The Emerging Technological & BioTech Hub of Central Texas

In a year that sent markets spiraling, with loss of significant industry and increasing property vacancies, the “Texas Triangle” – bordered by Austin, Houston, and Dallas – saw an unprecedented level of activity. Bryan / College Station (BCS), home to Texas A&M University (TAMU) and an emerging BioCorridor sits at the center of the Texas Triangle. The combination of COVID-19 research and vaccine manufacturing, alongside the efforts of the TAMU system have generated significant economic activity.

The BioCorridor

The Lake Walk Town Center,  adjacent to TAMU, is home to two major Biotech / Pharmaceutical companies: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies and iBio. In November 2019, FujiFilm announced a 60,000 SF expansion of their ~ 100,000 SF Bryan campus. The expansion also meant the relocation and hiring of roughly 250 employees to BCS. 

Due to the pandemic, the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industries saw a surge in activity. In July of 2020, President Donald Trump announced that a $265M government contract was awarded to FujiFilm for COVID-19 (Novavax) Vaccine manufacturing. FujiFilm, in partnership with the TAMU School of Innovation began R&D / manufacturing of the vaccine. Subsequently, FujiFilm leased another 35,000 SF of industrial / office space, bringing their total footprint in BCS to around 195,000 SF. 

iBio, has also been on the forefront of the battle against the pandemic. In August of 2020, iBio announced progresshad been made for their vaccine candidate purposed with preventing infection from the COVID-19 virus. Still being tested, the vaccine shows promise in generating an immune response against the virus. If approved for clinical trials, iBio can rapidly develop and manufacture the product in commercial quantities at their 130,000 SF facility in Bryan. 

The RELLIS Campus 

RELLIS is a branch of the TAMU System, located in BCS, 7 miles away from the BioCorridor. Established to specialize in advanced research, technology development, trade-education, and manufacturing, RELLIS recently confirmed a large contract with US Army Futures Command (USAFC). This contract dictates that RELLIS, with multiple acres of land and proximity to Austin (Home to USAFC), will be supplied as the testing ground for R&D of military technology. Recently, the TAMU Board of Regents approved an addition of $79.3M to the systems capital budget, used for the construction of the nation’s largest enclosed-tube hypersonic testing facility and the development of testing grounds for air and combat vehicles. 

Access to 3 Major Markets

BCS provides a viable geographic solution for many companies moving into Texas. One hour from Houston and outside the hurricane zone, 1.5 Hours to Austin and 3 hours from Dallas, the BCS market is within short reach of three of the fastest growing markets in the country. Additionally, land and construction costs continue to rise in Texas but remain competitive in BCS, compared to surrounding areas. Each market continues to grow towards the Brazos Valley, and there is ample room for opportunity.