3billion Selects Austin for its First US Location

February 9, 2026 – 3billion, a global life sciences company headquartered in South Korea, has selected Austin for its first U.S. location, expanding its mission to accelerate rare disease diagnosis through advanced genetic testing and artificial intelligence. The company provides comprehensive, AI-driven genomic analysis covering all known rare diseases, helping physicians deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses for patients around the world. 

As part of the expansion, 3billion plans to create up to 170 high-quality engineering and STEM jobs over the first five years, with an average annual salary of approximately $125,000. The project represents a total capital investment of more than $8 million over seven years, reinforcing Austin’s growing role as a global hub for life sciences and advanced technology.  

“We are delighted to establish a strong foundation for our U.S. expansion with the warm welcome and support from the City of Austin,” said Changwon Keum, CEO of 3billion. “By leveraging Austin’s robust life sciences infrastructure, we will provide high-quality diagnostic services directly to rare disease patients in the U.S. We also look forward to strengthening our position as a global leader in genetic diagnostics through close collaboration with local medical professionals and the community.” 

This incentive agreement aligns with the City of Austin’s long-term economic development strategy to strengthen Austin’s position as a tech and life sciences hub on the global stage. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country—ranked by the Milken Institute for 19 consecutive years—the Austin region must remain intentional about how it grows, prioritizing high-impact industries that deliver long-term value for residents. 

“Attracting 3billion’s first U.S. location to Austin is a strong signal of the region’s growing global reputation in life sciences and advanced technology,” said Susan Davenport, President and CEO of Opportunity Austin. “This investment brings high-wage engineering and STEM jobs, meaningful capital investment, and international momentum that strengthens Austin’s life sciences ecosystem. It reflects a strategic approach to growth—one that aligns innovation, talent, and long-term economic value for the city and the region.” 

The project supports the expansion of the life sciences ecosystem by bringing high-quality engineering and STEM jobs that align with workforce priorities and district-level economic goals. It reinforces Austin’s competitive advantages in talent, innovation, and quality of life while advancing an international program that deepens the region’s global reach. 

Under the agreement, the City of Austin will provide a performance-based incentive of $1,000 per job, capped at $200,000 over 10 years, contingent on the company meeting job creation and investment commitments. 

“I’m proud to welcome 3billion US, Inc. to District 6 and to Austin,” said Council Member, Krista Laine. “Their new genetic testing lab, focused on diagnosing rare diseases, will help provide answers for people seeking clarity about complex health conditions while also bringing 200 high-paying jobs to our community. I’m especially grateful for their commitment to supporting local artists, participating in job fairs, and building meaningful partnerships with our schools.”

At its core, this investment is about ensuring growth that is both strategic and inclusive—supporting cutting-edge innovation while delivering clear benefits to the city and the broader region. 

 

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About 3billion inc. 

Founded in 2016, 3billion is a leader in AI-driven rare genetic disease diagnostics. Guided by its “Save 10%” mission, the company empowers the global rare disease communityapproximately 10% of the populationto move from accurate diagnosis to effective treatment. Headquartered in Seoul and serving over 70 countries, 3billion is rapidly expanding its global footprint, having doubled its revenue every quarter last year. 

This year, 3billion is establishing a state-of-the-art genomic laboratory in Austin, Texas, to provide U.S. patients with direct access to its differentiated AI-powered diagnostic services. By expanding into AI-driven drug discovery, the company is realizing its vision of an end-to-end healthcare journey from diagnosis to treatment. Starting in the second half of 2026, 3billion will leverage this Austin hub to collaborate closely with local medical professionals and the community to lead the next era of innovation in precision medicine. 

About Opportunity Austin 

Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it. 

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