Connect

The San Diego Funding News 📰 Check out the local #tech & #lifesci companies that were part of last week's raises. Stay up-to-date on innovations news with Connect. #SDfunding Recent Raises: https://bit.ly/3Xu32iW

Calling all energy startups 💡🔋 Southern California energy startups are receiving advice, connections, and resources by applying to be part of the SCEIN program - for free. For more about eligibility and available services 🔽 https://bit.ly/2TeoxUR

Join the conversation shaping the future of women’s health 👩⚕️ The HERS: Health Executive & Research Summit brings together innovators, investors, clinicians, and researchers to explore breakthroughs across the women’s health ecosystem, from venture and innovation to drug discovery and healthcare delivery. 📅 March 23–24, 2026 📍 Hilton San Diego Bayfront If you’re working in life sciences, healthcare, or the innovation ecosystem, this is a great opportunity to connect with leaders driving progress in an area long underfunded but full of opportunity. 💡 Connect community perk: Use code HERS26SDC20 for 20% off registration Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4tUmwMV

Don't miss out on free legal advising with Mintz on Wed. March 18! Secure your 20-minute time slot for a chance to consult with an attorney about your business. Register here: https://bit.ly/4tTOKr2

📣 Founders — if you’re preparing for SDSU San Diego Angel Conference, don’t miss tonight’s Pitch Prep session: Customer Discovery, Competition & Go-To-Market, hosted by The Brink SBDC. Hear directly from Benton Moore of The Brink and Tracy Stevens of NuFund Venture Group on what they look for in an investor-ready pitch — from validating your market to clearly positioning against competitors. 🗓️ TONIGHT | 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 University of San Diego, Manchester Hall The Brink Pitch Prep series runs through March 5 to help entrepreneurs prepare for the San Diego Angel Conference application deadline. Register here: https://bit.ly/4cMwgmd

Mark your calendars as we move into March 📅 Some exciting Connect events are just around the corner, including Accounting Office Hours with Countsy on March 4. Hurry, before all slots fill up! Register here: https://bit.ly/4tuzpgB

Our 2025 Impact Report is here — and it’s a snapshot of the momentum powering San Diego’s innovation ecosystem. In a year defined by capital formation and continued growth, the Connect community showed up in a big way: 🔹 $580M raised by Connect companies 🔹 350+ startups supported 🔹 5,500+ investor introductions facilitated 🔹 13% of San Diego’s $3.6B in VC raised by Connect companies Behind every number is a founder building, an investor backing bold ideas, and a community working together to strengthen the region’s innovation economy. 📊 Explore the full report to see the programs, partnerships, and people driving impact. 👉 Read the 2025 Impact Report: https://bit.ly/46fAxe6 #SanDiegoInnovation #StartupEcosystem #VentureCapital #Innovation #Connect

Funding News Friday 💸 Shoutout to NATILUS, a former Cool Company, on their latest momentum — another example of San Diego innovation taking flight ✈️ Check out the latest funding activity across the region and see who’s building what’s next. View all Recent Raises: https://bit.ly/3Xu32iW #SDFundingNews #SDFundings #SanDiegoInnovation

The 2nd Annual Health Security Innovation Prize Challenge, in collaboration with Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium and Medical CBRN Defense Consortium, is a national call for next-gen solutions to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats across civilian and defense sectors. 🚀 $200K in non-dilutive funding 🎤 Pitch live to government & industry leaders (May 12, National Harbor, MD) 🤝 Direct pathways to real-world deployment Focus areas span diagnostics, autonomous systems, therapeutics, advanced manufacturing, sensor fusion, and threat detection. If you’re building for health resilience or operational readiness, this is your platform. Apply by March 23 at https://lnkd.in/gS_WrQCv

🔬 Looking for a fun way to celebrate innovation and inspire the next generation? Join Generation STEAM at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering on March 7 at Petco Park. It's a free, community-wide event featuring 100+ hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, and live performances for all ages. Explore, learn, and spark curiosity 👉 https://bit.ly/3uR2MjB