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The Surge: March 2025

Austin on an International Stage

Expanding Austin’s international reach is a key pillar of Opportunity Austin’s 5.0 strategy. This month alone, we’ve seen international attention and engagement on multiple fronts— From SXSW to the debut of our Global Austin Launch Pad program, which welcomed its first international company, we’re proactively building new pathways for global investment and innovation. Our team also returned from Taiwan, where we strengthened relationships with companies eager to enter the U.S. market through Austin. These efforts not only attract world class businesses but also create new opportunities for our region’s workforce and economy. Together, we’re ensuring the Austin region remains a magnet for global investment and a launchpad for future growth.

— Ed Latson, CEO, Opportunity Austin

FEATURED ARTICLES

The District breaks ground in Round Rock: The $525M mixed-use development has officially broken ground in Round Rock. Spanning 66 acres, the project is expected to create over 5,000 jobs and attract significant economic activity.

Firefly Aerospace Becomes First Commercial Company to Successfully Land on the Moon: Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace made history as the first commercial company to land on the moon, delivering 10 NASA payloads in a milestone for commercial space exploration.

Texas Is the Low-Cost, High-Reward Darling of Big Tech: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. 

AUSTIN'S TALENT ADVANTAGE

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 in Business Facilities.

 

 

From our blog

Opportunity Austin names Casey Dobson as new chairman:

The board of directors at Opportunity Austin has formally announced that Casey Dobson, partner at Scott Douglass & McConnico, will serve as its new chairman. This appointment marks a new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and global investment in the Austin region. Press Release.

Opportunity Austin announces Global Austin Launch Pad program:

Opportunity Austin, in partnership with Brown Advisory, announced the inauguration of the Global Austin Launch Pad, designed to help international firms expand operations into the U.S. market. The program, which is the first of its kind in the Austin region, provides strategic guidance, premier office space and a robust support network to accelerate business growth. The program recently welcomed its first company, ITFS Solutions. Press Release.

Fueling Austin’s Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Workforce Development:

Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the Austin region’s economic future, serving as engines of innovation, workforce development, and business collaboration. From strengthening industry partnerships to expanding research initiatives, higher education institutions are equipping students with the skills necessary to drive long term economic growth. Read the blog.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

For businesses: Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process.

For start ups & fundersMore and more creativity, innovation, & collaboration. The Austin Region is a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting diverse industries and fostering growth of established companies and startups.

 

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The Austin region’s growth story is being shaped by activity happening across every layer of the ecosystem. University research is fueling the next generation of startups and breakthrough technologies, industrial investment is expanding into fast-growing communities across Central Texas, and global engagement continues to strengthen the region’s international connectivity.

Austin is emerging as a strategic aerospace and defense hub, driven by talent, innovation ecosystems, federal alignment and a strong pro-business environment.

Economic Indicators is a numbers update on select indicators in the Central Texas region that chronicle economic activity on a monthly or quarterly basis. The report and associated Excel files are posted on or about the first Wednesday of the month.

Several recent developments point to how the Austin region’s innovation economy is evolving in real time. Breakthroughs in emerging sectors like aerospace and defense, life sciences, and digital infrastructure are being matched by record levels of startup investment and top national job growth rankings. Together, these signals reflect how emerging technologies are translating into tangible economic outcomes across the region. Workforce development and infrastructure are advancing in parallel, aligning talent and capacity with the needs of these industries and supporting the region’s ability to scale.

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