Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in San Diego

San Diego combines perfect weather with a perfect environment for startups. Beyond its famous beaches and year-round sunshine, the city has developed a robust innovation ecosystem centered on biotechnology, telecommunications, and defense technology. With world-class universities, major research institutions, and a growing tech scene, San Diego offers entrepreneurs the resources to build companies in one of America's most livable cities.

This guide explores the leading accelerators and incubators shaping San Diego's evolving startup landscape. These programs support domestic and international startups seeking to establish themselves in the American market.

Top 20 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in San Diego, USA

1. Launch Factory

Target Audience: Early-stage entrepreneurs

Niche: Startup studio model

Launch Factory was established in 2018 as both a startup studio and an accelerator. It recruits founders and provides up to $300,000 in seed funding for promising ventures. It offers validated technology and proven business models to help build scalable companies. It also provides comprehensive mentorship throughout the development process.

2. The Brink SBDC at the University of San Diego

Target Audience: Early-stage and growth companies

Niche: Industry-agnostic acceleration

The Brink SBDC was launched in 2018 and named San Diego's top accelerator in 2024. It supports companies across all industries with education, mentorship, and financing guidance. It provides structured programs for both early-stage startups and growing companies. It also connects entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and business resources.

3. JLABS San Diego

Target Audience: Healthcare and life sciences startups

Niche: Medical innovation

JLABS San Diego opened in 2015 as Johnson & Johnson's open innovation center. It provides specialized laboratory space essential for healthcare and life sciences companies. It offers industry connections and entrepreneurial programs designed for medical innovation. It also gives access to Johnson & Johnson's global network and expertise.

4. ZIP Launchpad

Target Audience: Student and faculty entrepreneurs

Niche: University Innovation

ZIP Launchpad is San Diego State University's accelerator supporting university-connected startups. It provides mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and access to university resources. It offers a supportive community where student and faculty founders can develop their ideas. It also connects academic innovation with commercial opportunities.

5. MetroConnect San Diego

Target Audience: Companies seeking international expansion

Niche: Export assistance

MetroConnect San Diego helps local companies expand into global markets. It provides financial grants to support international business development and expansion. It offers mentorship and guidance on exporting products and services. It also creates connections with international partners and markets.

6. LogicBoost Labs

Target Audience: B2B software startups

Niche: Business software solutions

LogicBoost Labs focuses specifically on business-to-business software companies. It provides up to $150,000 in funding for promising software startups. It offers mentorship from experts who understand business software development and sales. It also provides operational support to help companies grow and reach enterprise customers.

7. BioLabs San Diego

Target Audience: Early-stage life science companies

Niche: Biotech coworking

BioLabs San Diego has provided premium laboratory space since 2016 for biotech startups. It offers flexible lab access, allowing companies to scale their space as they grow. It provides specialized equipment and facilities essential for life science research and development. It also creates a community where biotech entrepreneurs can collaborate and learn from each other.

8. Scale Matrix Launch Center

Target Audience: Technology startups

Niche: Tech infrastructure support

Scale Matrix provides technology infrastructure services alongside startup support through its Launch Center. It offers cloud computing, data center services, and managed IT solutions. It provides technical support and infrastructure resources for growing technology companies. It also helps startups access enterprise-level technology solutions.

9. CONNECT Springboard

Target Audience: Science and technology startups

Niche: Tech commercialization

CONNECT Springboard is the flagship program supporting science and technology entrepreneurs. It provides business advice and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. It offers access to potential investors interested in science and technology companies. It also helps startups navigate the challenges of bringing technical innovations to market.

10. The Basement (UC San Diego)

Target Audience: UCSD students

Niche: Student entrepreneurship

The Basement serves as UC San Diego's incubator and coworking space for student entrepreneurs. It provides resources and workspace where students can develop their business ideas. It offers mentorship and entrepreneurship programming designed for university students. It also creates a community where student founders can collaborate and support each other.

11. Triton Startup Incubator (UCSD)

Target Audience: UCSD-affiliated startups

Niche: University commercialization

Triton Startup Incubator provides low-cost coworking and support for UC San Diego startups. It offers tailored support designed to help university-connected companies scale effectively. It provides access to university resources, including research facilities and expert faculty. It also may offer financial incentives to promising university-affiliated ventures.

12. Hera Hub Sorrento Valley

Target Audience: Women entrepreneurs

Niche: Female-focused business support

Hera Hub operates as a female-focused coworking and incubation space. It provides business support specifically designed for women entrepreneurs and their unique challenges. It offers workshops and mentorship programs specifically designed for female business owners. It also creates a supportive community where women can build businesses together.

13. LabFellows

Target Audience: Life science startups

Niche: Shared lab infrastructure

LabFellows provides shared laboratory infrastructure and equipment for life science companies. It makes expensive research and development equipment more accessible to early-stage biotech startups. It offers flexible access to laboratory facilities, enabling companies to conduct essential research. It also helps reduce the high costs of setting up independent laboratory operations.

AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in San Diego, USA

What makes San Diego's startup scene special is its unique combination of serious innovation and an unbeatable quality of life. The city has built its reputation on biotech and life sciences, taking advantage of world-class research institutions like UC San Diego, Scripps Research, and the Salk Institute. This scientific foundation has created one of the world's leading centers for biotechnology innovation.

The startup ecosystem in San Diego benefits from its unique mix of industries, which includes defense contractors, telecommunications companies, and research institutions, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in areas such as cybersecurity, wireless technology, and advanced materials. Many successful entrepreneurs opt to stay in San Diego rather than relocate to Silicon Valley, thereby creating a growing pool of experienced mentors and investors.

San Diego's approach to entrepreneurship is more measured and sustainable than in other tech hubs. The city attracts founders who want to build meaningful companies while maintaining work-life balance. The year-round perfect weather and outdoor lifestyle make it easy to recruit talent from across the country.

As San Diego continues to grow as a startup destination, it maintains its focus on deep technology and scientific innovation. This isn't a place for quick consumer apps – it's where entrepreneurs tackle complex problems in healthcare, communications, and advanced technology. For founders looking to build substantial companies in one of America's most beautiful cities, San Diego offers both the resources and the lifestyle to support long-term success.