UCSD - University of California - San Diego

06/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/25/2026 03:07

Impact Beyond the Numbers: New Report Examines the Life Sciences in California

Published Date

June 25, 2026

Article Content

Key Takeaways

  • California's life sciences industry continues to serve as a major driver of economic growth, innovation and high-quality employment across the state.
  • The state's life sciences sector supported over 400,000 jobs and generated nearly $394 billion in economic activity statewide in 2025.
  • The industry remains a national leader in scientific advancement, healthcare innovation and economic competitiveness, spanning biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, research and related fields.

California's life sciences industry continues to serve as a major driver of economic growth, innovation and high-quality employment across the state, according to the newly released 2026 California Life Sciences Economic Impact Report.

The report, unveiled at the BIO 2026 International Convention in San Diego on June 22-23, finds that California's life sciences sector supported over 400,000 jobs and generated nearly $394 billion in economic activity statewide in 2025. The industry remains a national leader in scientific advancement, healthcare innovation and economic competitiveness, spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, research organizations and related fields.

"The life sciences industry continues to play an essential role in California's economy while advancing discoveries that improve lives around the world," said Kelly Nielsen, Director of the UC San Diego Center for Research + Evaluation within the Division of Extended Studies. "This report provides valuable insights into the scale of that impact and the people and organizations driving innovation forward."

A new partnership for industry research

The 2026 report marks the first edition produced through a new partnership between Biocom and the Center for Research + Evaluation (CR+E) at UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies.

The collaboration brings together Biocom's industry expertise and statewide network with CR+E's strengths in economic analysis and workforce research. The partnership will continue for at least another year as they collaborate on the 2027 life sciences economic impact report.

Beyond the numbers

While previous editions focused primarily on economic metrics, this year's report introduces a new storytelling component that highlights the experiences and perspectives of companies helping shape California's innovation ecosystem.

"The numbers in this report are impressive, but they only tell part of the story," said Tim Scott, president and CEO of Biocom. "Behind every job, breakthrough and investment are scientists, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and innovators working to solve some of the world's most pressing health challenges. By combining economic data with real-world experiences, this report offers a more complete picture of the industry's impact and the innovation ecosystem that continues to drive California's leadership in life sciences."

Researchers interviewed executives from life sciences companies across the state, including Scott Struthers, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of San Diego-based Crinetics Pharmaceuticals. Those conversations were developed into five narrative profiles that accompany the report's economic findings.

The stories explore themes such as innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, scientific discovery and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Behind every job, breakthrough and investment are scientists, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and innovators working to solve some of the world's most pressing health challenges. By combining economic data with real-world experiences, this report offers a more complete picture of the industry's impact and the innovation ecosystem that continues to drive California's leadership in life sciences. Tim Scott, president and CEO of Biocom

"Data helps us measure impact, but stories help us understand it," said Nielsen. "These company narratives bring the report to life by showing how scientific breakthroughs, business growth and workforce development intersect in communities throughout California."

Informing the future of innovation

The report serves as a resource for policymakers, economic development leaders, educators, workforce planners, investors and industry executives seeking to understand trends shaping California's life sciences sector.

For the Division of Extended Studies, the partnership also aligns closely with its mission to support workforce development through applied research and evidence-based insights.

As California continues to compete for talent, investment and innovation on a global stage, understanding the economic contributions of the life sciences industry remains more important than ever.

The full 2026 California Life Sciences Economic Impact Report is available through Biocom at https://www.biocom.org/news/eir/.

The life sciences industry continues to play an essential role in California's economy while advancing discoveries that improve lives around the world. This report provides valuable insights into the scale of that impact and the people and organizations driving innovation forward. Kelly Nielsen, Director of the UC San Diego Center for Research + Evaluation within the Division of Extended Studies

Biocom

Biocom is the largest life science membership association, delivering meaningful connections, strategic business solutions, funding and partnering opportunities, policy leadership and workforce initiatives that strengthen competitiveness and accelerate growth at every stage for companies across California and major life science markets worldwide.

The Center for Research + Evaluation at UC San Diego Extended Studies

The Center for Research and Evaluation (CR+E) has a mission to promote positive change in the local community and beyond through data-driven research. CR+E supports academic, state, and community partners at every stage of the research process, from grant writing to research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

To learn more about the Center's services and connect with the team, visit the Center for Research + Evaluation, or reach them by email at [email protected].

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on June 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 25, 2026 at 09:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]