World Center of Technology

For decades, San Jose has been the leading center for a wide range of technology industries that have helped power our global economy. Anchored by a diverse mix of global corporations, growing businesses and promising start-ups, these driving industries have forged an ever-growing presence in San Jose that allows businesses to collaborate, compete, and ultimately thrive.

In fact, the Milken Institute continues to rank San Jose metropolitan statistical area as the #1 high-tech area in North America.^[1]

Whether it’s been semiconductors, personal computers, handheld devices, cutting-edge software, information services or internet applications, San Jose companies have developed countless new technologies that are used across the world every day.

• San Jose is home to more than 6,600 technology companies employing more than 254,000 people.^[2]
• High-tech companies make up nearly 12% of private-sector businesses in San Jose, the greatest concentration in the U.S. and almost three times the national average.^[3]
• San Jose has 182.5 high-tech jobs for every 1,000 private-sector jobs: 47% higher than any other market.^[4]

Since the adoption of its bold Green Vision in 2007, San Jose’s technology sector has seen tremendous growth in clean tech innovation, with more than 250 companies and 4,000 jobs investing in a wide range of "green" fields (i.e. energy generation, efficiency and storage; transportation; recycling and waste; green buildings).^[5] In particular, the solar industry is currently growing by about 35% per year and is expected to add another 15,000 jobs in Silicon Valley over the next decade.^[6]

In addition, the region has established itself as a leader in the Bioscience Industry, with more than 600 businesses and 21,000 workers in Santa Clara County. San Jose has more companies, universities and organizations working in Nanotechnology than any other metro area in the country.^[7] The high level of collaboration among San Jose companies has also facilitated the birth of a number of new convergence industries, like the cluster of North San Jose companies creating video delivery solutions.

Furthermore, the region’s Industrial/Energy, Media & Entertainment, Biotechnology and Medical Device industries continue to grow, having seen a significant rise in venture capital investment over the past eight years.^[8]