Opportunity Austin

As Austin leads in innovation, surrounding communities are powering the region’s next chapter of growth. Williamson County is advancing semiconductor manufacturing, while San Marcos’ Texas State STAR Park accelerates biotech and materials science. The Buda HIVE Innovation Hub supports startups in logistics and smart manufacturing, and Cedar Park’s Plug and Play connects emerging companies with industry leaders in semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced electronics. Explore how these communities are shaping the Austin region’s innovation ecosystem in our latest ABJ Content Hub feature:??

Austin’s Talent Advantage is a key driver of economic growth.?? ? With 25 universities and colleges hosting over 400,000 students within a 100-mile radius, companies find the skilled workforce they need right here. From software engineering to semiconductor manufacturing, Austin’s talent pipeline powers innovation across industries.? ? Learn more about our unmatched talent pipeline: https://lnkd.in/gQ_cMgYZ

During SXSW, Opportunity Austin was at the forefront of connecting the region to global leaders, investors, and innovators. Our team engaged with 23 delegations from over 16 countries, leading panels, roundtables, and pitch competitions that spotlighted Austin as a top destination for global business. ? Key highlights included hosting the Western Australia Trade Office Critical Technology Delegation and contributing to discussions at Argentina House, Asia x Austin, Polish Trade and Invest, and more. These engagements further solidify Austin’s role as a global hub for innovation and investment. Roland Pe?a, Corey Rose, Lily Turner

Austin’s innovation ecosystem continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world.?? ? BeeReaders USA's journey from Chile to Texas shows why global startups choose our region. 2024 A-LIST winner Parke Benjamin, CFO of BeeReaders, shared how their mission to improve literacy led them to expand into the U.S. With support from the International Accelerator and Austin’s diverse, fast growing market, they found the ideal soft landing—and a launchpad for growth.? Now, we’re building on that momentum. Opportunity Austin is proud to introduce the Global Austin Launch Pad, our new initiative to help international companies land and expand in the Austin region. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gx_-Cbuy?

For the Austin region to remain competitive, reliable power and water infrastructure is non-negotiable. As the 89th Texas Legislature considers critical investments, Opportunity Austin is advocating for policies that secure these resources and strengthen our region’s economic future. Dive deeper into why energy and water matter for economic development—and what’s at stake in the 2025 session. Read the full Infrastructure Policy Brief: https://hubs.la/Q03cjVYS0

The Austin-Round Rock metro ranks #1 in the nation for projects per capita from Site Selection’s Top Metros ranking. With growing investment and a thriving business ecosystem, Austin continues to lead in innovation and economic success. Read more in Site Selection Magazine's latest report: https://hubs.la/Q03c4QJz0

Texas has built a strong reputation for leading in innovation that fuels our economy. Without a competitive R&D tax credit, we risk losing our edge. Opportunity Austin has joined business leaders across the state to advocate for the extension of this critical program, because the numbers are clear companies have utilized the program to innovate and grow. The extension of the credit along with improvements could result in the creation of 113,000 jobs and generate nearly $139 billion in additional gross state product in its first 10 years. I encourage business leaders to engage on this critical policy for our state and the Austin region. https://lnkd.in/g3arr6Mq Austin Business Journal#txlege should support SB2206 Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) Texas Association of Business Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC)

As SXSW 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on what makes Austin such a great place to launch and scale a business.? ? From a complete startup ecosystem to a collaborative and supportive community, founders, investors, and industry leaders continue to choose Austin as their launchpad for innovation.? ? “Austin has one of the most complete ecosystems and one of the most supportive communities you can find. It’s an unbeatable dynamic between the people and the community.” Michael Lam, CIO & Co-Founder, Setpoint. ? Hear from the 2024 A-LIST winners on why Austin is the place to build what’s next.

Innovation is the backbone of Austin's economy and extending the R&D tax credit is essential to sustaining our region's growth and competitiveness.? ? A new study shows that this initiative could create over 113,000 jobs and generate $13.8 billion in additional economic output, securing Austin's position as a global leader in innovation. Companies in the Austin region could access millions in reinvestment capital, driving new products, expanding operations, and strengthening our competitive edge. By investing in research and development, we’re not just fueling today’s successes—we’re building the foundation for future breakthroughs that benefit our businesses, workforce, and community. ? Learn more about this critical initiative from Texans for Innovation: https://lnkd.in/gWAftCBk Dallas Regional Chamber,Greater Houston Partnership, Lockheed Martin, North Texas Commission, Texas Association of Business, Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Chemistry Council , Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) , Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI), Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA)

Texas continues to lead as a top destination for major tech investment. With global companies expanding operations and new headquarters landing across the state, Texas is evolving beyond its traditional industries—cementing its role as a driver of innovation and global competitiveness. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q03byK020