The biotech industry in The Woodlands is undergoing a significant expansion with Cellipont setting up a new 76,000-square-foot headquarters. This move from California, as reported by The Houston Chronicle, symbolizes a broader trend of life science groups establishing roots in Texas. Cellipont's focus is on manufacturing cell therapies to combat cancer and other disorders, a cutting-edge medical approach that involves transplanting healthy human cells.
Commenting on the growth of Research Forest as a biotech hotspot, Gil Staley, CEO of Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, emphasized the region's "resurgence." Meanwhile, Nurix Technologies, another California transplant, has taken residence within The Woodlands' new $112 million Alexandria Center for Advanced Technologies as detailed by Chron.com. Dr. Arthur Sands, coincidentally a former founder of a local company, expressed enthusiasm for Nurix's expansion and the advanced facilities provided by the new center.
Nurix's aim to hire over 100 people, as well as Cellipont's goal to at least double its initial 35-job offering, reflects a fast-growing local talent pool. Edwin Beale, spokesperson for Cellipont, highlighted the shift in Texas' labor landscape, stating, "Five or six years ago, we actually had to import a lot of our talent. We've now gotten to the point where that talent's homegrown in Texas," attributing this change to an increasingly business-friendly environment.
Financial incentives are playing a significant role in attracting biotech firms to The Woodlands. A University of Texas at Austin and Stanford University study cited by Chron.com points out the cost benefits of operating in Texas over California. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas's commitment of nearly $99 million in grants for cancer research further fuels this biotech migration.
With the Alexandria Center's sleek amenities and Nurix’s high-profile entry, The Woodlands is poised for a significant biotech boom. Local politicians and industry professionals from around the country have taken note, as evidenced by the grand opening of Cellipont's headquarters.
