Top 8 AI startups in San Diego

Mar 26, 2026
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1
Shield AI
Funding: $2.8B
Shield AI is developing X-BAT - large, AI-controlled vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, as well as the Hivemind - intelligent platform for military applications. X-BAT has a 12-meter wingspan, a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, and a 4G maneuvering load factor. It can carry combat missiles and take off and land from ships, remote islands or rugged forward bases, eliminating dependence on traditional infrastructure. Its AI autopilot can operate in conditions of GPS and communications interference. The company is collaborating with the US Department of Defense to develop next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Its Vidar multi-camera system, with day and night vision cameras and sensors, is installed on reconnaissance drones for edge video analytics and mapping. The company is also developing Tracker C-UAS, an intelligent software solution for the early detection of drones in air defense systems using video from electro-optical and infrared sensors.
2
Clickup
Funding: $537.5M
One app to replace them all. ClickUp brings tasks, docs, spreadsheets, goal tracking, resources, and an inbox, together in one place. The built-in AI assistant Brain is connecting tasks, docs, people, and all of your company’s knowledge
3
Kneron
Funding: $212M
Kneron develops an application-specific integrated circuit and software that offers artificial intelligence-based tools.
4
Brain Corporation
Funding: $193M
Brain Corp develops AI Platform for Self-Driving Robots. With delivery, healthcare, security, and personal service robots powered by BrainOS, organizations can improve life at work, at home, and at play.
5
Improvado
Funding: $30M
Data aggregation for Marketers. All your marketing data in one place, without developers.
6
Soundful
Funding: $4.5M
Soundful is an AI-powered music creation platform that enables content creators and artists to analyze, create and monetize music.
7
Pagarba Solutions
Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision & Data Science for maritime, ports, harbors, boating & marinas, underwater drone inspections
8
CreateAI
CreateAI is at the forefront of generative AI research applied to digital entertainment content
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Editor: Siddhant Patel
Siddhant Patel is a senior editor for AI-Startups. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web. Siddhant has a special interest in artificial intelligence and has spent a decade covering the rapidly-evolving business and technology of the industry. Siddhant graduated from the Indian Institute of Science (Bengaluru). When he’s not writing, Siddhant is also a developer and has a deep historical knowledge of the computer industry for the past 50 years. You can contact Siddhant at sidpatel(at)ai-startups(dot)pro