East Bay EDA is pleased to share some useful news and resources for Bay Area manufacturers. Please contact us if you have a resource you would like to share. Submit your items directly to mfg@eastbayeda.org.
News & Announcements
Speedway at Bayfair: Revitalizing a Historic Mall into a Hub for Innovation
San Leandro’s new Speedway at Bayfair is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of San Leandro’s innovation economy, blending historical roots with a forward-looking vision for local industry, transit access, and startup growth. Read more about San Leandro’s Feature in the San Francisco Business Times.
Robo Taxi Manufacturing Facility Opens in Hayward
Amazon’s robotaxi company, Zoox, officially opens its first major robotaxi production facility in Hayward, with the goal to assemble over 10,000 vehicles per year. Check out the feature on NBC Bay Area!
Life Sciences are a Major Economic Engine in the Region
According to Biocom California’s 2025 Economic Impact Report, Alameda County ranks second in the Bay Area for total life science employment and third in overall economic output. In 2024, Alameda County generated $25 billion in economic activity and employed nearly 40,000 direct life science workers. Download the Alameda County Fact Sheet.
New CEQA Exemptions Pave Way for Advanced Manufacturing
Recent legislative reforms in California have introduced new exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline advanced manufacturing projects in areas exclusively zoned for industrial uses. These exemptions aim to streamline the approval process for projects that align with the state’s economic development and climate resilience goals. Take a look at the California Association of Local Economic Development’s (CALED) recap of CEQA reform.
Resources
Apply for the Startup World Cup East Bay Regional Event
The Startup World Cup is coming to the East Bay on September 10! The event is a premier global conference and pitch competition, connecting startups with venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry-leading tech CEOs. The East Bay Regional winner will advance to the grand finale in San Francisco on October 17, competing live for a $1 million investment prize. Ready to take the stage? Learn more and apply by August 17.
Applications Now Open for Cal Competes Tax Credits
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). There are $308 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. Learn more and apply by August 11.
Applications for SkyDeck’s Accelerator Now Open
Roughly 20 startups are selected every 6 months to receive a $200,000 investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. Startups from all over the world are eligible and encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply by August 22.
Coolest Thing Made in California – It’s time to submit your nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in California contest! Nominations open through August 29. Nominate today!
Upcoming Events
8/5 – Biocom & City of Fremont: Future of Bay Area Life Science Manufacturing (Fremont)
8/19 – 2025 Mid-Year Employment Law Update: New Compliance Obligations for CA Employers (Webinar)
8/20 – Startup Tri-Valley – AI: The Catalyst for Change in Industries (Dublin)
9/4 – AMBayArea Fall Forum (Santa Clara)
9/6 – Port of Richmond Community Open House & Workforce Development Day (Richmond)
9/10 – Startup World Cup East Bay Regional (Hayward)
9/11 – East Bay Global Forum (Berkeley)
10/3 – UPSIDE Foods Tour (East Bay EDA Members Only)
10/22 – CMTA Coolest Thing Made in California Award Ceremony
Visit our events calendar for updates!
