El Paso, Texas, has become a key player in advancing the life sciences sector, backed by its strategic location on the U.S.-Mexico border, a multilingual workforce, and access to prominent research and education institutions. Between 2007 and 2017, the life sciences industry in the region grew by nearly 40%, and that trajectory continues today. The region stands out as a gateway for biomedical research, healthcare advancements, and biotech manufacturing, building on a strong foundation of cross-border collaboration and industrial expertise.
El Paso offers an attractive environment for companies in research, development, and production. Affordable operational costs, combined with incentives for business development, create favorable conditions for investment. The proximity to international markets, especially in Mexico, gives life sciences companies access to broad healthcare networks. Whether for clinical research, biotech manufacturing, or medical innovation, El Paso’s infrastructure and collaborative environment provide the tools needed for growth and advancement in life sciences.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) serves as a major research center for scientific discovery and biotechnology innovation. Through programs offered at the College of Science and the Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), UTEP fosters a wide range of research initiatives, including biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical development, and clinical research. Complementing UTEP’s role, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) enhances the region’s healthcare education and biomedical research capacity, contributing significantly to the development of new medical solutions.
Additionally, the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), located nearby, addresses the critical need for medical education and training. Its focus on osteopathic medicine brings a holistic approach to healthcare, supporting future physicians to engage in research and clinical practice.
40K+ Employees in Medical Manufacturing
40% Rapid Industry Growth
35+ Medical Device Manufactures
Collaborations between institutions and organizations create an integrated life sciences ecosystem. The Medical Center of the Americas Foundation (MCA) plays a crucial role in promoting biomedical research and commercialization through The Cardwell Collaborative—a 60,000-square-foot research and development space designed to bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals. The facility supports early-stage biomedical companies and offers infrastructure for research and product development.
Furthermore, the region benefits from connections with the New Mexico Bioscience Authority and New Mexico Bio, both of which support the expansion of biosciences and biomedical enterprises in the broader Southwest. These organizations help bridge the gap between research and industry, supporting business development in biotechnology and medical sciences.
The El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border region, often referred to as the Borderplex, has a well-established reputation in medical device manufacturing. Over 35 manufacturers operate in this area, producing Class I, II, and III medical devices. These companies collectively employ about 40,000 workers. Products manufactured here range from catheter-based tools and minimally invasive surgical equipment to respiratory devices, surgical kits, and advanced electronic components for medical technologies. This manufacturing strength provides essential support to the region’s life sciences sector, enabling the production of complex medical products at scale.
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