Mid-way between the two major metropolitan cities of innovation and along the corridor of Interstate 35 and SH130, the Heart of Texas Innovation Corridor has unexpectedly developed its own innovation ecosystem. This region includes the communities of Buda, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Lockhart, Luling, San Marcos, Uhland, and Wimberley.
Hailed by Forbes as "The Next Great Metropolis," the Texas Innovation Corridor is a launching pad for commercialized innovation. According to U.S. Patent & Trade Office, and U.S. Census data, Hays and Caldwell Counties alone have filed over eleven times the number of utility patents per capita than the entire state of Texas and nine times that of the U.S.
The innovation taking place in the region is greatly influenced by Texas State University - one of the state's largest universities. Since 2012, Texas State has been designated as an Emerging Research Institution, currently doing cutting-edge research in materials science, nanotechnology, life sciences, and computer science.
The region has long been an employment center for the region. According to CHMURA Economics & Analytics, the labor force has grown in our region by 45.7% in the past 10 years- outpacing both the Austin-Round Rock MSA (34.4%) and the San Antonio MSA (17.4%). Data from the Center for Economic Study and the U.S. Census indicate that more than 48,000 are driving into the area on a regular basis for work. While jobs in Texas have grown to an impressive 16.3% in the last ten years, the Texas Innovation Corridor has more than tripled that figure (51.3%) in the same time period.
The region's innovative spirit and strong educated talent pool is home to industry disruptors like Iron Ox, Noveon Magnetics (formerly Urban Mining Company), Cooperative Laundry and Visionary Fiber Technologies. It has also attracted brand-name companies like Amazon, Lowe's Distribution, FedEx, Costco Wholesale and Best Buy e-Commerce, along with many others who have found success here.
See all the companies who have recently located to the Texas Innovation Corridor.
With 5,000+ employees, Amazon is the largest employer in the region. The company has invested four times in the Texas Innovation Corridor, including the largest industrial facility in the region - a 1.1M SF SAT-6 facility.
Companies and talent across the country should act on the great opportunities here deep in the heart of the Texas Innovation Corridor.
Stay up to date with all the growth happening in the region with our press releases and by signing up for the Greater San Marcos Partnership newsletters.