2025 SD Hard Tech 50
Highlighting the leaders shaping San Diego's hard tech ecosystem
A curated list of the top 50+ hardtech companies building the physical future from America's deeptech beach town.
By Neal Bloom
What is Hardtech, and Why San Diego?
Hardtech companies build physical, engineered systems that integrate hardware, software, and advanced materials to solve real-world problems. Unlike pure software startups, these companies often require longer R&D timelines, complex supply chains, and physical infrastructure to scale — but they have the potential to reshape entire industries.
San Diego is uniquely suited for this moment. Long known for its strengths in biotech, defense, aerospace, semiconductors, ocean science, and energy innovation, the region is now seeing a new generation of founders reimagining how we build, move, power, and heal in the physical world.
This is not a ranked list. It’s a curated showcase of companies building serious, deeply technical products with real-world impact. Some are pre-Series A. Some are unicorns. All are worth knowing.
🛩️ Autonomous & Drone Systems
San Diego’s drone legacy runs deep, from Ryan Aeronautical and Northrop Grumman to General Atomics and its iconic Predator drones. With the U.S. Navy and Marines as local end users, the region remains a global epicenter for autonomous aviation and defense robotics.
Shield AI
Founded: 2015
Description: Designs and manufactures autonomous aircraft powered by AI pilots for frontline military missions.
Notable Achievements: Raised $240 million in 2025 at a $5.3 billion valuation; partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense; deployed V-BAT drones for ISR missions.
Comma AI
Founded: 2015
Description: Aftermarket autonomy for passenger vehicles with an open-source, smartphone-sized driver-assist system.
Notable Achievements: Over 34 million miles driven with their "comma three" device, popular among DIY autonomy users.
Brain Corp
Founded: 2009
Description: Autonomous navigation systems for commercial floor-cleaning and warehouse robots.
Notable Achievements: Partners include Walmart and other major global retailers; 20,000+ robots deployed worldwide.
SkySafe
Founded: 2015
Description: RF-based hardware and cloud platform that detect, track, and analyze drones to secure airspace.
Notable Achievements: Used by U.S. federal agencies and law enforcement to prevent unauthorized drone activity.
Seasats
Founded: 2020
Description: Solar-powered autonomous ocean vehicles for long-range maritime sensing and surveillance.
Notable Achievements: DARPA-backed technology with ultra-light, persistent ocean sensors.
Firestorm
Founded: 2021
Description: Modular drone platforms built for rapid manufacturing and autonomous defense applications.
Notable Achievements: Building the future of deployable, custom-built drone infrastructure with a recent U.S. Air Force contract for $100M.
ModalAI
Founded: 2018
Description: Onboard autonomy hardware and perception software for drones and robots in GPS-denied environments.
Notable Achievements: Spun out of Qualcomm; trusted by DoD and defense contractors.
Aquaai
Founded: 2014
Description: Fishlike robotic vehicles that collect underwater data for aquaculture, research, and ocean monitoring.
Notable Achievements: Biomimetic design supports sustainable ocean management and environmental intelligence.
🚀 Aerospace, Mobility & Logistics
From Convair's B-24 Liberators to Omnitracs, Lytx, and SmartDrive Systems, San Diego's mobility legacy spans defense aviation, telematics, and logistics optimization. Today’s startups are building electric fleets, sustainable aircraft, and smart supply chains.
Natilus
Founded: 2016
Description: Next-generation aircraft to transform the future of cargo and commercial air travel.
Notable Achievements: Developing blended-wing body aircraft with 60% more cargo volume; raised $13M+ to build a new generation of freight-efficient and passenger planes.
Wiliot
Founded: 2017
Description: Bluetooth-powered IoT tags that turn everyday products into smart, connected objects for supply chain and retail intelligence.
Notable Achievements: Raised $200M+ and backed by Amazon and SoftBank, Wiliot’s ambient IoT platform is helping global brands bring intelligence to packaging and inventory.
Endera
Description: All-electric commercial vehicles and fleet management software for transit, delivery, and shuttle operations.
Notable Achievements: Serving municipal fleets, airports, and universities;
Netradyne
Description: AI-powered dash cams and fleet safety systems that analyze driver behavior in real time to reduce risk on the road.
