The premier innovation leader for the San Diego region
We catalyze life science and technology companies throughout their entire growth journey with our expertly curated programs and events. This is critical because our economic future depends on continuous cultivation of a strong and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
With nearly 40 years of experience and an unrivaled network, we are uniquely positioned to connect businesses with the capital, education, and advisors they need to succeed. By relentlessly fueling a diverse and robust innovation engine, we help ensure that current and future generations can learn, grow and thrive in San Diego.
To ignite our local economy and strengthen San Diego's reputation as a global innovation hub
To be the best innovation ecosystem on the planet
This lean team translates our mission and vision to reality. They bring the leadership, quality, and passion that fuels the impact our organization creates for the region.
Connect is an innovation instigator established to cultivate San Diego’s life science and tech communities. A trusted partner for nearly 40 years, we propel our region’s entrepreneurs and talent as they create and scale companies – from first-time founders or scientists to seasoned executives. Connect launched one of the nation’s first startup accelerators, founded in 1985 by the University of California San Diego. UCSD in partnership with business organizations and private sector businesses, recognized the opportunity to establish an organization to transform San Diego’s growing research capabilities into an economic driver to increase the prosperity of the region.
Our founders are the titans of San Diego’s innovation story- David Hale, Irwin Jacobs, Mary Walshok, Buzz Wooley. Since our merger with San Diego Venture Group in 2019, we add to our founder network relationships with hundreds of venture capitalists that come to San Diego and to whom we source deal flow.
We have served as a source of data resources for the innovation community and a place where innovation leaders have been highlighted, through our past programs like the Connect Hall of Fame and Most Innovation New Product (MIP) Awards. Our history is our unique springboard into achieving the collective future we know San Diego is capable of realizing.
