Life Sciences
Some of society's most pressing problems surround the incidence, severity, and consequences of various diseases and conditions. Life sciences industries strive to achieve a healthier population through research, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology-based medicines, devices, biomedical technology, and other advances dedicated to improving our wellbeing and, indeed, preserving our lives.
Since 2020, life sciences have experienced significant growth in Texas, expanding from employment of less than 52,300 in January 2020 to more than 67,800 in March 2023 (the latest available data at a granular level). The increase has been concentrated in the scientific research and development sector, which rose from approximately 24,400 employees in January 2020 to 38,600 in March 2023. The overall pace of life sciences net job creation in Texas over the past decade has been almost three times the national average and far above all major competitive states.
Texas was recently selected as site of the Customer Experience Hub for a substantial new federal initiative, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Major new life sciences developments in the state (including Pegasus Park in Dallas, which will be hub of ARPA-H activity) are serving as catalysts for further growth.