Opportunity Austin

A Milestone in Austin’s Life Sciences Journey: BillionToOne’s Expansion Overnight successes are years in the making. BillionToOne has officially launched the construction of their new 220,000-square-foot facility in north Austin—a transformative step for the region's life sciences ecosystem. This isn’t just another groundbreaking moment; it’s the culmination of years of collaboration and vision between community leaders, industry pioneers, and key partners like Tarlton, STG Design, and White Construction. With BillionToOne’s cutting-edge "forever lab" set to process up to 6 million tests per year and create over 600 new jobs, this development further solidifies the Austin region’s position as a leader in precision diagnostics and the broader life sciences sector. Through collaborative efforts, we’ve created a region that attracts world-class companies like BillionToOne—companies that seek not just to do business, but to innovate and grow within our thriving ecosystem of talent and technology. As Austin grows, these life sciences investments pave the way for breakthroughs that will benefit both our community and global healthcare advancements. Learn more about this impactful project: https://lnkd.in/gb9GfGcy 

Congratulations to Acutronic Group for the Inauguration of their Aerospace Components Division Headquarters. The new facility will not only drive technological advancements but also create high-wage jobs and launch the Acutronic Apprenticeship Alliance, empowering the next generation of skilled talent in partnership with Bastrop ISD. Join us in congratulating Acutronic Group on this incredible achievement and the positive impact it will bring to the Austin region.  With remarks from Kirk Watson, Adriana Cruz, H.E Ambassador-Designate of Switzerland to the United States, Ralf Heckner, Opportunity Austin CEO Edward Latson, and Acutronic CEO Florian Aigrain, we celebrated Austin’s growing role as a hub for aerospace innovation and advanced manufacturing.  https://lnkd.in/gWsV4NE7 

Welcome to the Austin Region, BillionToOne! At this morning’s groundbreaking ceremony, the company officially launched their expansion into Austin, marking a pivotal moment for the region's life sciences sector. This state-of-the-art, 220,000 square-foot facility will create over 1,000 high-wage jobs and enhance Austin’s reputation as a leader in precision diagnostics. Set to be completed in 2026, BillionToOne’s “forever lab” will have the capacity to process up to 6 million tests annually, further revolutionizing molecular diagnostics in the fields of prenatal and oncology care. This expansion highlights the growing momentum of Austin’s life sciences ecosystem and reinforces the region’s ability to attract world-class companies with a vision for the future. Big thank you to all our partners who made this announcement possible including STG Design, White Construction, Tarlton, Reger Holdings and City of Austin. Read the full press release for more details: https://lnkd.in/gb9GfGcy

Today, we honor the victims of 9/11 and pay tribute to the first responders, military members, and citizens who demonstrated incredible courage and selflessness 23 years ago. As we reflect on this day in our nation’s history, we are reminded of the strength of our communities and the importance of coming together to support one another. We stand with leaders in continuing to work toward a future that fosters safety, inclusion, and prosperity for all. 

Last Chance to Nominate for the 2024 A-LIST Awards: The deadline is just around the corner! You have until this Thursday, September 12th to nominate the innovators, startups, and investors shaping Austin's future. For over a decade, the A-LIST Awards have spotlighted Austin's visionaries across industries—from tech to life sciences and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to recognize the trailblazers driving growth in Central Texas. Nominate now: https://hubs.la/Q02P7vnz0

Why Austin? The Numbers Speak for Themselves Austin continues to lead the nation in population growth and net migration, attracting talent from around the world. Since 2020, 6.6% of our metro’s population (145,620 people) moved here from outside the area, making Austin a top destination for innovation, business, and quality of life. With this rapid growth come opportunities and challenges, and we remain committed to addressing both to ensure the prosperity of our entire region. Explore the full population insights: https://hubs.la/Q02P5zFk0

It was a pleasure planning, and co-hosting this event with our friends at Austin Technology Incubator! Did you know that as part of the Microelectronics Precision Rapid Innovation & Scaling Manufacturing (#PRISM) Network, ATI is spearheading a $5M, 4-year grant funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing startups? Their mission involves identifying, selecting, and incubating up to 20 emerging companies specializing in microelectronics and supply chain technologies. Thank you to our event sponsor, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Shoutout to Jes Torben Rebecca (Becky) Taylor Richard Amato for continuing this exciting, educational mixer series. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gcMXC9uD

Thanks to all who joined us at ATI Horizons Happy Hour: In partnership with Austin Technology Incubator and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the event connected Austin’s startup ecosystem for great networking and insightful discussions. Speakers Rebecca (Becky) Taylor, Richard Amato, Matt Lyons, Edward Latson, and Mark Arnold shared key updates on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), CHIPS Act, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program also spotlighted ATI’s Microelectronics incubator and UT’s Commercialization programs, both of which are driving the re-shoring of semiconductor manufacturing. We appreciate your continued support in advancing Austin’s innovation landscape!  

A-LIST Nominations Extended! Due to high demand, the deadline to nominate innovative startups, leaders, and investors for the 2024 A-LIST Awards has been extended to September 12, 2024. For over a decade, the A-LIST Awards have recognized Austin’s top visionaries across industries, from tech to life sciences. Who should apply? - Game-changing startups - Leaders driving Austin’s innovation ecosystem - Innovators across all sectors - VCs supporting high-growth companies Event Date: October 23, 2024 Location: The Long Center, Austin Prizes: SXSW badges and a Capital Factory Golden Ticket Nominate now and help us celebrate Austin’s brightest minds shaping the future of innovation: https://hubs.la/Q02NSJQp0

Back to School and Building Austin’s Workforce With the start of a new school year, Opportunity Austin remains focused on filling the talent pipeline by addressing workforce development needs. Our latest edition of "The Surge" covers: - Highlights from our recent Education and Workforce Council meeting, focusing on increasing postsecondary enrollment and aligning education with industry needs. - ACC’s $7.5 million grant to expand semiconductor training programs and Rep. Lloyd Doggett's announcement of $1.5 million in congressional funding to further support this critical industry. - Texas’ impressive job growth rate, outpacing the national average and showcasing the resilience of our economy. To learn more, read the newsletter and subscribe to stay in the loop.