With bioluminescent waters and gleaming sandy shores, it's no surprise that San Diego would shine as a hub for exciting startups spanning a range of industries. Tech darlings, healthcare heroes and organizations of all kinds have begun popping up over the last few years to disrupt conventions and create better ways for people and companies to go about their day-to-day processes. As the scene continues to trend upward, it's crucial to get to know the companies that have been creating change thus far.
These are the 18 San Diego startups to know about right now.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Transportation
What they do: Veyo has its goals set on revolutionizing patient transportation by offering an end-to-end solution for non-emergency medical transportation in all geographies. The platform utilizes ridesharing techniques, like real-time dashboards and independent contractor drivers, to maximize reach and efficiency when transporting people to necessary health appointments.
Founded: 2015
Focus: AI
What they do: Shield AI has a goal of protecting civilians and service members alike by incorporating advanced analytics capabilities into multiple kinds of defense systems. Edge-deployed software solutions from Shield.ai enable machines to execute complex, unscripted tasks in various environments, and additionally, the company has produced an AI-powered drone capable of self-directed flight for gathering intelligence both indoors and in the open.
Founded: 2017
Focus: Software
What they do: ClickUp knows the hassle that companies face when utilizing multiple applications to accomplish day-to-day tasks, so the company decided it was time for a better way. The all-in-one platform features tools for managing projects, emails, documents, spreadsheets, events and more, streamlining processes for a more efficient workforce.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Retail
What they do: Accel Robotics is disrupting the way in which people shop and retailers conduct business, deploying completely automated stores for selling their products. Operating automated storefronts gives retailers the ability to stay open 24/7, and seamless checkout functions lead to more time saved for customers and a better experience overall.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Environmental Tech
What they do: Aquam offers solutions for the gas and water industries designed to tackle challenges in pipeline infrastructure. Leakage, corrosion and contamination in water and gas lines pose a significant risk to populations and economies globally. Aquam combats this through several subsidiary companies in multiple regions of the world focused on new pipe lining technology, pipe rehabilitation, pipeline assessments and additional services.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Biotech
What they do: Cortica uses advanced biotherapy methods to research and develop new solutions in autism and neurodevelopment. The Cortica Care Method utilizes neurophysiology, biochemistry, sensorimotor integration, communication and cognition techniques to develop a specialized plan around a child's needs and stimulate long-term development.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Real Estate
What they do: Home Bay Technologies is streamlining the antiquated home purchasing process with an online platform that eliminates unnecessary pressure and creates a more pleasant overall process. Agents are available on-demand without being tied to specific users, meaning there’s never any coercing of shoppers to purchase anything but a home that's right for them.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Mobile
What they do: KaiOS Technologies brings all of the power of a smartphone to affordable mobile devices, allowing the internet’s full potential to be spread to more users than ever. The operating system features WiFi, 4G and GPS capabilities, along with built-in Google Assistant and a suite of the world’s most popular apps like Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to ensure broad connectivity.
Founded: 2015
Focus: AI
What they do: Kneron creates market-ready solutions for on-device AI inference that adapt in real-time to audio, 2D and 3D image recognition needs. The AI system on a chip features algorithm models that enable and accelerate AI inference and offer visual recognition capabilities that outperform larger models. The system is excellent for use in smart homes, smartphones and in security applications.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Cannabis
What they do: Marijuana Company of America is committed to furthering the legal production, processing and distribution of cannabis products for medicinal and recreational use. A portfolio of companies operating in both the THC and CBD sectors allows Marijuana Company of America to diversify its approach to cannabis development as the industry continues to boom.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Manufacturing
What they do: Mikrotek is comprised of a team of experts skilled in assisting at any stage of the technology manufacturing process. Everything from early R&D designs and prototyping to manufacturing and commercialization is in Microtek’s wheelhouse, with additional innovations from the company designed to improve human health through catheter technology.
Founded: 2015
Focus: AI
What they do: NetraDyne combines the capabilities of artificial intelligence, edge computing and machine learning to create a safe driving system designed to reduce accidents in commercial vehicles. The company’s Driveri product captures and analyzes every moment of driving time, providing data on both risky behavior and excellent driving to reward drivers and address necessary safety concerns. Driveri also provides real-time, dynamic 3D maps to keep drivers fully aware of the environment ahead.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Food
What they do: It’s rare when something as classic and delicious as frozen yogurt can be revolutionized, but somehow Reis & Irvy’s has done it. Through machines in malls, airports, stadiums and other locations, Reis & Irvy’s utilizes touchscreen technology to allow users to customize their frozen yogurt’s flavors and toppings. The yogurt is then crafted by “robots” in just 60 seconds — creating a more efficient way for people to enjoy the treats they crave.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Logistics
What they do: ShipCalm is a third-party logistics provider that allows businesses to focus more of their effort into growing and attracting new customers and less time dealing with shipping hassles. Easy integrations for connecting online stores create a streamlined onboarding process with ShipCalm, which can then receive inventory and ship orders on a store’s behalf. Full transparency and swift shipping make ShipCalm viable for businesses operating on independent e-commerce sites and large marketplaces alike.
Founded: 2015
Focus: Biotech
What they do: Truvian Sciences’s team is comprised of individuals with domain experience in healthcare, diagnostics and consumer technology working with top scientists, engineers and healthcare workers to develop solutions that disrupt and develop the blood testing industry. The company is working to roll out an FDA-cleared system that would allow practitioners to deliver data to patients instantaneously via a mobile platform, providing crucial information at record speeds.
Founded: 2015
Focus: AI
What they do: TuSimple is working to make the road safer by developing self-driving technology for use in long-haul, heavy-duty trucks operating on both highways and surface streets. Utilizing LiDAR, radar and HD cameras in sync with each other creates a field of vision beyond what the human eye alone can register, and TuSimple’s autonomous engines utilize machine learning to improve perception, location, motion planning and vehicle control with each drive.
Founded: 2018
Focus: Logistics
What they do: Upstrem provides a full-service solution that allows manufacturers and retailers to receive the maximum possible value for their challenged inventory, such as returns, exchanges and B-stock goods. The platform showcases goods to over one billion customers across more than 50 marketplaces, constantly optimizing listings to move goods efficiently and allow businesses to prioritize acquiring new inventory.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Security
What they do: Zorachka* has set out to transform what people believed was possible in video by offering a platform that delivers extraordinarily low latency and requires less bandwidth through the use of multiple servers. Additionally, Zorachka*’s Homam security cameras and Errai software work in conjunction to provide a robust video surveillance system that features heightened clarity in real-time.