Notable Achievements: Recently raised $90M+; used by logistics leaders to coach drivers and prevent accidents across commercial fleets.
Aptera
Description: Ultra-efficient electric vehicle powered by solar and battery energy, designed for maximum range with minimal drag.
Notable Achievements: Raised $30M+ from retail investors; launching solar EVs that require no daily charging for most commuters.
⚡ Energy
From General Atomics’ fusion program to San Diego’s central role in Lithium Valley, Sempra Energy, Cleantech San Diego, Maxwell Technologies acquired by Tesla, and Solar Turbines, this region has long pioneered the future of power. Today’s startups are reinventing how we store, generate, and deliver clean energy.
Unigrid
Founded: 2021
Description: Advanced sodium-ion batteries offering safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage solutions for stationary and e-mobility applications.
Notable Achievements: Raised $12M+ to scale manufacturing of non-lithium alternatives for clean energy storage.
Sonocharge
Founded: 2022
Description: Piezoacoustic platform technology that extends lithium-ion battery life, enables faster charging, and enhances safety across various applications.
Notable Achievements: Raised $23.5M; unlocking performance gains without redesigning battery cells.
UCAP Power
Founded: 2019
Description: Ultrafast energy storage systems using ultracapacitors for grid, mobility, and industrial applications.
Notable Achievements: Spun out of Maxwell Technologies; supporting peak power and energy smoothing for renewables.
mPower
Founded: 2015
Description: Flexible, lightweight solar cell technology powering satellites and space systems with scalable, resilient energy.
Notable Achievements: Raised $14.4M+; DragonSCALES™ platform used in space and defense missions.
Wildcat Discovery Technologies
Founded: 2006
Description: Accelerating the future of batteries through AI-driven materials discovery and advanced testing.
Notable Achievements: Raised $90M+ and partnered with global automakers to commercialize next-gen battery chemistries.
South 8 Technologies
Founded: 2015
Description: Developing liquefied gas electrolytes to improve safety and performance in next-gen lithium batteries.
Notable Achievements: Raised $12M; backed by LG and Shell; pushing boundaries in cold-weather and high-performance battery tech.
Monarch Energy
Founded: 2021
Description: Develops utility-scale green hydrogen projects across the U.S., transforming clean electricity and water into zero-emission hydrogen to decarbonize critical industries.
Notable Achievements: Secured up to $400M investment from LS Power; launched a $1B green hydrogen SAF project in Rockford, IL.
RedoxBlox
Founded: 2020
Description: Pioneers thermochemical energy storage technology that stores energy as heat and chemically at high temps for industrial decarbonization.
Notable Achievements: Raised $40.7M Series A; awarded $15M+ in DOE and CA Energy Commission grants.
Airbuild
Founded: 2022
Description: Scalable algae-powered biopanels that capture CO₂, generate power, and purify water—integrated into sustainable buildings.
Notable Achievements: Each panel sequesters more CO₂ than 15 trees; a leading biological carbon removal solution.
Smartville
Founded: 2019
Description: Repurposes EV batteries into scalable storage systems, promoting battery circularity and grid resilience.
Notable Achievements: Won $2.65M in public funding; deployed Smartville 360 at UC San Diego using mixed EV packs.
American Lithium Energy
Founded: 2006
Description: Manufactures high-performance lithium-ion batteries for EVs, aerospace, and defense using advanced silicon anodes.
Notable Achievements: Raised $13.2M from CA Energy Commission; ships highest energy-density lithium-ion cells.
🏗️ Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
With large-scale biotech and medical manufacturing hubs in North County (Genentech, Thermo Fisher, Gilead), plus NASSCO shipbuilding and Tijuana’s industrial base just across the border, San Diego has become a serious advanced manufacturing region. Today’s startups are building with precision, sustainability, and scale.
Resilience
Founded: 2020
Description: Builds advanced biomanufacturing facilities to produce complex medicines at scale.
Notable Achievements: Secured a $410 million loan from the U.S. Department of Defense to establish end-to-end biomanufacturing capacity; expanded operations in Ohio, adding 200 new jobs; partnered with AstraZeneca by acquiring their manufacturing site in West Chester, Ohio.
