East Bay EDA is pleased to share our Resilient East Bay newsletter for Bay Area manufacturers. Explore the latest manufacturing news from the East Bay, including upcoming events and resources available throughout the region. Please contact us at mfg@eastbayeda.org if you have a resource you would like to share.
News & Announcements
ZymoChem Wins the Startup World Cup – East Bay Regional
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance was a proud sponsor of the Startup World Cup – East Bay Regional event, held on September 11 at Cal State University East Bay and hosted by the East Bay Small Business Development Center and Pegasus Tech Ventures. Coreshell, the 2025 East Bay Regional and Grand Finale Winner, welcomed attendees to this year’s competition. Ten (10) finalists took the stage to deliver their 4-minute pitch presentations.
A distinguished panel of judges representing investors, executives, and innovators awarded the top honor to San Leandro-based ZymoChem, a carbon-efficient bio-manufacturing platform that converts renewable feedstocks into bio-based material. ZymoChem will represent the East Bay in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale for a three-peat win and a shot at the $1 Million Investment Prize on November 6 in San Francisco. Congratulations to the 2nd-place winners, GraphIQ and Contrario, and the 3rd-place finishers, Ocergy and Lamina Surgical.
How the East Bay is Leading California’s Most Innovative Industries
California’s economy had one of the fastest growth rates of all U.S. states during the first quarter of 2026, helping the state maintain its position as the fourth-largest economy in the world. Given the prevailing narrative about California’s business climate, this news may come as a surprise to many. Still, given the remarkable growth in advanced industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and robotics here in the Bay Area that is driving much of this activity, the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is not surprised to see these headline numbers. Read the full article on the blog.
Manufacturing Day and Month in the East Bay
East Bay EDA is proud to celebrate Manufacturing Day with an inside look at Roof & Realm, a modular housing manufacturer in Pittsburg. The event will also host a workforce development panel to spotlight training programs that help prepare talent for high‑quality careers in advanced manufacturing. Please follow our LinkedIn page throughout October as we spotlight partner events across the East Bay and showcase the people and organizations driving our regional economy forward.
High-Tech Growth Gains Momentum in Livermore
Livermore’s recent ribbon cuttings underscored the city’s strong commitment to scaling advanced technology and industrial innovation. Inertia’s launch of its 50,000‑square‑foot fusion fuel target factory and laser research facility highlighted the city’s role in supporting the transition from breakthrough science to commercial fusion energy. Over the summer, Velo3D opened its nearly 289,000‑square‑foot Forge 1 metal additive manufacturing campus, complementing its Fremont headquarters. Fremont-based Lam Research also just announced a new 470,000-square-foot tech warehouse in Livermore is set to employ over 240 workers by 2027.
Bloom Energy Doubles Down in Fremont
Fast-growing fuel cell company Bloom Energy has acquired a 158,000-square-foot facility on Encyclopedia Circle, expanding its Fremont operations and supporting the addition of hundreds of advanced manufacturing jobs. The expansion reflects growing demand from the technology sector for faster, cleaner, on-site power generation and further highlights Fremont’s role in Silicon Valley’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Read more.
Resources
Access Employment Training Funds to Train and Upskill Your Workforce
Manufacturers across the Bay Area can boost their workforce skills by tapping into California’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) funds. This state resource helps offset the cost of employee training and upskilling. To get started and maximize your eligibility, contact ETP training partner Manex Consulting for expert guidance and support. Learn more.
DOE Technology Commercialization Fund
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) announced $41 million available to advance the commercialization of promising technologies in five priority areas. The final funding amount is based on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget and is subject to FY 2027 Congressional appropriations. The lab call creates new opportunities for industry, entrepreneurs, investors, universities, nonprofits, and other organizations to engage with DOE National Laboratories, plants, and sites and help move DOE technologies from research and development toward the marketplace. National Laboratories can submit proposals to DOE, and organizations interested in participating as potential project partners can add their information to the Teaming Partner List. Read the press release.
Funding for Zero Emission Trucks
The Bay Area Air District announced the opening of the Zero Emission Truck Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) for small fleets to replace their heavy-duty trucks with new zero-emission trucks. More than $20 million is now available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is available for up to $240,000 for light- and medium-heavy duty trucks and up to $520,000 for heavy-heavy duty trucks based on the engine model year, past usage and the current odometer of the vehicle being replaced.
Upcoming Events
October 2 – Roof and Realm Tour with East Bay EDA (Pittsburg)
October 2 – Manufacturing Day at Torani and Drakes (San Leandro)
October 6 – Made in Fremont: Built to Scale, Innovate Bay
October 13 – Golden State Manufacturing Forum (Sacramento)
October 15 – Tri-Valley Life Sciences Summit (Pleasanton)
October 16 – Port of Oakland Harbor Tour with East Bay EDA (Oakland)
October 28 – CMTA Coolest Thing Made in California (Sacramento)
November 4 – SF Business Times Manufacturing Event (Save the Date)
November 6 – Martinez Refining Company Tour (Martinez)
November 5-6 – DRIVE AI Demo Day (Berkeley & Richmond)