San Antonio made a powerful impression at the 2025 BIO International Convention, held June 16–19 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. As the largest gathering of biotechnology leaders in the world, the event brought together over 20,000 attendees from 68 countries, including top executives, researchers, investors, and policymakers.
San Antonio’s presence at BIO 2025 underscored the vibrant biotech and life science ecosystem in Central/South Texas. The city’s delegation included representatives from local biotech service providers, research institutions and economic development organizations from Austin, Kerrville, and San Antonio. Their collective goal: to showcase the region’s innovation ecosystem and attract new partnerships and investment. Booth visitors heard about the region’s strengths and booth sponsors were there to have immediate detailed conversations. BioMedSA’s president also met with companies in pre-scheduled meetings throughout the conference to build regional partnerships and connect companies with the support resources they need that are located in our region.
Extensive Accessible Researcher with a Culture of Collaboration
San Antonio’s biotech community is known for its collaborative spirit where cross-institutional research initiatives and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem create fertile ground for innovation and commercialization. Large regional assets include the largest military health complex in the US, UT Health San Antonio (ranked in the top 5% globally for clinical medicine research), UTSA with its comprehensive research portfolio and drug development capabilities, Southwest Research Institute (drug discovery, scale-up, bio-reactor, encapsulation and cGMP small volume drug manufacturing), Texas Biomedical Research Institute (the only NIH primate center with the highest biosafey lab – BSL4) and BioBridge Global (one of only 2 places in the US that process from donor to tested, manufactured biologics).
Strategic Advantages for Central/South Texas
With its central location in the U.S. and cost-effective business environment, San Antonio offers biotech companies a strategic advantage. Lower operational costs, compared to coastal hubs and other large metros in Texas, make it an attractive destination for startups and established firms alike. The 27 minute average commute time increases productivity and quality of life. The city boasts a robust talent pool, trained by its universities, medical schools, military medical training programs, and the 2nd largest community college system in the U.S. San Antonio’s commitment to workforce development ensures a steady stream of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of a growing industry.
Proud to Represent Texas
BioMedSA was proud for our delegation to be part of the larger Texas delegation at BIO 2025. As a state, Texas showcased its collective strength in biotech and life sciences. The unity and diversity of the multi-booth Texas block highlighted the state’s commitment to innovation, economic development, and global leadership in the life sciences sector.
Looking Ahead
BioMedSA’s leadership in our regional BIO booth is part of a broader strategy to position the central/south Texas as a national leader in bioscience innovation. With continued investment in research, infrastructure, and workforce development, the City of Science and Health is poised to play an even bigger role in the future of global health and biotechnology. Join the journey.
