The California Chamber of Commerce is stepping up its push to keep the state at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI sector. Through a targeted series of digital adverts and videos, the campaign aims to encourage state officials to create a regulatory environment that fuels innovation without bogging companies down in red tape.
“We want to avoid uneven rules that single California out and make it tougher for us to compete,” explains Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of CalChamber. Her message is a clear call for balanced regulations that support the growth of pioneering companies across the tech landscape.
California’s track record speaks for itself. Home to 32 of the top 50 AI companies worldwide, the state has become a magnet for tech innovation. Notably, in the first half of 2025, local AI startups secured an impressive $74.6 billion in venture capital—a figure that more than tripled last year’s total.
The campaign underscores the need for sensible regulation based on real, demonstrated risks. It’s about creating a framework that prevents over-regulation from pushing companies away, ensuring that the benefits of AI remain within reach for everyone involved. If you’ve ever struggled with cumbersome rules at work, you’ll appreciate the value of a more flexible approach.
Beyond innovation, California’s AI sector is a significant economic force. In 2023, it provided jobs for more than 111,000 workers across 3,496 establishments, disbursing wages totaling $24 billion and contributing roughly $1.86 billion in state income taxes. More broadly, the tech industry, including AI, accounts for $542.5 billion of the state’s GDP—almost 17% of its economic output.
Ultimately, this campaign is about securing a thriving future in AI—not just for established leaders but for the next generation of innovators. With its proud history of technological progress and a commitment to balanced, forward-thinking regulation, California is well positioned to maintain its influential role on the global stage.
