Nearly one year since launching its first phase, the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park is already proving to be a powerful catalyst for innovation, attracting a range of life sciences companies and bolstering collaboration between industry and academia.   The 37-acre campus opened with the TMC3 Collaborative Building and Dynamic One Building, now home to prestigious institutions like Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Methodist, Texas A&M University and UTHealth. Chicago-based venture capital firm Portal Innovations also joined the campus last year, occupying the entire third floor of the Collaborative Building with a 30,000-square-foot space.  Growth continues at Helix Park as local institutions and companies expand their research initiatives and establish a stronger presence on campus. Rice University recently launched RBL LLC, a venture creation studio designed to act as a direct pipeline for new companies built around the technologies developed at its Biotech Launch Pad, established last year.   “Leveraging Rice University’s Biotech Launch Pad breakthroughs and pairing it with the world-class translational infrastructure of TMC Helix Park well positions RBL to drive unprecedented advances in patient care,” said William McKeon, President and CEO of TMC, in a statement. “This partnership between academia, industry and health care is exactly what’s needed to transform medical discoveries into real-world solutions that improve lives globally.”  In September, March Biosciences, an emerging clinical-stage biotech company spun off from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, moved to the Helix Park campus. Shortly after the move, March Biosciences successfully closed an oversubscribed $28.4 million Series A financing round. This funding will support the Phase 2 clinical development of MB-105, the company’s innovative cancer-fighting therapy.   Switzerland-based biotech company Artidis also recently expanded to Helix Park, securing 2,000 square feet in Portal Innovations’ suite within the Collaborative Building, according to the Houston Business Journal. The company uses nanotechnology to rapidly diagnose cancer and develop personalized treatment plans.  MD Anderson Cancer Center is also increasing its footprint at TMC with a new $239 million, 281,254-square-foot research facility featuring lab and office space. According to the Houston Business Journal, the facility, set for completion in 2028, will focus on advancing preclinical research.  Additionally, the campus welcomed its first restaurant, Ojo de Agua, which offers a blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, contributing to Helix Park’s vision of becoming a premier destination.  “We are excited to introduce Ojo de Agua to the Texas Medical Center community and present a new spot where members and visitors can connect, celebrate and collaborate while enjoying a unique culinary experience,” said McKeon in a statement. “Food has a way of bringing people together and as our campus continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, Ojo de Agua will showcase high quality, fresh ingredients that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our community.”  Learn more about the growth happening at TMC at the Partnership’s State of the Texas Medical Center event on November 14. 

People are moving to Texas, and businesses are building new facilities. That rapid growth is straining resources, particularly water. According to a new report, Texas must invest $154 billion over the next 50 years in new water supply and infrastructure—critical needs to support the state’s expanding population and booming industries. The report from Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy think tank, highlights the urgency of this investment. Without reliable water infrastructure, Texas could face the loss of a million jobs and more than $160 billion in economic impact over the next five decades. The report underscores a stark reality: a comprehensive, sustainable funding strategy for water is necessary to keep Texas economically resilient and competitive. Investment Needs The 2022 Texas Water Plan and US EPA initially estimated that Texas would need $132 billion in water infrastructure investments over the next 50 years. However, Texas 2036 has adjusted this figure for inflation, raising the projected cost to $154 billion. While state and federal programs—such as the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the newly established Texas Water Fund—are expected to provide around $40-45 billion in financial support over the coming decades, a significant long-term funding gap persists.   Click to expand Texas 2036 graphic showing cost estimate for water infrastructure needs Dual Challenges According to the report, Texas faces two challenges. First, the state must develop a broad, diversified water supply portfolio to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and economy while strengthening resilience to future droughts. The water supply gap poses additional risks to the state’s electricity generation, as low water levels during droughts could limit power from natural gas, nuclear and coal plants. Second, aging and deteriorating drinking water and wastewater systems. Over the past five years, nearly 3,000 boil water notices have been issued annually, leaving communities without reliable water service.  Impact on Industries A severe, prolonged drought would have widespread effects on industries across Texas. Manufacturing, a key driver of the state’s economy, is one example.  The top five manufacturing regions—Dallas-Fort Worth, the Greater Houston area, East Texas (Beaumont, Tyler, Lufkin), Central Texas (College Station, Temple, Waco), and South Central Texas (San Antonio, Victoria)—together account for 82% of the state’s manufacturing GDP and 77% of its manufacturing jobs. According to research from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, within the next 20 years, these regions could face nearly $20.8 billion in lost manufacturing GDP and over 116,000 job losses due to water shortages during a drought of record. The potential economic fallout underscores the need for immediate and strategic investments in water infrastructure to safeguard key industries and the communities that rely on them. Advocacy at the Capitol  Water infrastructure is one of the executive priorities for the Greater Houston Partnership for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. These priorities serve as a roadmap for the upcoming session, highlighting key areas of interest for the business community. The Partnership supports increased funding for the Texas Water Fund, preferably establishing a dedicated funding stream to ensure long-term, sustainable investments in the state’s water resources.   Learn more about how the Partnership advances strong policy that fosters long-term growth and upward economic mobility for the region.