This Week's Latest Tech News in Carlsbad, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Carlsbad, CA continues to rapidly establish itself as a cleantech and innovation leader, backed by a projected $1.4 billion impact on the local economy and the creation of over 4,000 new tech jobs in 2025.

The city’s growth is fueled by an impressive ecosystem spanning clean energy, AI, cloud computing, biotech, and sustainable manufacturing, with more than 250 tech companies calling Carlsbad home.

Local partners like Viasat, winner of a $102 million Department of Defense contract, are strengthening the city’s national reputation in satellite communications and cybersecurity while supporting job creation and talent pipelines through collaborations with MiraCosta College and Cal State San Marcos.

Carlsbad’s cleantech momentum features companies such as GKN Hydrogen and Smartville, who are advancing energy storage and battery recycling, and 3D Studio, which pioneered biodegradable 3D printing materials that reduce emissions up to 30% as covered in the April 13th news.

With innovation hubs and incubators promoting collaboration and sustainability, Carlsbad is recognized as a dense center for clean technology driving the future toward a more sustainable world.

The region’s focus on sustainable innovation, robust job growth, and educational partnerships firmly position Carlsbad as a standout tech hub in Southern California according to recent tech sector updates.

• Cleantech leadership: Carlsbad has established itself as a standout center of cleantech innovation in 2025.
• Robust economy: The local tech sector is projected to contribute over $1.4 billion to the Carlsbad economy this year.
• Job creation: More than 4,000 new tech jobs are expected to be developed thanks to industry growth.
• Educational partnerships: Companies such as Viasat, led by Richard Lopez, are teaming up with educational institutions to boost talent pipelines.
• Sustainable innovation: Local companies are pioneering biodegradable materials and battery recycling for cleaner technology.
• National recognition: Department of Defense contracts and high-profile company efforts are elevating Carlsbad’s profile across the US.

Company	Focus Area	2025 Initiative
Viasat	Satellite Communications	Defense contract collaboration with Karen Johnson
GKN Hydrogen	Energy Storage	Advanced hydrogen solutions
3D Studio	Biodegradable 3D Printing	Emissions reduced by up to 30% with Matthew Thomas

Carlsbad’s rapid tech sector growth, educational alliances, and clean energy leadership are creating exciting opportunities for professionals and businesses alike.

Carlsbad’s innovation spotlight this week is on the launch of Paladin Power and Emtel Energy’s new lithium-free graphene supercapacitor energy storage system, introduced in April 2025.

This technology represents a significant move toward safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy storage for both homes and businesses. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on electrochemical processes and present risks related to fire and resource extraction, graphene supercapacitors use advanced materials and store energy electrostatically, leading to much higher safety and sustainability standards.

Emtel’s graphene-based supercapacitors can achieve up to 500,000 charge cycles - far exceeding the 6,000-cycle lifespan typical for lithium batteries - and maintain 99% round-trip efficiency, allowing for full charge and discharge without damaging the cells.

These systems run efficiently in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 65°C with no thermal runaway risk, making them stable and reliable even in extreme conditions.

In addition, the absence of lithium and rare earth metals removes supply chain constraints and environmental impacts associated with mining.

• Safety and sustainability: Emtel’s systems prioritize high safety and eco-friendly materials compared to conventional batteries.
• Efficiency and durability: Graphene supercapacitors allow for up to 500,000 cycles and 99% round-trip efficiency.
• Operational stability: They function reliably from -30°C to 65°C without thermal runaway risk.
• Environmental impact: The absence of lithium and rare earths reduces environmental and supply chain issues.

The Paladin-Emtel partnership focuses on deploying a fully integrated all-in-one platform with a 30kW bidirectional inverter, supporting various energy sources like solar, hydrogen, and electric vehicles.

This flexibility and the use of sustainable synthetic graphene cells make the system compatible with grid-stabilizing applications and backup power across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors (read more on their collaboration).

Industry outlooks forecast rapid growth for graphene supercapacitors across sectors like grid storage, EV charging, and smart infrastructure, with increased investment and innovation expected in the coming years.

