Renderings of proposed
“The long-term vision of TRTF is to develop an Innovation District where industry, entrepreneurship, and workforce development will collide to create economic opportunity for generations to come.”
- J. Randolph “Randy” Harig, CEO Texas Research & Technology Foundation
G.J. SUTTON CAMPUS
In 2017, the Texas Research & Technology Foundation (TRTF) embarked on a bold vision to develop an urban innovation district just east of downtown San Antonio. Anchored by a multi-campus Superhub, the district would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by positioning the San Antonio region as a global leader in bioscience innovation and military medical research.
Upon completion, the 12-acre Superhub will be comprised of two developments: the Merchants Ice Campus, currently in the final stages of construction, and the G.J. Sutton Campus, acquired by TRTF in 2022. These transformational projects will serve as a nexus for investment, collaboration, technical expertise, and community.
The Superhub is expected to create 2,500 direct jobs with an annual economic impact of more than $1.8 billion. Already, our Merchants Ice Campus is bringing together established and emerging innovators from across the life sciences ecosystem in an inclusive community where ideas are colliding to spur medical breakthroughs that will enhance and save lives.
Fully developed by Q1 2024
At the core of our vision for a bioscience innovation district is the belief that life-saving technologies can be developed faster when researchers collaborate across disciplines. To that end, our Merchants Ice Campus was designed to facilitate the open exchange of ideas between established companies and startup innovators.
As development nears completion, we are seeing this vision play out on a daily basis. Anchored by corporate tenants GenCure and Scorpius BioManufacturing, the Merchants Ice Campus has hosted more than 30 startup companies, creating a diverse research community where innovation thrives.
Representing a total investment of nearly $300 million, our renovation of the historic Merchants Ice and Cold Storage complex will yield 140,000 sf of office and lab space, as well as over 200 direct jobs, many with leading local firms.
Expected Completion Q1 2024
“The Merchants Ice development was an attractive site for expansion thanks to its proximity to downtown, location on the VelocityTX campus, and potential for future development on the east side of San Antonio.”
Michael Fiske Vice President Process Sciences, Scorpius BioManufacturing
The Texas Research and Technology Foundation (TRTF) was established in 1984 to promote bioscience research and development in San Antonio, with the ultimate goal of positioning the city as a preeminent life sciences hub in the United States and beyond. Today, San Antonio’s bioscience and healthcare industries are credited with an annual economic impact of $44 billion—and we believe that this is just the beginning.
As we continue to build out our vision for a bioscience innovation district on the near east side, we look forward to the opening of the 5,000 sf VelocityTX Collaboration Labs (Co-Labs) in early 2024. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Co-Labs will offer six fully equipped Biological Safety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratories with flexibility for startup entrepreneurs and local partners.
Slated to open in Q2 2024, this state-of-the-art facility will be the region’s first of its kind, filling a critical gap for independent researchers and growing companies.
VelocityTX helps early-stage bioscience companies commercialize innovations to enhance and save lives. Based out of its state-of-the-art VelocityTX Innovation Center, the organization promotes entrepreneurial development through a simple but effective model: Connect, Support, Fund. In serving the startup community, the organization offers incubator and co-working spaces, as well as a diverse range of programs, such as:
• CEO Roundtables: Designed to promote collaboration within a confidential, noncompetitive environment, CEO Roundtables provide a monthly forum where life science CEOs can dive into thoughtful discussion about the unique hurdles faced by emerging organizations.
• BioGlobal Accelerator: VelocityTX’s BioGlobal Accelerator is a highly competitive, 6-week program designed to support innovation by offering startups access to Entrepreneurs In Residence (EIR), mentoring from industry experts, and in-depth business training.
SBIR Bootcamp: Our Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Bootcamps are fast-paced, one-day programs designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the process of submitting a Phase I SBIR grant proposal.
Learn more about VelocityTX programs and partnerships at velocitytx.org.
“Being a CEO is not easy. Like all start-ups, we’ve had plenty of ups and downs. VelocityTX’s CEO Roundtables have really helped me get through some of those challenges.”
Gabriele Niederauer, PhD. CEO & President, Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, Inc.
