During the BIO International Convention 2026 (June 22–25) in San Diego, BioSpectrum Asia spoke with Arthur Jackson, Chief Economic Development Officer at Cedar Park EDC, about the city's long-term vision for building a thriving life sciences ecosystem. He discusses how the redevelopment of Lime Creek Quarry, proximity to Austin's innovation corridor, a growing cluster of biotechnology and medical technology companies, and strong public-private collaboration are laying the foundation for Cedar Park to become one of Central Texas' most attractive destinations for high-growth life sciences and healthcare innovation.
What is driving Cedar Park's ambitions to establish itself as a life-sciences destination?
Cedar Park already has strong momentum in advanced industries, a highly educated workforce, proximity to Austin’s research and talent base, and available development opportunities. Life sciences is a natural extension of our broader strategy to attract high-wage, innovation-driven companies that create quality jobs and long-term investment.
How does the Lime Creek Quarry redevelopment fit into the city’s broader economic development strategy?
Lime Creek Quarry represents one of Cedar Park’s most significant long-term redevelopment opportunities. The goal is to transform a legacy industrial site into a higher-value economic asset that can support innovation, employment, mixed-use activity for residents, and potentially life-sciences and advanced technology use.
What types of life-sciences companies are showing the greatest interest in the region?
We're seeing strong interest from companies operating at the intersection of healthcare, biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostics, and artificial intelligence. Cedar Park’s existing ecosystem reflects that diversity, with companies such as Enovis, PD Labs, Zeteo Biomedical, ExoDiscovery Technologies, and Sigmatic. Together, these companies represent a range of high-growth sectors, including medical devices, biomedical innovation, diagnostics, health products, exosome technology, and AI-powered healthcare solutions. That diversity gives Cedar Park a strong foundation to grow a broader life-sciences and health-tech cluster.
How important are public-private partnerships in building sustainable innovation clusters?
They are critical. Innovation clusters do not happen through real estate alone. They require alignment between cities, economic development organizations, universities, private industry, developers, investors, and workforce partners. Public-private partnerships help reduce friction, share risk, and create the infrastructure needed for companies to grow.
What would success look like for Cedar Park’s life-sciences ecosystem over the next decade?
Success would mean Cedar Park is recognized as a serious life-sciences and innovation destination in Central Texas, with a growing base of companies, quality jobs, specialized facilities, research partnerships, and private investment. Ultimately, success is creating an ecosystem where companies can start, scale, and stay in Cedar Park.
