California’s Central Coast is home to one of the nation’s most dynamic ecosystems for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous systems.
Across six counties, leading eVTOL and uncrewed aircraft companies connect with world-class universities, national security assets, specialized manufacturers, diverse testing environments and an experienced aerospace workforce.
This is more than a concentration of companies. It’s a connected ecosystem equipped to move advanced aircraft from development to deployment.
Explore the companies, testing infrastructure, research assets and talent pipelines supporting the region’s next generation of aircraft.
Dive into the subregions that make up the Central Coast ecosystem
San Benito, Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties
San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties
Ventura County
A Region Mobilized for Growth
The Central Coast isn’t waiting for the AAM economy to take shape, it’s leading the way.
Regional business, government, civic, military and education leaders are working together to strengthen the conditions companies need to grow – from talent and infrastructure to testing access, business attraction and state incentives. From electric aircraft that take off vertically to autonomous systems that support emergency response, move goods and strengthen national security, these technologies are changing how the world moves and operates.
On October 7, regional economic development leaders and industry experts convened for a virtual showcase introducing The Central Coast: Built to Prove What’s Next, a new regional prospectus highlighting the assets, companies and activity positioning the Central Coast at the forefront of advanced air mobility and autonomous systems.
Speakers showcased the breadth of activity across the six-county region, including advances in testing, emerging technologies and a growing talent pipeline. Together, these examples underscored the Central Coast’s existing leadership in advanced air mobility and autonomous systems—and the strength of the regional ecosystem supporting continued growth.