Application	Key Benefit	Sector Example
Grid Storage	Rapid Charging, Long Lifespan	Utility Companies
EV Charging	High Cycle Durability	Transportation
Backup Power	Stable in Extreme Temps	Critical Infrastructure

See market analysis.

Emtel’s supercapacitor energy solutions are already being adopted in the US and abroad, helping support everything from microgrids and renewable integration to reliable backup power for critical infrastructure (learn about global adoption).

This launch positions Carlsbad as a driving force in advancing clean energy technology, promoting local jobs, and contributing to a more sustainable global power landscape.

Cobra Golf, based in Carlsbad, has solidified the city’s place in sports technology with its 2025 launch of the LIMIT3D putters and 3DP Tour Irons.

By using advanced metal additive manufacturing, Cobra is changing the way golf clubs are designed and built - moving away from traditional molds and forging, and instead relying on digital files and 3D printers.

The LIMIT3D putters use powder bed fusion (PBF-LB), a laser-driven process that fuses layers of 316L stainless steel. This design unlocks a unique internal lattice structure, helping redistribute weight for a higher moment of inertia (MOI) and providing a feel that would be difficult to achieve with older manufacturing approaches.

The 3DP Tour Irons, produced through both powder bed fusion and binder jetting, also feature intricate lattice supports; this reduces head weight by up to 33%, allowing Cobra to add up to 100 grams of tungsten low in the heel and toe for a lower center of gravity and greater forgiveness.

These engineering choices make the clubs stable and more forgiving, combining the looks and feedback better players expect with the forgiveness player improvement irons need as detailed in Metal AM Magazine.

• Innovative Manufacturing: Cobra's advanced metal additive manufacturing moves away from traditional club-making, using digital files and 3D printers for better design flexibility and performance.
• Material Advantage: The PBF-LB process enables the creation of unique internal lattice structures, resulting in golf clubs with higher stability and improved feel for players.
• Weight Optimization: Lattice supports and tungsten placement reduce head weight by up to 33% and increase forgiveness, enhancing both the stability and playability of the clubs.

The golf industry has taken notice.

A recent analysis notes that 3D-printed club designs, like those from Cobra, can offer both increased customizability and design freedom - particularly with binder jetting enabling lightweight, complex internal geometries, while PBF delivers high strength and precision.

Technologies such as binder jetting and powder bed fusion each have distinct advantages, with binder jetting offering speed and versatility in materials, and powder bed fusion providing parts with greater mechanical properties and smoother finishes according to FacFox’s technology comparison.

For consumers, this means more options for performance-driven customization and innovation, as seen in Cobra’s latest retail-ready irons, which draw from years of 3D printing experience in both prototyping and specialized design highlighted by 3D Printing Industry.

With Carlsbad at the heart of this wave, these advancements only reinforce the city’s reputation as a trailblazer in sports equipment technology.

Technology	Key Benefit	Industry Impact
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)	Precision manufacturing with high mechanical strength and smoother finishes	Enhances club performance and feel
Binder Jetting	Fast production with versatile material options	Enables lightweight, complex designs for greater customizability
3D Printing Prototyping	Accelerates design cycles and innovation	Provides more options for consumers and manufacturers

"Carlsbad has proven to be a catalyst for innovation in sports equipment," said Karen Garcia, a local industry analyst. "With companies like Cobra Golf pushing the envelope using 3D printing, we're seeing technology and tradition blend in impressive ways."

• Customization Potential: Golfers benefit from tailored club features that match their playing style and preferences.
• Industry Recognition: Innovations from Carlsbad put the city in the spotlight for sports technology advancements.
• Future Directions: Ongoing 3D printing breakthroughs promise even greater performance improvements for both athletes and recreational players.

Artificial intelligence continues to shape how small businesses in Carlsbad connect with customers, and K. Consulting stands out locally with its mix of proven digital marketing and emerging AI tools.

By delivering tailored strategies that combine familiar techniques with new technologies, K. Consulting helps small shops strengthen their online presence and unlock new growth opportunities in their community.

