Who we are

TRTF is an innovation-based economic developer for San Antonio and South Texas. The foundation supports the growth of the bioscience and tech-based industry sectors by enhancing and leveraging the capabilities and assets of universities and research institutions. Entrepreneurial activity is supported through linkages with investment capital and commercialization expertise. The Texas Research Park provides the physical infrastructure for enterprise formation and growth.

Advancements in health care are the result of a long process of laboratory and clinical studies. Bioscience research involves investigation by a diversity of scientific disciplines working concurrently to study the biological basis of disease. Basic research is incredibly time-consuming and expensive, but in the proper environment and with adequate funding, scientists can extricate and disseminate a wealth of data that can be developed into different approaches to alleviate human suffering. Following basic research, many years of additional scientific testing is required in preclinical and clinical studies before promising therapies are developed into products that will be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. A diversified network of scientific and administrative institutions is required to advance health care benefits.

The Texas Research Park

The Texas Research Park is currently composed of many organizations whose work involves various stages of the very complicated drug development process. Researchers at The University of Texas Institute of Biotechnology/Department of Molecular Medicine are making tremendous advances in breast cancer gene research.

History

Park Milestones

2000

  • The South Texas Centers for Biology in Medicine, the SBC Teleconference Center, and a cafeteria were dedicated on the UTHSCSA Research Park Campus.

1999

  • The George Siberry Technical Center, a multi-tenant laboratory facility, was completed to support the growth of bioscience companies in South Texas.
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSCSA) began fundraising for the Center for Longevity and Aging Studies which will be added to the UTHSCSA Research Park Campus.
  • The Wall of Honor was constructed at the entranceway to the Texas Research Park, recognizing major contributors to Research Park Development.
  • A masterplan was completed for the construction of an interpretive natural greenway for elementary school education.

1998

  • Ensley Sports Field and pavilion complex was completed to serve employees, students and residents of the Texas Research Park.

1996

  • An anticancer drug pilot manufacturing plant was constructed to Food & Drug Administration (FDA) current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards in Research Plaza II.
  • A biomaterials manufacturing plant was constructed to FDA, cGMP standards in Research Plaza II.

1995

  • The Pawel Village Residences were expanded to support the growing student population at the UTIBT.

1993

  • Research Plaza II was constructed to support lifescience industry startup companies.

1992

  • The Southwest Oncology Group opened its headquarters in the Park. The group administers the largest anticancer drug clinical trials program in the U.S.
  • Phase I of the Pawel Village student housing complex was completed.
  • Began IDD region operations.

1991

  • The University of Texas Institute of Biotechnology (UTIBT) began operations, focusing on the genetic causes of cancer and other diseases.
  • Construction began on the Cancer Therapy & Research Center Institute for Drug Development (CTRC-IDD), devoted to the accelerated development of anticancer drug therapies.
  • Phase I of the roadway & utility infrastructure was completed, serving approximately 600 acres.

1990

  • Texas Research Parkway, State Highway 211, was completed, connecting the Research Park to Highway 90 and Potranco Road (State Highway 1957).
  • City of San Antonio grants Texas Research Park Foundation $7.3 million for Phase I Roadway and Utility infrastructure.
  • Research Plaza I, an administrative and laboratory building created to support the development of the lifescience industry, was completed.

1986

  • Tom and Nancy Pawel donated land to create the 1,236-acre Texas Research Park.

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Accomplishments

  • $140 million have been invested in the research park, facilities, and equipment.
  • 12 new biotechnology companies have been started.
  • Two manufacturing plants have been constructed and equipped to FDA - cGMP standards.
  • Many research discoveries have been made and commercial products are entering the market to benefit the health care of mankind.
  • Many high-paying jobs have been created in a clean industry with an average salary approaching $50,000.
  • On of the Department of Homeland Security's top 5 sites for the new National Bio and Agro Defence Facility.
© 2007 Texas Research & Technology Foundation