Fabric8Labs
Founded: 2015
Description: Electrochemical metal 3D printing platform that produces high-resolution, low-cost parts without powders or lasers.
Notable Achievements: Raised $50M in Series B led by NEA; developed ECAM technology; advancing cooling tech for semiconductors through complex geometries.
Algenesis
Founded: 2016
Description: Bio-based materials company creating compostable plastics from algae for consumer and industrial products.
Notable Achievements: Unveiled Soleic® biodegradable TPU; raised $5M; tackling microplastics with compostable performance materials.
ECOR
Founded: 2006
Description: Advanced building materials made from recycled cellulose fibers, offering sustainable alternatives to wood, plastic, and composites.
Notable Achievements: Produces recyclable panels with no toxins using clean energy and 95% recycled water; supporting circular economy in construction.
Intrepid Automation
Founded: 2017
Description: Scalable additive manufacturing systems for high-throughput production of complex polymer parts.
Notable Achievements: Launched STEM education initiatives; released Range 3D printer with up to 10x throughput; raised Series A funding.
Verity
Founded: 2019
Description: Sustainable packaging solutions using alternate materials to reduce plastic waste in beauty and consumer products.
Notable Achievements: Shortlisted for World Sustainability Awards; partnered with Mission Driven Finance; offers reusable, metal-based aesthetic packaging.
Limber
Founded: 2020
Description: 3D-printed prosthetic limbs tailored to individual users, designed for affordability and accessibility in underserved communities.
Notable Achievements: Provided free prostheses in Ensenada; raised early seed funding; advancing safety-tested limb tech for global access.
Craitor
Founded: 2019
Description: Rugged 3D printers built for field deployment, enabling on-demand manufacturing of critical parts in remote and military environments.
Notable Achievements: Partnered with U.S. Marine Corps; built FieldFab expeditionary printer; won 2024 Award for Tactical 3D Printing Excellence.
Aquacycl
Founded: 2016
Description: Develops bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable wastewater treatment, converting organic pollutants into direct electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Notable Achievements: Raised $17M to revolutionize industrial wastewater treatment and energy recovery; selected as a finalist for The Earthshot Prize 2023; expanded operations with a European office in the Netherlands.
🧠 Semiconductors
Home to industry leader Qualcomm, Luxtera (acq by $CSCO), and Cymer/ASML, San Diego helped power the mobile revolution. With Apple employing thousands locally and pSemi and Kyocera contributing core tech over the decades, the city’s chip ecosystem continues to evolve — now expanding into RF, edge AI, and advanced sensing.
Iridia
Founded: 2016
Description: Pioneering molecular data storage solutions by integrating semiconductor technology with biochemistry to create high-density, durable storage systems.
Notable Achievements: Raised $24M in Series B funding; developed world's first high-density DNA-based memory chip; placed cryptocurrency and blockchain data on the Moon using their molecular storage technology.
Kneron
Founded: 2015
Description: Develops full-stack edge AI solutions, including hardware and software, for applications across vehicles, security, and IoT devices.
Notable Achievements: Raised $49M Series B; recognized among top semiconductor startups of 2024; awarded 2023 IEEE Innovation Award.
Trident IoT
Founded: 2023
Description: Specializes in IoT silicon and modules, offering design support and U.S.-based certification services to streamline product development.
Notable Achievements: Founded by IoT veterans with over a century of experience; launched to simplify and accelerate IoT product journeys.
Qureator
Founded: 2017
Description: Develops microphysiological systems known as Curiochips, designed to replicate complex tissue microenvironments for biomedical research.
Notable Achievements: Closed $15M Series A to expand into more disease models; advancing tools for drug discovery and personalized medicine.
GigaIO
Founded: 2012
Description: Provides rack-scale architecture for data centers, enabling seamless communication between computing resources for AI and HPC workloads.
Notable Achievements: Raised $14.7M Series B; selected for the National Research Platform; powering composable infrastructure for next-gen research.
