2026 Life Science Economic Impact Report
Measuring the Impact of Life Science Innovation in California
Biocom’s 2026 Life Science Economic Impact Report provides new data and insights on the performance of California’s life science industry. Developed in partnership with UC San Diego and HSBC Innovation Banking, the report examines economic impact, investment activity, research funding, workforce trends, manufacturing strength and the forces shaping the future of innovation.
New this year, The Ripple Effect highlights member stories that bring the data to life through real-world examples of scientific and economic impact.
What’s Inside the Report
The 2026 Life Science Economic Impact Report goes beyond the numbers to provide a comprehensive look at the performance, priorities and future of California’s life science industry.
Economic Impact
Jobs, wages, economic output and investment across California’s life science industry.
Regional Insights
Insights and fact sheets covering the nine-county Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.
Investment Outlook
Expert analysis from Jonathan Norris, managing director, HSBC Innovation Banking on investment trends.
“The discoveries being made today across our laboratories, startups, manufacturing facilities and research institutions will shape the next generation of medicine and strengthen California’s role as the global center of life science innovation.”
Tim Scott
President and CEO, Biocom
california
California At-A-Glance
In 2025, the life science industry in California generated $394 billion in total economic output, supported more than 1.08 million jobs and directly employed 406,565 workers. The industry also attracted $73.1 billion in private investment, including $20.6 billion in venture capital, and remained the nation’s largest recipient of NIH and NSF funding.
Despite economic, regulatory and policy headwinds, the number of life science establishments in California grew nearly 2% to 15,730, reflecting continued resilience across the state’s innovation ecosystem.
bay-area
Bay Area Life Science Industry
The Bay Area remained California’s largest life science cluster in 2025, directly employing 137,779 life science workers and generating $121.6 billion in economic output. The region supported 237,150 total jobs, attracted $11.5 billion in life science investment and secured $2.2 billion in NIH and NSF funding.
los-angeles
Greater Los Angeles Life Science Industry
Greater Los Angeles directly employed 85,940 life science workers and generated $59.7 billion in economic output in 2025. The region supported 181,612 total jobs, secured $1.5 billion in NIH and NSF funding and continued to demonstrate strength across biopharma, medical devices and health technology.
orange-county
Orange County Life Science Industry
Orange County directly employed 57,213 life science workers and generated $43.9 billion in economic output in 2025. The region supported 126,576 total jobs and remains one of the state’s strongest hubs for life science manufacturing and medical technology, with manufacturing representing a significant share of regional employment.
san-diego
San Diego Life Science Industry
San Diego directly employed 61,866 life science workers and generated $55.2 billion in economic output in 2025. The region supported 155,621 total jobs, attracted $3.9 billion in investment and secured more than $1.1 billion in NIH and NSF funding, underscoring its continued leadership in life science research, innovation and commercialization.