University of California Spinoffs

The University of California system provides the foundation for the California life science industry. The UC system contributes basic research, company formation, research collaborations and human capital (building the talent pool).  Today, 1,320 California research & development intensive firms are working with UC researchers, most of whom are connected with UC San Diego.

California has:

  • 48% of U.S. life science industry
  • 6 top medical schools
  • 2,700 biotechnology companies
  • 260,000 biotechnology jobs
  • Average biotech salary: $81,300 (with a wide range)
  • Economic output for 2006: $62 billion
  • Total wages/salaries for 2006: $18.2 billion
Map of california showing a stack of coins accross the state, where each coin represents a business created in that stack's city by a UC affiliate or alumni. San Diego's stack, discussed below, is by far the tallest in the state.