ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — It’s the first-of-its-kind in the state. A new place for startups focused on the life science and medical fields is coming to the Texas State University (TXST) Round Rock Campus.

“I think having this life sciences incubator on our campus will attract more companies to the region and really elevate that area for success,” Dr. Julie Lessiter, vice president of the school, said.

It’s a rapidly growing field, according to the university. More than 300 life science, and upwards of 1,000 healthcare-related startup companies call Central Texas home. TXST Round Rock Campus wants to add to that.

“We’re trying to be innovative, we’re growing our enrollment, we really want to be a part of this community, which means giving back,” Lessiter added.

What is it exactly?
“It’s everything from pharmaceuticals, to gene therapy, to medical devices,” Seth Lane explained. He’s with Concept Companies, which is helping design the new space for the school.

The incubator hopes to reduce some of the frustrations, challenges and obstacles that new startups face.

“These types of companies that are pursuing those types of technologies need facilities like this, they need the academic support of the research institution,” Lane added.

The school said there will be labs, offices, administrative support and plenty of areas to collaborate.

“When you do that, out of that comes novel ideas, innovation, entrepreneurship. And when you have that in a community, that’s really going to raise the profile of the community,” Lessiter said.

Helping bring the tomorrow to today.

The school said it hopes to have the incubator open by the end of 2025. You can read more about its plans here.

Written by: Barrett Tryon at KXAN