Dive Brief:
- A recently created nonprofit plans to capitalize on Austin's already transforming healthcare landscape by supporting the development of an Innovation Zone along the eastern edge of downtown, according to a announcement last Friday by Sen. Kirk Watson (D) and Austin Mayor Steve Adler (D).
- Capital City Innovation will work to connect local businesses and start-ups with the new Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, set to open later this year and the new Dell Seton Medical Center teaching hospital.
- The nonprofit is being founded by The University of Texas at Austin, Seton Healthcare Family and Austin's public health department, Central Health, which will each be designated a seat on its advisory board. The board will also include Adler, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt and four additional members of the community.
Dive Insight:
The nonprofit will aim to ensure the entire community benefits from the new innovation hub's research and opportunities, according to Watson, chairman of the Innovation Zone Working Group, which recommended the creation of the nonprofit.
“Austin is already known for its innovation and creativity. Creating this locomotive for an Innovation Zone is Austin’s message to the world that we’re taking a new step forward to galvanize the innovative opportunities,” Mayor Adler said in a prepared statement.
The Innovation Zone will be centered on the Central Health Brackenridge Campus, near the new medical school and teaching hospital, and where the University Medical Center Brackenridge (UMCB) is currently located.
Organizers estimate the new hospital and medical school will generate about 15,000 new jobs.