Why Austin?


Interdisciplinary research,
education and capacity building


The city of Austin is a vibrant, creative community that serves as a magnet for high technology talent while it provides opportunities for entrepreneurial artists and connoisseurs.  Within these famous city limits “the weird” is desirable and the extraordinary abounds.  It is a center for significant events and large celebrations.  Several events that draw wide international audiences include:
·       Austin City Limits
·       Austin Film Festival
·       South by Southwest (SXSW) Events:  Music/Film/Interactive; Eco; edu; V2V
·       Formula One Racing
 
This creative region provides a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem that is based on education, human networks, and innovation.  It is a great place to do business and its key growth industries include: 
·       Advanced Manufacturing
·       Multimedia Technology
·       Clean Energy & Power Technology
·       Corporate Headquarters
·       Data Centers
·       Life Sciences & Biotechnology
 
Austin’s economy has proved to be resilient in the face of recession and has been repeatedly acknowledged for the rare opportunities it provides: 
·       Live music capital of the world, self-proclaimed
·       #1 City to live and make films, Moviemaker, ‘13
·       #2 – The Best Cities for Finding Employment, Forbes, ‘11
·       Among Top 10 U.S. Brain MagnetsForbes, ‘11
·       #2 – Most Innovative Cities in the U.S., Forbes, ‘10 
·       #1 for Economic Vitality, Wall St. Journal, ‘07
·       #3 Most inventive city due to patent activity, Wall St. Journal ’07
·       Best Place for Business & Careers, Forbes, ‘03-’05