From AI to microelectronics and quantum computing, the technologies of tomorrow are forged on the Central Coast — where research excellence meets entrepreneurial energy.
Thriving tech hub
Home to global leaders and fast-growing startups spanning AI, nanotech, SaaS and quantum computing, with $5.95B in growth capital raised by local tech firms since 2013.
Birthplace of breakthroughs
The Central Coast is among the world’s most concentrated R&D hubs, informing invention and innovation across the globe and spinning out dozens of companies from university discoveries.
Cal Poly + UC Santa Barbara
With world-ranked engineering programs, 9,000 annual STEM grads and leading R&D centers, the two universities fuel a pipeline of talent, resources and innovation.
01
Thriving tech hub
Home to global leaders and fast-growing startups spanning AI, nanotech, SaaS and quantum computing, with $5.95B in growth capital raised by local tech firms since 2013.
02
Birthplace of breakthroughs
The Central Coast is among the world’s most concentrated R&D hubs, informing invention and innovation across the globe and spinning out dozens of companies from university discoveries.
03
Cal Poly + UC Santa Barbara
With world-ranked engineering programs, 9,000 annual STEM grads and leading R&D centers, the two universities fuel a pipeline of talent, resources and innovation.
$3.3B
regional industry
13,000
tech workers
2.5x
the national average for research output
Postal's SLO-grown tech eases gifting
Writer Sara Roahen share how a Bay Area entrepreneur landed in San Luis Obispo and achieved record venture capital raise.…
Read Story
Quantum leaps. Central Coast roots.
Step inside Google’s Santa Barbara campus, where the future of quantum computing is being shaped. …
Read More
Economic impact of the technology sector
The reports draw on extensive data collection and analysis to paint a picture of the technology industry’s landscape.…
Read Report
Central Coast tech companies make headlines
ASSETS + RESOURCES
Cross-sector ties
Robust precision and nano-manufacturing drive innovation and lab-to-line capability in semiconductors, photonics, autonomous systems, and beyond.
NanoFabrication Facility
World-class cleanroom facilities staffed by trained experts and available for use by the private sector at UC Santa Barbara.
The HotHouse
The HotHouse incubator, operated by Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, has launched 125+ companies and also hosts a Small Business Development Center.
NSF Quantum Foundry
The National Science Foundation Quantum Foundry at UC Santa Barbara is the nation’s first quantum materials research center.
Technology + Innovation Companies
Click the dots to see companies in the region, and find detailed company, industry and regional data in our data center.