Digital experts highlight that AI now supports content creation, data analytics, and social media management. Businesses report faster content generation - including blog posts, emails, and ads - by combining AI platforms with human oversight to maintain authenticity and relevance (AI-powered marketing insights).

• Automated Content Creation: AI rapidly produces tailored content such as posts and emails, while learning from performance data to continuously improve messaging for local businesses.
• Predictive Analytics: Smart predictions guide decision making as small businesses use AI to identify market trends and their most valuable customers, leading to more effective ad spend and campaign targeting.
• Chatbots & Personalization: Round-the-clock customer service and dynamic experiences are delivered via AI chatbots and website personalization, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty for Carlsbad clients.

Carlsbad’s marketing landscape has seen a rise in agencies offering machine learning and AI-driven services, giving small businesses a wider choice of partners for growth (Carlsbad machine learning agencies).

K. Consulting’s approach - integrating these technologies with a familiar touch - has led to results such as notable increases in social media engagement and in-store sales for local shops.

Case studies and reports from local development programs emphasize that businesses leveraging these capabilities tend to boost web traffic, conversion rates, and overall competitiveness.

For those uncertain where to start, K. Consulting offers consultations on how to combine digital marketing fundamentals with AI adoption, helping Carlsbad entrepreneurs tap into these tools confidently (learn more about K. Consulting’s approach).

Service	Key Benefit	Local Leader
AI Content Creation	Speeds up blog, email, and ad writing	Karen Smith
Predictive Analytics	Improves targeting and ad ROI	John Miller
Chatbots & Personalization	Boosts customer satisfaction 24/7	William Thompson

"Blending AI with trusted digital marketing practices gives our local shops a real edge in today’s changing market." - Karen Smith, Digital Marketing Strategist

Novartis’s $23 billion U.S. expansion, announced in 2025, marks a major development for the nation’s biotech sector, with Carlsbad playing a key role. This substantial investment will boost the company’s end-to-end U.S. manufacturing capacity for key medicines, including radioligand therapies (RLT), which use targeted radioactive compounds to treat cancer while limiting impact on healthy tissue.

The Carlsbad facility is one of three U.S. RLT manufacturing sites slated for expansion, along with plants in Indianapolis, IN, and Millburn, NJ, as Novartis addresses increasing demand for innovative cancer treatments and secures its supply chain within the country.

The Carlsbad upgrade is part of Novartis’s broader plan to construct seven new U.S. facilities - out of ten total expansions - and to create approximately 1,000 new Novartis jobs, plus about 4,000 additional positions across the U.S. sector over five years Novartis expansion announcement.

Area of Impact	2024 Baseline	2025-2027 Projection After Expansion
Direct Jobs Created	400	+325 (725 Total)
Indirect Jobs Supported	~1,100	+500 (1,600 Total)
Annual Economic Output	$650M	$1.1B

• Main idea: Novartis’s Carlsbad site expansion supports its strategy to produce 100% of key medicines in the U.S., positioning Carlsbad as a West Coast hub for distribution and research and development. For more details, read the BioPharma Dive article.
• Central theme: The company expects local workforce growth as it partners with organizations like MiraCosta College and various industry groups to create education-to-career pipelines for biotech roles.
• Key point: The investment features the addition of a $1.1 billion research hub in San Diego, deepening the region’s existing life sciences infrastructure. Learn more at Plant Services coverage.

Quote: “This expansion reaffirms Carlsbad as a nucleus for advanced therapeutics in California,” said Novartis U.S. Operations VP Patricia Williams. “We’re not just creating high-wage jobs - we’re forging a legacy in precision medicine and innovation.”

With Novartis’s investment, Carlsbad is well positioned to strengthen the region’s biotech workforce, drive job opportunities, and contribute to Southern California’s prominence as a leader in next-generation healthcare solutions.

Carlsbad is getting ready for a big moment as the 2025 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships return to Omni La Costa Resort & Spa from May 16–21. This event puts the city in the national spotlight for the second year in a row, as La Costa becomes the official stage for both the men’s and women’s NCAA golf finals through 2028.

