The Austin region: where innovation & technology meet the new space economy

Austin, a well-known hub for innovation, research, start-up generation, big data, mobile solutions, electronics manufacturing, super-computing, and more, is positioned to offer fertile ground space-based enterprises to grow.

Assets like The University of Texas’s top-10 ranked aerospace engineering programs, affiliated research centers, and advanced computing capabilities combine in Austin with a preeminent culture of entrepreneurship, commercialization expertise, and a vibrant industrial base.

An engaged and collaborative tech community, an abundance of skilled talent, and a world-class quality of life make Austin the place to capitalize on new business models of the space industry.

The emerging space industry

Our world is experiencing a convergence of industries like cloud computing, platform solutions, big data, the internet of things and space technology. The way we think of technology and the world around us is drastically changing and our access to new information is increasing at an exponential rate. The world is no longer a passive experience, but rather a place of technology-driven engagement and connectedness.

The Space Economy sector is growing and fueling these new opportunities and access. As we move into the future, our mission will be to make sense of the incredible amount of information and data available, while opening up new business opportunity. While Texas has established itself as a major player in the space industry, Austin's place at the forefront of technology and innovation makes the region the ideal destination for new space companies. Austin's creativity and innovation changes the way we think about technology and pushes our world forward.

"Central Texas companies are developing a wide range of space-related technologies, including rockets, satellites with experimental communication capabilities and 3-D printers that could build housing on the moon." | Austin American-Statesman, Feb. 5, 2022

Austin's space technology industry targets

• Satellites & small satellites
• Small launch providers
• Spacecraft components
• Internet & software
• Human space flight
• In space services
• Space resources

Austin area space technology ecosystem

Over 12,000 employees are aligned within the aerospace, aviation, and supporting industry sectors with many more--over 176,000--in the overall tech ecosystem.

“I think Austin is going to be the next generation of the space sector, and command control center. A lot of innovation is going to happen. This is the beginning.” | Naeem Altaf, CTO Space Tech, IBM

Austin: The Human Capital

• Talent | Young, high tech, and extremely educated work force. Austin offers a highly creative class mixed with a leading technology and innovative spirit.
• Education | Leading higher education system. University of Texas, Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, Concordia University Texas, Southwestern University, and Huston-Tillotson.
• Location | Conveniently located within the Central US time zone and in the Texas triangle. Over 80% of the Texas population lives within the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio triangle.
• Business Climate | The State of Texas does not impose corporate or state income taxes, providing a clear cost advantage. There’s also the possibility for expansion/relocation incentives.
• Cost of Living | Austin offers this perfect mix with a relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of the country coming in at 94.4% of the national average.

Education & resources

Austin has over 425,000 students in a 100 mile radius. With so much opportunity for research and collaboration throughout the region, companies find Central Texas to be a perfect decision.

• The University of Texas at Austin: 51,000 students
  Master of Science in Technology Commercialization Program: graduating 100 accomplished professionals each year with the skills to assess and profitably launch new technologies.
  Launch Texas: a space-tech accelerator training and producing the world's top space-tech entrepreneurs; developing, testing and launching novel space technologies and startups; and advancing global knowledge and talent exchange through strategic partnerships.
  Department of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics: Top 10 graduate and undergraduate aerospace engineering programs with nearly 700 enrolled.
  Texas Rocket Engineering Lab: innovative aerospace program sponsored by companies like Blue Origin, Boeing, Firefly Aerospace, NI and others.
• Texas State University: 38,000 students
  Ph. D. in Material Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (MSEC): focused on advanced composite material science, engineering, and commercialization
• Greater Austin Space Economy Task Force