Growth of business opportunities and employment in the biosciences is powered by engines of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Below is a snapshot of the organizations and institutions supporting bioscience innovation in the Paso del Norte region:

The MCA Innovation Center in the Cardwell Collaborative: A group of bioscience and biomedical startups are currently developing products and technologies at the MCA Innovation Center, located in the Cardwell Collaborative building on the 400-acre Medical Center of the Americas life sciences campus in El Paso. In a 60,000-square-foot tech park under one roof, the center offers access to world-class laboratory facilities, entrepreneurship training and mentoring.

Arrowhead Center at NMSU: The Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico is a research and innovation hub dedicated to commercializing high-tech innovations and launching and developing new businesses. Its major hub of activity is in Arrowhead Park, a 200-acre master-planned community for science, technology and business with over 25 active business tenants and dozens of startups.

Regional Universities and Colleges:

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso: A freestanding university within the Texas Tech System, TTUHSC El Paso is home to the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The university operates research centers focusing on cancer, diabetes and metabolism, infectious disease and neurosciences.
• The University of Texas at El Paso: El Paso’s largest university has a long and proud history of science and engineering excellence. UTEP has made major investments in its research infrastructure as it pursues status as a national research university. Its bioscience and technology-related research centers include the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation (advanced manufacturing technologies for biomedical devices); Border Biomedical Research Center; Center for Space Exploration and Technology; and the Research Institute for Manufacturing and Engineering Systems.
• New Mexico State University: Established as an agricultural research school in 1888, NMSU has grown into a nationally recognized research institution. Its bioscience and technology research areas include biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics; energy and biofuels; and space science and aerospace.
• Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine: The newest medical school in the Paso del Norte region, BCOM is located at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Research Park. BCOM’s research areas include biomedical science, clinical science, medical education and population health.
• El Paso Community College: Ranked No. 1 nationally for awarding associate degrees to Hispanic students, EPCC is the gateway for many El Pasoans seeking higher degrees. EPCC offers associate degrees and certificates for a broad range of health sciences and science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.
• Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez: UACJ operates a medical school under the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, producing surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. Its Institute of Engineering and Technology offers degrees in physics and mathematics, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and manufacturing and industrial engineering.
• Tec de Juárez: Formally known as Institute Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez, Tec de Juárez offers a full array of engineering degrees. Its campus research facilities include laboratories for automated manufacturing, robotics, metallurgy, and electrical and computational systems.
• Tec de Monterrey Juárez Campus: This is the regional campus of the prestigious private university, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Tec de Monterrey offers a wide range of academic programs, including advanced degrees in medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, engineering and computer science.
• Universidad Technológica de Ciudad Juárez: UTCJ was established in 1999 with a mission to prepare residents for careers in regional industry, which is primarily manufacturing-based due to the maquila economic model. Regional manufacturing is increasingly focused on high-tech products and processes, so UTCJ academic programs include renewable energy, international logistics, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, nanotechnology, business innovation, industrial operations, and information technology.