Accelerating Innovation Improving Health Building Prosperity Annual Report 2023

The MCA is creating a hub where research, innovation, and quality healthcare access can thrive in our region. Efficient infrastructure management and facility construction is essential to the effective execution of the MCA programs. In 2023, in addition to continuing the relationships with our campus partners and tenants, we focused on preparing the MCA for its next phase of growth.

During 2023, we continued to be on track with the environmental cleanup of the 203/309 Chelsea sites utilizing EPA funds in coordination with TCEQ’s Voluntary Clean-up Program. To date, the cleanup project remains on schedule for completion in late Summer 2024, readying it for future development.

We provided effective support, coordination and monitoring of the Coors Channel Project, made possible by El Paso Water, which is planned to be completed in the early part of 2nd quarter 2024, providing for optimal utilization of the existing land site for future development.

From better diagnostics, personalized medicine, and telemedicine to environmental safety, and operational improvements, HealthTech startups are developing new and innovative solutions to improve care and build prosperity in our region. The newly named Melinda and Meyer Marcus Foundation Innovation Center is working with companies at the forefront of innovating in the health and biotech industry.

The Innovation Center provides the infrastructure necessary to advance startup success through specialized equipment and access to wet and dry lab space, business planning and coaching, regulatory compliance assistance, training and education, access to capital, and critical networking and partnership opportunities.

Innovation ecosystem building is also an important part of our efforts. A strong ecosystem supports startups and small businesses by bringing increased collaboration between ecosystem stakeholders, accelerating innovation through networks, resources, and support, attracting talent and investment, concentrating resources and expertise, enhancing competitiveness, and driving economic growth. Additionally, a strong ecosystem plays a critical role in addressing healthcare disparities and developing solutions to complex healthcare problems.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Hosted 63 monthly networking & training events
• Delivered tailored startup support to 21 companies
• Provided 5 companies customized product development & FDA regulatory pathway support
• Hosted University Technology & Entrepreneurship Prep - education on tech innovation, commercialization, and venture capital funding to UTEP students, faculty, and staff
• Hosted Invest El Paso – to link investors, startups and community leaders
• Closed out $300,000 EDA Capital Grant and $750,000 EDA SPRINT Grant
• Innovation Center renamed for the Melinda and Meyer Marcus Family Foundation
• Organized Global Entrepreneurship Week, 17 community events
• Launched Elevate HealthTech Proof of Concept Competition

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education is crucial to create interest and prepare students for careers in the new economy which is increasingly technology and digital based. Hands-on science-based activities emphasize critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. They engage youth in experiences that help them to navigate the increasingly technology-driven society and provide tools to address complex global issues like climate change and health disparities. STEM education plays an important role in driving innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

To develop and support the tech ecosystem, the STEM Innovation Lab provides camps for elementary, middle, and high school students in the El Paso region. Camps are established around science-based, hands-on activities that engage students while teaching them about careers in science and engineering fields. Our goal is to connect students to STEM careers through camps that are fun, engaging and informative!

Clinical Trials are essential for improving health outcomes by providing access to different treatment options and advancing health care innovations and technologies. In 2023, the clinical trials investigator site network in our region experienced substantial growth, expanding from 43 to 71 sites— a 65% increase over the previous year. This notable expansion was primarily driven by outpatient healthcare clinics incorporating clinical research as a care option. Consequently, trial activity surged to 379 trials, marking an increase of 13.8% from the previous year, enhancing regional trial access for a diverse range of medical conditions.

The burgeoning clinical trial industry also played a pivotal role in supporting employment, generating 153+ high-wage jobs, and contributing $114 million in trial revenue to the economies of West Texas and Southern New Mexico. This growth aligns with a broader trend observed over the past seven years since the inception of MCA’s clinical trial programs and initiatives.