Innovation District

Convening San Diego's Innovation Ecosystem

Cultivating Impactful Ideas

The SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District will include roughly 1.6 million square feet of office, technology, and research space dedicated to enabling the university and its partners to create new career pathways, expand the region’s capabilities, and design new solutions to important problems facing our community and the world.

Aerial view of the first innovation district project as proposed by LPC West. Courtesy of LPC West; Design: Lever / FPBA / JCFO; Image by E Studio Nod.
More Information

Rendering of phase 1 of innovation district with red text that reads SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District is

Developed primarily through public-private partnerships, the SDSU Innovation District will facilitate internships, create new educational experiences, inspire innovative discoveries, advance technology, and foster new research.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Grand Challenges

The Innovation District plans to co-locate public and private partners with university researchers to address current societal challenges in major thematic areas.

Biologist inspects vial of genetic material from hops

Life Sciences

Our researchers are identifying new therapeutics, advancing aquaculture, and ensuring equitable access to health care outcomes.

Health researchers inspect data

Cyber & Digital Tech

Our interdisciplinary scientists are inventing new technologies with applications in security, robotics, sensor networks and multimedia.

An antenna in a soundproof lab could help send military and commercial signals

Aerospace & Defense

Leveraging San Diego's position as the 2nd largest military community in the world, we are creating dual-use defense and commercial innovations.

Researchers gather water samples from Tijuana River Estuary

Climate Resilience

In collaboration with tribal and transborder partners, SDSU is working to ensure ecosystems and economies can handle the effects of climate change.

A leading electrical vehicle battery researcher shows off his lab

Sustainable Energy

SDSU is at the forefront of cleantech energy initiatives including photovoltaics and more environmentally friendly batteries.

SDSU researchers serve as panelists at San Diego Comic-Con

Media & Entertainment

Our experts are generating new insights into media consumption and creating more inclusive digital media, communication and performances.

Where Research and Enterprise Converge

The Innovation District will be located just south of Snapdragon Stadium and will be constructed in several phases adjacent to residential and retail buildings.

Progressing on Phase 1

In March 2023, LPC West was chosen to complete the first innovation district project at SDSU Mission Valley. The project will deliver approximately 315,000 square feet of leading-edge facilities for research and innovation in three buildings in the northeast portion of the site area. LPC West will also construct parking structures to support innovation district uses as well as nearby Snapdragon Stadium events.

Images below courtesy of LPC West; Design: Lever / FPBA / JCFO; Image by E Studio Nod

Entrepreneurship Hub

One of the three buildings in the initial phase of the Innovation District will be dedicated to innovation events and entrepreneurship programming. The rooftop bar will have views of Snapdragon Stadium and the second floor will house the Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP) Launchpad, SDSU's award-winning incubator, and Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU.

The bottom floor has meeting and conference rooms as well as a fitness center and multiple art pieces.

The Entrepreneurship Hub features mass timber construction.
Enjoy a virtual tour through the Entrepreneurship Hub's vibrant spaces.

Get in Touch

We still have openings for potential partners in the Innovation District. Contact our team to discuss available leasing options.

Division for Research and Innovation
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8220

Learn more about innovation at SDSU

Our team is excited to discuss potential collaborations.