Inspired by the power of collaboration, VelocityTX partners with organizations from across the life sciences community to accelerate the speed at which emerging technologies can be leveraged in the market. Bringing together representatives from private industry, academia, military medicine, and the startup community, these initiatives help create open lines of communication between researchers from various sectors.
• BexarBio Pitch: Local bioscience innovators compete for more than $100,000 in non-dilutive funding at our annual BexarBio Pitch competition, hosted in partnership with Bexar County.
• San Antonio Military Medicine Innovation (SAMMI): VelocityTX supports the City of San Antonio’s SAMMI initiative by promoting public-private connections to drive military medical innovation.
• Military Medical Industry Day (MMID): Presented in partnership with the City of San Antonio, MMID is an annual conference that promotes collaboration between DoD and the private sector.
• TechNovum: Hosted by UT Health and powered by VelocityTX, TechNovum is a six-week accelerator program that helps UT Healthaffiliated innovators navigate the commercialization process.
“Forums like MMID give us the opportunity to collaborate with organizations outside of DoD so they have a better idea how to engage with the military’s medical mission.”
Dr. Sean Biggerstaff
Acting Deputy Assistant Director, Research and Engineering, Defense Health Agency
“At Alamo Angels, we’re not simply investing in emerging companies, we’re investing in San Antonio—promoting the city as a leader in innovation. This, we believe, will produce an ROI that endures for generations.”
Rahul B. Patel Chairman Alamo Angels
TRTF workforce development programs are designed to inspire the next generation of bioscience professionals with training and resources for every step of a student’s educational journey. Central to these efforts is the organization’s Step Into STEM program. Developed in partnership with Communities In Schools of San Antonio (CIS-SA), Step Into STEM seeks to promote STEM career awareness among middle school students through:
• Classroom Toolkits: In-class lessons with hands-on activities and career spotlight videos.
• Science Workshops: STEM immersion and career mentoring at the VelocityTX Innovation Center.
• STEM Family Nights: Interactive STEM activity stations for students and parents.
2022 Impact Highlights
6,075 Students reached with STEM programming
56
Middle Schools
Supported with Classroom Toolkits
750 Family Night attendees
Interested in learning more? Follow our Step Into STEM program on Instagram @stepintostemsa
.
“Students can’t be what they can’t see. Step Into STEM helps young people visualize a career in San Antonio’s rapidly growing STEM fields.”
Jessica Weaver CEO, Communities In Schools of San Antonio
* Portion ($10 million) represents two loan agreements related to the New Market Tax Credit program and can be forgiven after a period of seven years.
Community House was established in 2019 to support the economic development mission of TRTF while preserving the legacy of regional family-owned businesses. As a 501(c)(3) Community Trust organization, Community House acquires companies that are in generational transition and operates these businesses for the benefit of the community.
In support of this work, TRTF provides strategic planning, leadership development, investment capital, and business advisory support. A portion of the earnings generated by Community House companies is then returned to TRTF to provide sustainability for its development of the Innovation District.
Established 1931 Acquired 2019
“[TRTF’s] business acumen and vision for San Antonio will ensure that Allen & Allen Co. continues well beyond the time that our family is able to manage operations.”
Buzz Miller Former President Allen & Allen Co.
Established 1980 Acquired 2023
“After thoroughly evaluating the prospective transition avenues, Community House, with its leadership, vision, and commitment to San Antonio, was a clear choice.”
Craig Noto CEO & Founder Quality Fence & Welding
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Preston Woolfolk Board Chairman Co-President, DOCUmation
• Darryl Byrd President, ULTRAte
• Christopher Claus EVP (Ret.), USAA
• J. Randolph (Randy) Harig CEO, Texas Research & Technology Foundation
• Jason Herin President & CEO, Herin Family Investments
• Larry Mills EVP, HOLT CAT
• Joyce Pingel President, Epiphany Industrial Technologies CIO-CDO, HOLT CAT
• Cathy Starnes Managing Partner, Integer Ventures
Texas Research & Technology Foundation is San Antonio’s champion for delivering sustainable economic and community growth. We connect, develop, and fund innovative ventures that enhance our bioscience and technology ecosystem. 1305
