Pasadena Burnishes Growing Reputation as Deep Tech Hub With Expansion of Motiv Space Systems

Motiv Space Systems opened a new facility in East Pasadena on Thursday, bolstering the city’s growing reputation as a deep tech hub. 

The location on North Rosemead Boulevard, growing from Motiv’s existing headquarters on North Halstead Street, was formerly the site of the longtime popular Robin’s Wood-Fired BBQ restaurant.

Motiv’s expansion is an important milestone for Pasadena’s business, which continues to experience a trend of deep tech and science-related companies relocating to Pasadena and expanding existing operations. 

“In Motiv’s tenth year, we are proud to be opening our newest facility. After acquiring the property in 2021, Motiv embarked on extensive renovations to turn it into a state-of-the-art space electronics and robotics facility,” Chris Theyer, CEO of Motiv Space Systems said, who added, “this investment demonstrates Motiv’s continued commitment to technology development and economic growth in the city of Pasadena.”

Among Motiv’s most recognizable claims to fame is its robotic arm, which is currently in use on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. 

Close proximity to Caltech and JPL provides businesses like Motiv with access to cutting-edge research and collaboration opportunities. 

A thriving tech ecosystem, supportive local government, and strategic zoning changes accommodating high-tech industries are among the most important factors attracting the deep tech sector to Pasadena.

“Pasadena continues to evolve and grow as a deep tech hub, exemplified by Motiv Space Systems’ exciting expansion. With JPL and Caltech nearby, our city offers unmatched access to cutting-edge research and collaboration,” said David Klug, Pasadena’s Director of Economic Development. 

Mayor Victor Gordo added, “We’re excited to see companies like Motiv making significant investments in our city, reinforcing that Pasadena is the ideal place for tech companies to thrive.”

Pasadena is currently experiencing a trend of technology and science-related businesses setting up shop:

• 2023 –  Biopharmaceutical Xencor, founded by a CalTech alumni, moved headquarters and labs back to Pasadena. 
• 2022 – The Doheny Eye Institute, a leader in vision research, education, and clinical care moved into its new Pasadena headquarters. 
• 2021– The AWS Center for Quantum Computing located its operations on the Caltech campus. 
• 2020 – Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine launched in Pasadena with its inaugural class. The school integrates innovative teaching methods and benefits from the city’s strong healthcare ecosystem. 
• 2017 – Honeybee Robotics opened up its West Coast operations facility in Pasadena, allowing it to more closely collaborate with JPL. Honeybee Robotics develops and builds advanced robotic systems for planetary exploration, and was recently acquired by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
• 2016 – A company with a long list of Caltech connections, Miso Robotics is known for developing robotics solutions for the food industry. The company is based in Pasadena, enjoying a supportive tech environment and benefits from the city’s access to top engineering talent. 
• 2015 –  Founded and based in Pasadena, Protomer Technologies developed innovative therapies for diabetes management, and has been acquired by Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. 

Huntington Medical Research Institutes, a leading biomedical research organization, has called Pasadena home for decades.