San Diego is a key hub for startups, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. The city's accelerators provide critical support for early-stage companies looking to grow.

For example, Nex Cubed Digital Health has made over 25 investments in the healthcare space. Meanwhile, the genetics-focused Illumina has seen 7 of its portfolio companies exit.

Below is our list of the best 9 accelerators and incubators in San Diego.

Failory's Top 9 Picks

Illumina Logo

Illumina advances the field of genomics by providing startups with seed funding and access to its revolutionary sequencing technology through its accelerator program. They support early-stage companies focused on therapeutics, diagnostics, and agriculture, helping to build an innovation ecosystem for the industry.

Year Founded1998
FoundersDavid R. Walt, John Stuelpnagel, Satnam Alag, Steven R. Auger, Larry Bock
Nº of Investments22
Nº of Exits7

Nex Cubed Digital Health supports founders in the digital health and AI space through its customized, semi-remote accelerator. The program connects early-stage startups with a network of healthcare experts, providing them with the specialized mentorship needed to grow in a complex industry.

Year Founded2016
FoundersNick Phillips, Kip Quackenbush
Nº of Investments27
Nº of Exits3
Duration (Weeks)15
JLABS Logo

3. JLABS

JLABS operates a global network of life science incubators, providing startups with capital-efficient lab space and resources from Johnson & Johnson Innovation. They support entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer health fields, helping them accelerate discovery and bring new solutions to patients.

Year Founded2015
Founders—
Nº of Investments9
Nº of Exits2

LogicBoost Labs provides early-stage B2B SaaS companies with up to $300,000 in funding and a full-service team of experts. They work closely with founders in a structured program designed to scale their startups from pre-revenue to $1M in annual recurring revenue.

Year Founded2019
FoundersJonathan Cogley
Nº of Investments13
Nº of Exits1

Specializing in the legal cannabis space, Canopy San Diego accelerates startups that create ancillary products and services through a mentorship-driven investment program. They equip early-stage founders with the seed funding and guidance needed to thrive in this rapidly growing industry.

Year Founded2016
Founders—
Nº of Investments5
Nº of Exits1

Fueling the next wave of medical breakthroughs, i2020 Accelerator offers funding and key resources to life science startups. Their program is specifically designed for companies developing solutions for inflammation, oncology, CNS, and infectious diseases.

Year Founded2018
Founders—
Nº of Investments—
Nº of Exits—

White Feather Investments helps individuals build wealth and achieve financial freedom through curated real estate investment opportunities. The firm provides its partners with access to deals and the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

Year Founded2009
Founders—
Nº of Investments—
Nº of Exits—

Stella Labs champions women-led startups by providing founders with crucial access to capital and a supportive community. Their online program is built on core values of integrity and equity, delivering experiences designed to help female entrepreneurs navigate the fundraising landscape.

Year Founded2012
FoundersFelena Hanson
Nº of Investments—
Nº of Exits—
Program TypeOnline
Duration (Weeks)12

Carib Ventures acts as an investment and operations partner for early-stage companies in the technology and service sectors. Their model of providing both capital and operational guidance has led to successful acquisitions for portfolio companies like Ad-Juster and Local-Offer.com.

Year Founded2012
FoundersAndreas Roell
Nº of Investments2
Nº of Exits—