City of South San Francisco Celebrates 50 Years of Genentech
Published on April 07, 2026
Mayor Mark Addiego Declares April 7th as “Genentech Day”
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 7, 2026 – The City of South San Francisco proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of Genentech, the world’s original biotech company and a cornerstone of South San Francisco’s identity as the “Birthplace of Biotechnology.” In recognition of this milestone, the City proclaims Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as Genentech Day in South San Francisco.
Founded in 1976 by Herb Boyer and Robert Swanson in a small industrial warehouse in South San Francisco, Genentech launched a new era of scientific discovery that transformed the city into a global hub for biotechnology innovation. Over the past five decades, the company has pioneered the redefinition of modern medicine while shaping South San Francisco’s economic and cultural landscape.
Today, South San Francisco is home to one of the most concentrated life sciences clusters in the world, with approximately 12 million square feet of biotech space and a dense ecosystem of leading companies, startups, and research institutions.
“Genentech sparked an industry that helped transform South San Francisco from its proud roots as the Industrial City into the Birthplace of Biotechnology,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “That evolution has shaped not only our city, but the entire Bay Area region and California’s global leadership in life sciences and innovation. Fifty years later, we continue to build on that legacy: fostering opportunity and advancing discovery to improve lives far beyond our community.”
Genentech’s legacy of scientific excellence includes breakthrough therapies that have changed the course of treatment for patients worldwide, including the first targeted antibody for cancer in the United States, Rituxan, and the first medicine for both relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis, Ocrevus. Today, the company is advancing the next frontier of healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence and data science into drug discovery and patient care, supported by one of the industry’s largest pipelines, with 72 investigational medicines currently in development.
Genentech’s impact with South San Francisco extends well beyond its campus. The company has pledged significant investments toward housing, transportation, and local initiatives, and actively supports programs such as Genentech Goes to Town and Genentech Gives Back. Through its Futurelab partnership with the South San Francisco School District, Genentech has reached more than 8,000 K-12 students, helping inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
“The impact of Genentech is reflected not only in scientific breakthroughs, but in the opportunities it has created for our residents and the strength of our local economy,” said Vice Mayor Mark Nagales. “From workforce development and education initiatives, their presence has helped shape a city where innovation and community go hand in hand. We’re proud of what that has meant for South San Francisco and the broader region, and excited for what lies ahead.”
Genentech will be honored with a proclamation celebrating its 50th anniversary at the South San Francisco City Council meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6:30pm at the South San Francsico Library/Parks & Recreation Center, located at 901 Civic Campus Way in South San Francisco.
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with nearly 250 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents with a daytime population of 90,000 workers and visitors, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming, and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.