Saphlux
Founded: 2014
Description: Develops semiconductor materials, focusing on quantum dot micro-LED technology for ultra-high-resolution display applications.
Notable Achievements: Raised $21.75M Series B; partnered with top investors to bring QD technology to commercial markets.
QuantalRF
Founded: 2008
Description: Provides advanced RF semiconductor solutions like power and low-noise amplifiers to improve wireless systems.
Notable Achievements: Raised $15M Series C; based on innovations from former NASA scientist; expanding commercial growth in RF components.
Chilldyne
Founded: 2011
Description: Specializes in liquid cooling systems for data centers, focused on negative pressure and leak-proof operation for HPC reliability.
Notable Achievements: Developed liquid cooling technology to reduce heat and risk in high-performance server environments.
🧬 Diagnostic & MedDevice
From Hybritech and Illumina to Dexcom, ResMed, NuVasive, Tandem Diabetes Care, CareFusion, and QuidelOrtho, San Diego’s legacy in health tech is unmatched. These pioneers helped shape modern diagnostics and medical devices, from glucose sensors and sleep therapy to surgical robotics and at-home test kits. Today’s startups are carrying that momentum forward with connected, AI-powered, and accessible solutions that redefine how we detect, monitor, and manage health.
Nalu Medical
Founded: 2014
Description: Minimally invasive neurostimulation devices for managing chronic neuropathic pain.
Notable Achievements: Closed an $85M Series E round to accelerate commercial growth, expand clinical and health-economic evidence, and continue product development of the Nalu Neurostimulation System.
Zerigo Health
Founded: 2014
Description: Connected light therapy for treating chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.
Notable Achievements: Raised $43M Series B with participation from Cigna Ventures and Leaps by Bayer to scale adoption.
Carlsmed
Founded: 2018
Description: AI-driven personalized surgical plans and devices for spine surgery.
Notable Achievements: Raised $52.5M Series C to commercialize aprevo® for lumbar fusions and develop cervical applications.
Allez Health
Founded: 2018
Description: Biosensor platform for continuous glucose monitoring.
Notable Achievements: Raised $60M Series A+ to support clinical and commercial rollout.
Biolinq
Founded: 2012
Description: Wearable biosensors for continuous glucose monitoring with minimally invasive tech.
Notable Achievements: Raised $58M to progress its intradermal glucose sensor through pivotal trials toward FDA clearance.
Luna Diabetes
Founded: 2020
Description: Automated insulin delivery support for insulin pen users.
Notable Achievements: Launched pivotal study to evaluate closed-loop insulin tech using pens, measuring Time-in-Range outcomes.
Alume Biosciences
Founded: 2017
Description: Nerve illumination tools to reduce surgical complications.
Notable Achievements: Completed $5.5M Series A to fund Phase 1/2 clinical studies of its lead surgical imaging candidate.
HAI Solutions
Founded: 2015
Description: Devices to prevent IV contamination and improve patient safety.
Notable Achievements: Won AANA’s inaugural Rm8 iNov8 Pitch Competition; partnered with innovation lab to advance care.
Psyonic
Founded: 2015
Description: Advanced, affordable bionic limbs enhancing mobility.
Notable Achievements: Released the Ability Hand with multi-touch feedback; relocated HQ to San Diego for medical partnerships.
Neuralace Medical
Founded: 2016
Description: Non-invasive magnetic stimulation for nerve pain relief.
Notable Achievements: Received FDA clearance for Axon Therapy to treat diabetic neuropathy and nerve pain non-invasively.
Cooler Heads
Founded: 2018
Description: Scalp cooling devices to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
Notable Achievements: Launched Amma™ cold cap system; expanded access to scalp cooling for more cancer patients.
CARI Health
Founded: 2015
Description: Wearable monitors for real-time medication tracking.
Notable Achievements: Awarded $2.8M NIH SBIR Fast Track grant to advance real-time monitoring of medication adherence.
🍽️ FoodTech
San Diego’s history of innovation at the intersection of science and sustainability has shaped its growing FoodTech scene. From Blue Tech research at Scripps Oceanography and R&D at the Port Incubator, to breakthroughs in agriculture, biotech at the Salk Institute, and Organovo’s early food printing exploration, the region blends biology and flavor. Today, FoodTech startups are creating new sources of protein and reimagining seafood for a more sustainable future.