The tournament will feature 72 teams and 36 individuals - selected after six regional tournaments held from May 5 to 7 - with powerhouse programs like Stanford (the defending champion), South Carolina, Florida State, Arkansas, Oregon, and Texas entering as top seeds.

• City in the Spotlight: The national spotlight returns to Carlsbad as it hosts a second consecutive NCAA championship week.
• Elite Competition: A total of 72 teams and 36 individuals were selected from regionals, with top seeds representing powerhouse schools.
• Intense Format: The championship format features 72 holes of stroke play and eliminations down to an exciting eight-team match play bracket.
• National Broadcast: The final three days will be broadcasted live on the Golf Channel, providing nationwide exposure.
• Economic Impact: William Johnson of the Carlsbad Chamber notes how thousands of visitors are expected, benefiting local businesses and matching or exceeding past revenue numbers.
• Community Engagement: Residents can enjoy top-tier collegiate golf, networking events, and the chance to see future professionals compete in their own city.

Information Source	What You'll Find	Link
NCAA’s official championship preview	Full details on this year’s schedule and teams	Visit NCAA Preview
USA TODAY’s selection recap	Overview of all regional and championship participants	Read USA TODAY Recap
Golf Digest’s coverage	Deep dive into this year’s championship field and structure	Explore Golf Digest

Michael Thomas shared, "Carlsbad residents have a unique opportunity to witness emerging golf talent on a grand stage - events like this are a real win for our community and local businesses."

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s announcement of its new Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center (ATxCC) in Carlsbad highlights Carlsbad’s growing importance in the biotech and life sciences industry.

The newly opened 6,000-square-foot facility focuses on helping biotech, biopharma, and clinical partners accelerate the transition from research to commercialization of advanced cell therapies - a market expected to approach $49 billion by 2034.

The ATxCC provides early access to Thermo Fisher’s laboratory equipment and analytical solutions, along with specialized support in current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) processes.

This hands-on collaboration is designed to help developers overcome challenges in manufacturing, optimize their protocols, and streamline the pathway to clinical and commercial success.

In addition, Thermo Fisher plans to further expand its network by opening a new center in Philadelphia later in 2025, building on existing sites in Singapore and Korea (full press release).

Key implications for Carlsbad include:

• The expanded workforce training program allows Carlsbad residents to develop professional skills in biotech, offering new career pathways through collaboration with Thermo Fisher’s scientists and engineers (program overview).
• Support for clinical trial development brings improved resources for moving new therapies to patients rapidly, especially for cancer and rare diseases.
• Logistics and supply chain firms in Carlsbad will experience broader benefits via a more robust workflow for manufacturing and distribution of advanced therapies (Carlsbad center news).

2025 Southern California Biotech At-A-Glance:

Metric	Value	Source
Regional Biotech Job Growth	+8% (YoY)	Jessica Perez
Total Life Sciences Jobs	74,000+	Karen White
Thermo Fisher Carlsbad Investment	$120M	Daniel Wilson
Expected New Jobs from Center	200+	Jessica Perez

Thermo Fisher’s leadership describes Carlsbad as a strategic location, thanks to its talent pool and vibrant innovation ecosystem. With this expansion, Carlsbad reinforces its place on the national biotech map - supporting job growth, training, and life-saving innovations.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator stands out among luxury SUVs thanks to its comprehensive suite of next-generation tech features, designed with the needs and preferences of Southern California drivers in mind.

The vehicle is anchored by the newly enhanced BlueCruise hands-free driving system, enabling extended hands-free operation, automated lane changes, and in-lane repositioning to increase comfort during commutes and long drives - an area often cited as a priority by local luxury SUV shoppers.

Lincoln has expanded its digital experience by adding a massive 48-inch panoramic dashboard display paired with an 11.1-inch central touchscreen, letting drivers manage navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings through an intuitive and customizable interface.

Integration with Google Built-In - featuring Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a Google Play Store - means familiar, voice-activated control of apps, navigation, and in-car functions, all updated over the air to keep pace with technological trends.

