As we reflect on a challenging year for manufacturers and the many organizations that support them, we are inspired by the resilience, innovation, and revival taking shape across our region. This newsletter seeks to spotlight the great work of companies, communities, and partnerships that support the East Bay’s diverse manufacturing ecosystem. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum and strengthen our connections with businesses, partners, and supporters.
Featured
Bay Area Manufacturing Landscape Survey
As the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Convener for the Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative, East Bay EDA, in collaboration with the Association of Manufacturers (AMBay Area) and EASTBAYWorks, is working in conjunction with regional and statewide organizations to better understand the services, programs, and resources available to manufacturers across the Bay Area. Whether you’re offering no-cost technical assistance, workforce development services, funding opportunities, or something entirely unique – we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the landscape survey.
What is a Contract Manufacturer, and Why are They Critical to the East Bay Economy?
Contract manufacturers are some of the most important parts of the East Bay’s manufacturing ecosystem. They employ tens of thousands of local residents, make products and components for other manufacturing businesses, and accelerate the growth of new firms, but they don’t always get the attention they deserve. Learn more about contract manufacturers on our blog.
News & Announcements
KQED News: From Rust to Robots, the East Bay Bids for a High-Tech Revival
The East Bay is leading the Bay Area’s high-tech manufacturing revival, positioning the region as a hub for high‑value sectors like advanced transportation, biomedical, food and beverage, climate tech, and robotics. East Bay EDA Executive Director Stephen Baiter describes this momentum as a “convergence effect,” where talent, R&D, production space, and supportive policies are fueling the East Bay’s transformation into a high-value manufacturing center. Check out the story on KQED.
Contra Costa County’s Green Empowerment Zone
Contra Costa County’s “Green Empowerment Zone” (GEZ) was established by the 2021 California Assembly Bill 844 to accelerate regional economic development and investment in the county’s northern waterfront as well as the cities of Benicia and Vallejo in Solano County. The GEZ focuses its efforts on attracting high-impact projects that will boost the local economy and help California continue to be a leader in clean energy-related industries. Learn more about Contra Costa County’s Green Empowerment Zone.
Union City: Where the Bay Area Comes Together
The City of Union City leverages its unique locational advantages, diverse workforce and industry mix, and flexible real estate to serve Bay Area businesses. Combined, these conditions help create a business environment that is welcoming and desirable for all types of companies. Discover the “Union City Advantage” in the San Francisco Business Times.
Manufacturing Boom in West Oakland
A once-neglected area of West Oakland is now home base for urban manufacturing. Startups in this area are developing clean energy solutions, sustainable construction supplies, and waste regeneration. Read the Oaklandside article about how the City of Oakland is joining forces with developers, entrepreneurs, and the community to reimagine industry with a bold new focus.
Community College Spotlight: Diablo Valley College
Earlier this fall, the Pleasant Hill campus of Diablo Valley College (DVC) held a groundbreaking celebration for a new 32,500-square-foot Engineering Technologies Building that will be completed in time for Fall 2027 classes. This building is made possible by the voters of Contra Costa County through the Contra Costa Community College District’s Measure E bond. Read more about the building’s program offerings on the blog.
Resource Spotlight
Spring 2026 Berkeley Gateway Accelerator Cohort
Future Frontier Capital’s Berkeley Gateway Accelerator has opened applications for deep-tech founders who are building a deep-tech startup that would benefit from structured support across IP, customer development, regulatory planning, fundraising, and scale-up strategy. The cohort is a 5-month residential program in Berkeley, California, with dedicated Entrepreneurial Fellows, access to our network of domain experts, and focused work on commercialization readiness. Entrepreneurs and founders who are building in advanced materials, photonics, quantum, robotics, biotech, or other science-driven areas can learn more and apply here.
Livermore Lab Foundation STEM Fellowships
The Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF) is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. In partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), LLF supports fellowships for students seeking to advance their educational and professional goals. All fellowships (summer-only or full-year) include a paid, full-time 10-12 week Lab internship; awards are based on LLNL’s student pay scale commensurate with their academic level. To learn more about this program and apply, visit the Livermore Lab Foundation STEM Fellowship page.
Looking for Local Skilled Talent or Upskilling Your Employees?
The 28 Bay Area Community Colleges offer a range of manufacturing programs, from CAD, energy, machining, to process technology. Take a look at the Bay Area Community College manufacturing programs and contact Dr. Mark Martin, Regional Director of Advanced Manufacturing, for your workforce needs.
Additional Resources
For a list of regional resources, please visit the Resilient East Bay Resource Directory.
If your organization has an interesting resource to offer, please contact us to get started.