising life science leaders by providing unparalleled access to our community of experts and leaders cultivated over nearly four decades.

Positioning the greater San Diego region as a global leader in the Cleantech economy, we support energy entrepreneurs through the Southern California Energy Innovation Network with pitch prep, visibility and access to investors. There can be a cleaner energy future for all.

Providing grant support to Innovation Day demonstrates a dedication to accessing the highest-quality, most impactful innovation content for the nearly 5,000 attendees each year.

Providing grant support to our XEO program to help our efforts towards building the next generation of diverse leaders here in San Diego within the innovation ecosystem.

Building a Better San Diego for Future Generations

A testament to the enduring spirit of San Diego’s entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to community. We aren't just supporting projects; we are investing in the future, the ideas, and the people that will shape our tomorrow. We are building the best inclusive innovation ecosystem on the planet.

Join Us! You're in Good Company.

Join hundreds of organizations keeping their promises to support innovation and propelling our unique equity-free model. If your organization is interested in partnering with us, contact Cait Kelly, our VP of Partnerships to discuss.

Build With Us​