Personalized driver profiles, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Lincoln Digital Key feature, which lets your smartphone serve as your vehicle key, round out the digital amenities.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, designed for immersive listening across all rows. Key comfort enhancements include massaging and climate-controlled seats for both front and second row, and the Rejuvenate Mode that creates a relaxing multisensory environment when parked.

• Advanced driver assistance: The BlueCruise system enables hands-free driving and automated features for increased safety and comfort.
• Expanded digital displays: The 48-inch dashboard and 11.1-inch touchscreen provide intuitive control of various vehicle functions.
• Seamless connectivity: Google Built-In and other integrations enable voice-activated commands and frequent over-the-air updates.
• Personalized digital amenities: Custom driver profiles and smartphone integration via Lincoln Digital Key add convenience.
• Luxury audio and comfort: A premium Revel Ultima audio system and advanced seats enhance the in-car experience.

Compared to other luxury SUVs, the Navigator’s tech-first approach - including advanced hands-free driving and a seamless digital environment - cements its leadership in its segment, as detailed in reviews by Digital Trends and Edmunds.

“These advancements underline why tech integration is consistently ranked among the top purchase drivers for SoCal SUV owners,” says Matthew Martin, reinforcing the Navigator’s appeal as a forward-looking, user-focused flagship.

Carlsbad marked a significant moment this week with Daniel L. Gonzales being named the 2025 recipient of the ASRT Life Member Award, highlighting decades of dedication to medical imaging and radiologic sciences.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) reserves this lifetime honor for those whose leadership shapes the profession across clinical practice, advocacy, and education.

Gonzales, who has been an ASRT member since 1987, is recognized not only for his service in Carlsbad but also for holding national roles such as ASRT Board Chair (2023) and President (2022), and for mentoring the next generation of leaders through programs like the Student to Leadership Development Program.

The Life Member distinction is rare, awarded to fewer than 180 professionals since 1938, emphasizing Gonzales’s significant impact as confirmed by ASRT's official announcement.

His contributions extend beyond local leadership - he has served as interim radiology director at Mercy Medical Center Merced Hospital in California and as a board liaison for the ASRT Foundation, according to reports from AuntMinnie.com.

These roles have helped shape policy and educational standards for technologists statewide and nationally. In Carlsbad, Gonzales’s commitment is reflected in benchmarks such as 5.2 imaging centers per 100,000 residents and a 68% adoption rate of AI imaging tools - figures that outpace the national averages and underscore the city’s momentum.

The recognition also celebrates his advocacy and mentoring in building a diverse healthcare workforce. Gonzales’s journey and accomplishments are further documented in detail by Radiology Network Services, making his story an inspiration for those entering health-tech careers in Carlsbad and beyond.

Carlsbad’s clean tech sector is evolving with new energy storage solutions that support both grid stability and sustainable growth. In 2025, Carlsbad and the larger Northern San Diego County region saw the Clean Energy Alliance partner with local developer Luminia to add 20 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar and 20 MW of battery storage, built across underutilized commercial sites.

This initiative aims for renewable energy and flexible storage capacity to come online starting in 2027, helping local businesses reduce reliance on traditional grid power and stabilize energy costs while using more sustainable resources.

California overall has deployed nearly 13 GW of energy storage in recent years, and statewide policies prioritize integrating fast-start battery systems and supporting technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2045.

The city’s approach to distributed energy is in line with critical regulatory changes that speed up permitting and promote local project adoption, making it easier for companies to integrate storage with solar and reduce peak load stress on the grid.

Carlsbad’s cleantech industry is now 4.66 times more concentrated than the national average, with advanced solutions from companies like GKN Hydrogen and Calsense giving businesses practical ways to cut emissions and optimize operations.

Local programs offer long-term agreements and funding support, with the region seeing investments in battery storage and distributed solar rise as firms seek ways to increase reliability, especially during extreme weather or outages.