Plantible Foods
Founded: 2016
Description: Producing functional protein from lemna (duckweed), a highly sustainable aquatic plant.
Notable Achievements: Raised $30M to commercialize Rubi Protein as a scalable, egg-white replacement; backed by investors like Vectr Ventures and Kellogg’s Eighteen94 Capital.
BlueNalu
Founded: 2017
Description: Cultivated seafood company producing real fish products directly from fish cells, without the need to harvest animals.
Notable Achievements: Raised $33.5M Series B; one of the first cultivated seafood companies to develop mahi-mahi and bluefin tuna prototypes; expanding pilot production facility in San Diego.
🛰️ Sensor Tech
From ocean buoys to body trackers, San Diego has been a hub for sensor innovation. Legacy institutions like Scripps Oceanography, ALERTCalifornia, ESI, Fitbit’s R&D lab, and Lumedyne paved the way for breakthroughs in environmental monitoring, seismic sensing, and early consumer wearables. Today’s startups are pushing forward with cloud-connected sensors that power everything from sports performance and water systems to smart buildings and satellite-enabled logistics.
Blast Motion
Founded: 2010
Description: Motion capture sensors and analytics for sports performance, delivering real-time feedback to athletes and coaches.
Notable Achievements: Filed notice to raise $60M in new debt financing to expand product development and market reach.
Subeca
Founded: 2018
Description: Wireless smart water metering to help utilities and consumers monitor and manage usage efficiently.
Notable Achievements: Deployed across municipalities, enabling conservation and cost savings.
Totum Labs
Founded: 2019
Description: Low-power satellite-based tracking for global asset monitoring using proprietary DMSS technology.
Notable Achievements: Raised $13M Series A and formed strategic partnerships to commercialize satellite IoT solutions.
Occuspace
Founded: 2018
Description: Ambient Wi-Fi-based occupancy sensors that provide real-time space utilization data.
Notable Achievements: Adopted by universities and offices to optimize facility use and reduce energy costs.
Namara
Founded: 2020
Description: Smart valves with embedded sensors for water data and control.
Notable Achievements: Partnered with agricultural and industrial clients to optimize water usage and cut costs.
🛠️ Advanced Device
San Diego's legacy of innovation has fostered a new wave of startups developing advanced devices across various sectors, from AI-driven mapping tools to interactive pet technology and sustainable lighting solutions.
Looq AI
Founded: 2021
Description: AI-enabled digital twin platform for survey-grade 3D mapping of infrastructure.
Notable Achievements: Launched platform at Distributech 2024; raised $2.6M from top VCs to digitize critical infrastructure.
CleverPet
Founded: 2013
Description: Interactive game console for dogs using puzzles to stimulate learning.
Notable Achievements: Released the CleverPet Hub, the world’s first adaptive console for dogs; featured in national media for pet tech innovation.
CLICS
Founded: 2016
Description: Digital hair color studio for salons with precise, mess-free color formulation.
Notable Achievements: Eliminates waste and boosts salon profit margins by 30%; includes automatic color dispensing and smart inventory management.
Eversun
Founded: 2018
Description: Ultra-portable solar-powered light towers for off-grid lighting needs.
Notable Achievements: Built the eTower—an 85-pound, 23-ft carbon fiber tower delivering 52,300 lumens with IoT-enabled control.
💡 What Did We Miss?
This is just the beginning. The SD HardTech 50 is meant to spark conversation, not claim completeness.
Know a San Diego-based hardtech company we should spotlight in a future edition?
👉 Submit it here (Insert Airtable or form link)
We’re especially interested in founders building real products in areas like semiconductors, advanced materials, food systems, water infrastructure, aerospace, and robotics.
🌊 Why This Matters
Hardtech isn’t just a buzzword — it’s where real-world impact meets real-world complexity. From defense and healthcare to energy and food, these are the companies building the systems that power our world.
And San Diego? Quietly, persistently, it’s become one of the few U.S. cities where hardtech doesn’t just happen — it thrives.