San Diego’s Cyber Economy

A Unique Convergence of Assets That Exists Nowhere Else

The region is ideally positioned to capitalize on the ever-growing global demand for cybersecurity products and services.

A Vibrant Innovation Economy

San Diego’s entrepreneurial environment has fostered startups to multinational companies in cybersecurity, software development, information technology, communications and defense. The ecosystem includes incubators, financiers, experienced service providers and non-profits that support more than 1,000 firms focused exclusively on cybersecurity. In addition, the proximity of research and development facilities to Northern Mexico’s manufacturing hubs allows for the development of quick-to-market products. Industry leaders Qualcomm, ESET, FICO and Sempra are proud to call San Diego home.

Education and Research

San Diego’s universities and colleges annually graduate 3,672 students across 45 programs in the cybersecurity, computer science and engineering fields. These institutions also support cutting-edge research through resources like the Super Computing Center at UC San Diego. San Diego’s universities annually receive billions in philanthropic and federal funding for research and development projects.

Department of Defense Presence

San Diego is home to the Navy’s Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). NAVWAR directly employs nearly half of all the cybersecurity jobs in San Diego (>3,432) and its presence in San Diego is a major talent attraction and economic driver. NAVWAR’s total budget for 2022 was $10 billion, of which $7.3 billion was set aside for private industry contracts, including $1.7 billion for the San Diego region.

Combined

By drawing on all these resources and bringing them together in a focused, unified effort, CCOE is here to ensure that San Diego takes full advantage of the economic opportunity before us.
By The Numbers
$4B

Total economic impact – greater than hosting 24 Comic-Cons each year!

1,000+

Cybersecurity companies and  NAVWAR call San Diego home

26,000
Total jobs impacted and 13,000+
cybersecurity roles
50,000

San Diego cybersecurity-related talent – with 57% diversity compared to only 25% of the global workforce

3,600+

Cyber-related degrees conferred
annually by local academic institutions – 42% increase in 5 years

66%

Of cyber firms are engaged in AI and machine learning – 2.5x the regional average for all industries

Sources: CCOE and San Diego Regional EDC’s Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Business: San Diego’s Cyber Industry Study, October 2023 and CCOE and San Diego Regional EDC’s Securing the Future: AI and San Diego’s Cyber Industry Study, June 2021

National Geographic Smart City

Play Video

San Diego was chosen for its strong technology sector, local innovators, green practices, smart public planning and an unparalleled quality of life. Other selection factors included San Diego’s size of population, demographics/cultural diversity, livability, economy and business climate, educational institutions, leadership and strong sense of community.

Get Involved

CCOE’s programs and initiatives stimulate economic growth by building the cyber industry and help foster a more secure digital community for all.

Get Involved