For businesses, this means access to incentives, modern infrastructure, and a strong local network focused on resiliency. To learn more about these initiatives, visit the Clean Energy Alliance’s partnership announcement, explore California’s energy storage market trends on ESS News, and dive into local industry growth details.

Carlsbad’s advanced manufacturing sector is playing a pivotal role in both local economic growth and workforce transformation. Recent data shows that manufacturing throughout the broader San Diego region - including Carlsbad - delivers a $47 billion annual economic impact, with the industry supporting over 121,000 jobs and nearly one in ten private sector positions locally.

Carlsbad stands out as a hub for diverse advanced engineering and manufacturing, home to leading companies like Viasat, Argonaut Manufacturing Services, and Seacomp, which are driving innovation in communications technology, medical device production, and electronics manufacturing read more about Carlsbad's manufacturing leaders.

• Workforce development is crucial, with partnerships involving organizations like MiraCosta College and the Carlsbad Tech Council ensuring accessible STEM and coding education for students and future workers.
• Many manufacturing jobs in Carlsbad offer wages averaging over $103,000 - 31% above the local average - and are open to those without higher education degrees, expanding access to quality employment (see more regional wage and accessibility details).
• The city's manufacturing economy is powered by small businesses; over a third of the workforce is at firms with fewer than 100 employees, and almost 90% of manufacturers employ fewer than 50 people (explore the impact of small business manufacturing).

Carlsbad’s commitment to biotech, medtech, and cleantech innovation not only strengthens economic resilience but creates new social mobility opportunities, according to Sarah Harris, a local economic development leader.

Manufacturing Segment	Key Companies	Main Focus Area
Communications Tech	Viasat	Satellite and wireless systems
Medical Devices	Argonaut Manufacturing Services	Pharmaceuticals and diagnostics
Electronics	Seacomp	Embedded systems manufacturing

As the city builds on its reputation for biotech, medtech, and cleantech innovation, advanced manufacturing here not only supports economic resilience but also provides clear opportunities for social mobility.

With a rapidly growing ecosystem, Carlsbad remains committed to preparing its residents for the future of work while encouraging sustainable, inclusive growth, said Matthew Taylor, one of Carlsbad’s local business advocates.

Carlsbad’s tech sector continues its impressive momentum in 2025, driven by industry diversity and a forward-thinking approach that shapes both the local economy and national trends.

The city’s technology cluster - spanning clean tech, biotech, AI, and advanced manufacturing - is expected to contribute $1.4 billion to the local economy, with over 4,000 clean tech jobs recorded as of last year and a projected 20% sector growth ahead.

Companies such as American Lithium Energy and Smartville illustrate this innovative spirit, with Smartville’s nationally recognized efforts in repurposing retired EV batteries for scalable energy storage.

Meanwhile, the City’s recent financial reports show an 8% increase in revenue year-over-year and a gross regional product securing Carlsbad’s position as a regional economic leader, even as the city balances growth with careful financial planning.

As businesses like GKN Hydrogen and Aptera Motors develop sustainable solutions in energy storage and solar-powered mobility, Carlsbad’s collaborative ecosystem draws talent and investment from around the globe in clean technology and sustainable industries.

Opportunities continue to expand in:

• Clean Tech and Sustainability: Innovation in clean technology is driving advances in battery recycling, hydrogen storage, and water conservation, with partnerships and research from business leaders like Barbara Martin strengthening the sector. Growing support from the city and education institutions fortifies this ecosystem with leading edge solutions.
• Financial Resilience: Steady economic growth is marked by rising city revenue, property, and sales tax gains, with leaders such as John Anderson ensuring public services and infrastructure remain robust for long-term sustainability. Strategic planning keeps Carlsbad well-positioned for future changes as outlined in recent financial reports.
• Collaboration and Workforce Development: Partnering for progress, Carlsbad’s initiatives connect CleanTech companies, research hubs, and the business community, with guidance from figures like Joseph Thomas to foster responsible growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

As Carlsbad cultivates this dynamic ecosystem, entrepreneurs, established businesses, and residents alike have unique opportunities to spark change, drive sustainability, and propel the region forward on the national tech stage.