California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that 17 companies across California have been awarded California Competes Tax Credits (CalCompetes), with the projects expected to generate more than $1 billion in private investment and create nearly 4,500 jobs statewide.
The incentives, administered through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), support expansion projects across aerospace and defense, high-tech, clean economy, manufacturing and creative economy sectors as part of the state’s California Jobs First initiative.
According to the state, the investments are expected to create 4,489 jobs with an average weighted annual salary of $132,218.
“Through programs like CalCompetes, we’re going all in on the industries shaping the future of our economy and our country,” Newsom said. “We’re investing in the sectors that drive California’s growth, creating good-paying jobs, spurring innovation, and expanding opportunities for residents across the state.”
Several aerospace and defense companies were among the largest awardees. Mach Industries plans to invest $32.5 million to expand defense technology manufacturing and research operations in Huntington Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco, creating 1,057 jobs. Apex Technology will invest $165.5 million to expand satellite manufacturing operations in Southern California, creating 483 jobs. Voyager Technologies is investing $75 million to expand aerospace component manufacturing in Long Beach, while Lanteris Space will expand satellite manufacturing operations in San Jose.
California also announced major investments tied to its clean economy strategy. MP Materials will expand its Mountain Pass rare earth mining and recycling facility with a $120 million investment focused on recycling rare earth minerals from retired electronics. Peak Energy is investing $71 million to support sodium-ion battery storage system manufacturing in Sacramento and Burlingame. Harbinger Motors plans a $140 million investment tied to battery manufacturing for electric truck chassis production, while Radiant Industries is expanding portable power generator manufacturing in El Segundo.
In the high-tech sector, Samsung Semiconductor is investing $79.5 million to scale semiconductor manufacturing research and development operations in San Jose, creating 400 jobs.
Manufacturing projects also received significant support. Heron Power is investing $140.9 million to expand electrical grid component manufacturing in Morgan Hill and Scotts Valley, creating 601 jobs. Other awarded companies include S&E Gourmet Cuts, Glid Technologies, AB Medical Technologies, and California Nutritional Products.
The state said CalCompetes has now awarded tax credits to more than 1,200 businesses, supporting nearly 169,000 full-time jobs and generating more than $54 billion in private investment across California.
The announcement comes as California continues to position itself as a global center for innovation, advanced manufacturing and clean technology investment. According to the state, California startups raised 62% of all U.S. venture capital funding in 2025, while the state recorded the nation’s largest GDP increase in the fourth quarter of last year at $44.5 billion.
