Calit2 has focused on four core enabling technologies of wireless telecommunications, photonics, nanotechnology/micro-electro-mechanicals systems (MEMS), and cyber space in order to digitally transform applications in culture, health, energy, and the environment.

[7] Partnering with companies such as Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Hitachi, and Google Earth, Calit2 has collaborated with industry on sponsored research, technology licensing, and spinoffs based on Calit2 inventions.

[7] The State of California initially provided a $100 million grant to Calit2 to support the design and construction of campus buildings and facilities at its founding locations in La Jolla and Irvine.

[10] The Gallery has presented numerous exhibitions from artists around the world, including Jordan Crandall, Carlos Trilnick, Felipe Zuñiga, Nina Waisman, Ignacio Lopez, Adriene Jenik, Antoinette LaFarge, Robert Allen, Greg Niemeyer and Sabrina Raaf.

The Gallery has hosted talks by artists including Ann Hamilton, Jordan Crandall, Micha Cárdenas, Amy Sara Carroll, Sharon Daniel, Warren Sack and Rita Raley.

[14] This building was designed as an instrument of research to encourage partners to combine in unusual teams to make fundamental discoveries.

[19] Another feature Atkinson Hall provides to its visitors and researchers is its ample bandwidth, with about 2 million feet of category 6 copper cabling with 150 optical fibers connecting the building to UC San Diego's network.