The Texas biotechnology industry has entered a new phase of growth and investment. Over the past two years, the sector has not only expanded its workforce but also gained national attention as a leader in biomanufacturing and advanced research. With fresh numbers, new facilities, and stronger partnerships, the momentum behind Texas biotech has never been greater.
Biotech Jobs, Investment, and Research Funding on the Rise
To begin with, the industry now supports over 129,000 direct biotech jobs and contributes nearly $95 billion in annual economic output. That is a sharp increase compared with just a few years ago, showing how quickly the field is scaling. Between 2019 and 2023, Texas companies also secured $8.7 billion in venture capital funding, ranking the state among the top five nationally. In addition, NIH funding to Texas research institutions reached $1.8 billion in 2023, a 34% jump since 2019. These numbers confirm that the state is becoming a top destination for biotech investment and talent.
Major Projects Signal Long-Term Growth
Several headline projects demonstrate the scale of this progress. In 2025, Eli Lilly announced a $6.5 billion biomanufacturing campus in Houston. This facility will create more than 600 permanent jobs and over 4,000 construction positions, supported by a $146 million incentive package from the state. At the same time, Bionova Scientific expanded operations in The Woodlands, adding 200 biotech jobs focused on cell therapy supply chains. Meanwhile, Caris Life Sciences in Irving raised nearly half a billion dollars to advance AI-based cancer profiling and molecular diagnostics. Together, these examples show how both multinational firms and homegrown innovators see Texas as a long-term hub for growth.
Federal Policy Adds Fuel to the Fire
Federal policy is also reinforcing this momentum. President Trump has encouraged onshoring in the biotech sector by exempting companies that build manufacturing facilities in the United States from certain tariffs. For Texas, which already combines strong research institutions with competitive state incentives, this policy provides another advantage for firms weighing where to expand their operations.
Workforce Demand and STEM Strength in Texas
The workforce story is equally important. From 2021 to 2024, Texas companies posted more than 155,000 job openings across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Wages in these roles remain well above the statewide average, which helps recruit and retain top talent. Austin, in particular, has emerged as a hotbed of opportunity, recently ranking as the number one metro in the United States for STEM professionals. This ranking reflects both strong demand and the region’s ability to connect the life sciences with the broader tech economy.
Challenges on the Horizon
However, with rapid growth come challenges. Companies often report difficulty finding specialized workers in areas like computational biology, regulatory science, and cell therapy manufacturing. At the same time, funding rounds have become more selective, requiring firms to demonstrate clear milestones before attracting new capital. In addition, Texas faces pressure to expand lab-ready real estate and modern production facilities. These hurdles are real, but they also represent opportunities for targeted investments and public-private partnerships.
Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier for Texas Biotech
Looking forward, Texas stands at the center of several powerful trends. Onshoring will keep pushing biomanufacturing into the state. Crossovers with artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital health will spark new therapies and diagnostics. Growth beyond Houston, Austin, and Dallas means smaller regions such as San Antonio, Waco, and The Woodlands will also benefit. As a result, Texas is set to shape the next decade of biotechnology while continuing to deliver economic strength and medical innovation.
Originally article published April 2024
Texas Biotech Boom: Pioneering the Future of Health and Medicine by Chris Britton
The Texas biotech sector is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of innovation that is both energizing the state’s economy and pushing the boundaries of science. From groundbreaking research to multimillion-dollar investments, we explore the elements fueling this exciting growth. Significantly, a recent THBI report, “Building The Innovations of Tomorrow”, helps us highlight the current state of the life sciences and biotech industry in Texas.
The Catalysts of Growth in Texas Biotech
Over the last 25 years, the growth of the biotech industry in Texas has been fueled by several key catalysts that have contributed to the state’s emergence as a prominent hub for biotech innovation.
- Research and Academic Institutions. Texas is home to world-class research institutions and universities. The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and Rice University and others play a pivotal role in driving innovation for pharmaceutical companies in Texas and around the world.
- Supportive Ecosystem. Texas also boasts a supportive ecosystem for some of the best biotech companies, characterized by a robust network of venture capital firms, investors, and accelerators, providing crucial funding and mentorship.
- Government Support and Incentives: The state government has implemented initiatives and incentives to bolster the growth of the biotech industry.
- Focus on Key Therapeutic Areas. Texas has demonstrated a strong focus on key therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunotherapy, and genetics.
- Entrepreneurial Culture and Innovation. The state’s entrepreneurial culture and emphasis on innovation have led to the emergence of numerous biotech startups. These companies drive the development of novel therapies, diagnostics, and medical technologies.
Innovation Hubs: Where Science Meets Business
The biotech hubs in Texas are primarily concentrated in Greater Houston, Dallas, and Central Texas.
Greater Houston boasts over 1,100 established biotechnology and life sciences companies, cutting-edge hospitals, health facilities, and research institutions.
Pegusus Park continues to grow as a biotech center. The Park was recently selected as one of the three regional hubs for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. This new new federal agency aims to accelerate positive health outcomes.
Austin and Central Texas is a natural home for a community for innovation in healthcare, technology, and life sciences industries. The area boasts abundant collaborative space where businesses partner with educational and healthcare institutions to develop solutions for healthcare, life sciences, and technology.
Success
Texas has emerged as a beacon of success in biotech innovation and development. This growth has been propelled by a convergence of strategic initiatives, robust infrastructure, and a flourishing ecosystem. Institutions such as the Texas Medical Center in Houston and the University of Texas System have been at the vanguard of pioneering research in areas such as genomics, cancer therapeutics, and regenerative medicine.
The Texas Medical Center, a global leader in medical innovation, has spearheaded groundbreaking cancer research and treatment. TMC features leading institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine. Similarly, Texas’ commitment to advancing oncology is further evidenced by the substantial funding allocated by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). CPRIT helps drives the recruitment of top researchers and the development of novel treatment modalities and precision medicine approaches.
The Economic Impact of Biotech in Texas
The biotech industry has wielded a substantial economic impact in Texas. Given that, Texas has seen a significant rise in bioscience employment, outperforming other technology sectors and fostering job creation. With nearly 99,000 direct biotech jobs and an estimated 306,000 indirect jobs, the industry has demonstrated resilience and strength, offering an average annual wage for biotech workers that surpasses the average private-sector wage by a considerable margin. As a result, the sector has attracted major industry players like Merck, Kimberly-Clark, and Celanese. Additionally, it has helped position Texas as a national and international leader in biotechnology, driving economic growth, innovation, and employment opportunities across the state.
Embracing Challenges and Looking Ahead
As Texas continues to expand its footprint in the biotech industry, state leaders and stakeholders continue to focus on addressing key challenges:
- Talent Retention and Development. Focusing on retaining its top talent and developing a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to support the industry’s expansion.
- Access to Capital. Ensuring continued access to capital will be essential for driving innovation and commercialization of biotech advancements.
- Regulatory Environment. Navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring streamlined processes for approvals and compliance.
- Infrastructure and Facilities. Investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities for research, development, and manufacturing.
- Public-Private Partnerships. Strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and government entities.
- Market Access and Adoption. Overcoming market access barriers and ensuring widespread adoption of innovative biotech solutions.
Conclusion: Texas Biotech’s Bright Horizon
In summary, the biotech sector in Texas is a story of remarkable growth and potential. As the state continues to attract and nurture biotech firms, it stands at the forefront of health and medicine’s new frontier. The Texas biotech boom is not just reshaping the state’s economy—it’s redefining the future of global health.
Let’s Talk Today!
GovExperts has worked with a number of clients in biotech over the years and has developed expertise in the public policy enabling Texas biotech expansion. Let’s talk today about your plans for development and expansion in Texas. Call us at 512-480-0049.
Frequently Asked Questions Biotechnology Texas
Q: What are some of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers in Texas?
A: Texas is home to several major pharmaceutical manufacturers, including both multinational corporations and fast-growing mid-market firms. Companies like Alcon in Fort Worth and EIR in San Antonio highlight the diversity of pharmaceutical production across the state.
Q: How many biotech companies are located in Texas?
A: Texas hosts over 1,000 biotech companies, with concentrations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. These companies range from early-stage startups to global biotech giants.
Q: What cities are biotech companies in Texas clustered around?
A: Most biotech companies in Texas are concentrated in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. These cities offer access to research universities, medical centers, and venture capital hubs, making them ideal for biotech innovation.
Q: What’s the difference between biotech companies and pharma companies in Texas?
A: Biotech companies typically focus on biological processes and genetic engineering to develop treatments, while pharmaceutical companies manufacture and distribute chemical-based drugs. Texas supports both sectors through a shared ecosystem of research, regulation, and funding.
Q: Are there many biotechnology companies in Dallas?
A: Yes. Dallas has a growing biotech scene, including firms working on cancer research, medical devices, and regenerative medicine. The city’s proximity to UT Southwestern Medical Center adds research muscle to its biotech companies.
Q: What makes Austin a hotspot for biotech and pharmaceutical growth?
A: Austin’s mix of academic talent, tech culture, and startup energy makes it fertile ground for both biotech companies and pharmaceutical companies. Several austin texas pharmaceutical companies are attracting national investment and talent.
Q: Is Houston a major player in biotechnology?
A: Absolutely. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical complex in the world. The city’s biotech companies benefit from access to clinical research, hospitals, and institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Q: Are biotechnology jobs growing in Texas?
A: Yes, Texas has seen rapid growth in biotechnology jobs, especially in the Austin, Dallas, and Houston regions. Job roles range from lab researchers to regulatory experts, drawing talent from across the U.S.