Kelly Baggett, Innovation Coordinator, City of Fort Worth

In an interview with Invest:, Kelly Baggett highlighted Fort Worth’s growing biotech sector, emphasizing the success of the Techstars Physical Health Accelerator, supporting 31 startups with a $3 million investment. She also pointed to the Fort Worth Medical Innovation District as a key driver of collaboration and growth.

What are some of the significant achievements in innovation for Fort Worth?

We recently completed the Techstars Physical Health Accelerator, a three-year initiative running from 2022 to 2024. The city invested $3 million from ARPA funds, alongside contributions from partners like UNT Health Science Center, Goff Capital, and Tarrant County. Through this program, we supported 31 national and global companies focused on physical health and health tech, bringing them to Fort Worth to help them learn, grow and scale their ideas. 

We’re also proud to collaborate with UNT HSC, which recently secured a $2 million grant from Tarrant County to help local businesses access federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding. This initiative provides entrepreneurs with the support they need to turn big ideas into successful ventures.

Fort Worth is positioning itself at the heart of this growth. One major driver has been the launch of the Fort Worth Medical Innovation District, which officially kicked off in 2023 in the Near Southside. This initiative has been a game-changer, bringing together biotech firms, major hospitals, and startups to create a dynamic ecosystem. Some of the key players include Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, which recently opened the Justin Tower; Baylor Scott & White; Cook Children’s, which is renowned as a world leader in congenital hyperinsulinism; Medical City Fort Worth; and UT Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Institute. Together, these institutions are making a global impact right here in Fort Worth.

Additionally, our local universities are making significant contributions. UNT HSC is leading groundbreaking initiatives like HSC Next, which helps translate research into market-ready solutions. The TCU School of Medicine is also making its mark by training forward-thinking, empathetic physicians who prioritize patient-centered care, shaping the future of healthcare.

How does Alcon Labs expansion contribute to position Fort Worth as a hub for life sciences?

Alcon is truly a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s life sciences sector, with a long-standing legacy in ophthalmic goods manufacturing. Their presence has led to the creation of several spin-off companies, such as Encore Vision, which specializes in treatments for presbyopia, and Eosera, known for innovative ear care products available in major retailers like CVS. Thanks to Alcon’s influence, we’ve also seen several new players enter the market in Fort Worth. For example, Panthera BioSolutions supports pharmaceutical R&D with services like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) training and clean packaging solutions.

Other Fort Worth success stories include TimelyMD, an Inc. 5000 company that is revolutionizing telehealth services for higher education students. Fort Worth Diagnostics, which was recently acquired by Bio-Rad, has also strengthened our local biotech ecosystem. Additionally, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired Abexxa Biologics, a global pharmaceutical leader specializing in oncology research.

All of these companies — alongside Alcon and our biotech firms — are not just established names; they’re thriving, scaling, and contributing to Fort Worth’s growing reputation as a life sciences hub.

What makes Fort Worth an ideal location for biotech companies to establish or relocate?

Fort Worth and the broader North Texas region really stand out as a rising star in biotech for three key reasons. 

First is our strategic location and accessibility – Fort Worth is perfectly situated within the U.S., and 98% of the country’s population can be reached by truck within 48 hours. We have Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which offers international air service as part of the AllianceTexas logistics hub and inland port. Additionally, we have two Class I rail lines and major highways that connect us from Canada to Mexico. There is also DFW International Airport, which is CEIV-certified – so it meets the stringent requirements necessary for time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive biologistics, including cold chain storage. With expansive cargo operations, DFW Airport is a critical hub for the life sciences industry.

Second, Fort Worth offers affordability. Compared to major biotech hubs like Boston or San Francisco, our real estate and cost of living are much more accessible. Plus, we have a strong talent pipeline from top universities such as TCU, UNT, UTA, UTARI, and Texas A&M-Fort Worth, providing a steady stream of skilled professionals to biotech companies and life science organizations.

Finally, innovation and collaboration are central to our success. We work with organizations like Bio North Texas (BioNTX) and the BioHealth Alliance of North Texas (BHANT) at Dallas College. We also collaborate with local incubators such as TechFW and accelerator programs like Techstars, who help companies grow and scale in Fort Worth. These partnerships help foster a thriving ecosystem for startups and established companies alike.

What strategies is the city implementing to attract and retain biotech companies?

To attract and retain businesses while driving growth, Fort Worth offers a suite of economic incentives that help reduce costs and encourage investment. Key programs include tax abatements and Chapter 380 grants to assist with operational expenses. But perhaps the most notable tool is our R&D program, which offers reimbursements of up to 50% of qualified research and development expenses for projects based in Fort Worth’s innovation districts — such as the Near Southside Medical Innovation District (MID) and the Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) in North Fort Worth.

These grants are tied to municipal property taxes and can even be assigned on the open market. This is particularly beneficial for biotech companies, which may not always have the capacity to make large capital investments, but can contribute significant value through their research efforts. Fort Worth’s program aligns with the federal definition under Section 41, covering eligible costs like salaries, equipment, and research activities.

How is the city collaborating with educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce and retain talent?

Workforce development is one of the top questions we get from businesses. Fortunately, we have several tier-one schools in the region, and we actively work with educational institutions and workforce development programs to support industry needs.

A great example is the Texas Skills Development Fund, which provides customized training programs tailored to the specific needs of biotech employers. Companies can develop their own workforce training curriculum and receive up to $2,500 per worker, with a maximum grant of $500,000.

We partner with organizations such as Tarrant County College (TCC) Corporate Solutions, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, and local universities to ensure that our region remains competitive and continues to innovate. By developing a strong talent pipeline, we’re helping Fort Worth stay ahead in the biotech and life sciences sectors.

How is the city supporting infrastructure and resources to foster innovation?

One key initiative is the Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) in North Fort Worth, which has an economic impact of over $120 billion. This area serves as a hub for public-private partnerships, industry clustering, and transportation advancements.

For example, if a biotech company specializing in medical devices sets up here, they can immediately tap into our robust supply chain infrastructure. In addition to our two Class I rail lines, we now have autonomous vehicle capabilities and biologistics support through the Global Westport Logistics hub in AllianceTexas, making Fort Worth stand out for companies in the life sciences sector.

How are ongoing developments in the Medical Innovation District shaping Fort Worth’s future as a biotech hub?

The Medical Innovation District is playing a crucial role in shaping Fort Worth’s future by bringing together key stakeholders and fostering collaboration. Institutions like Medical City Fort Worth, Cook Children’s, JPS Health Network, and Texas Health Resources are all expanding their facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services in our region. 

These expansions not only provide more capacity for patient care but also create opportunities for innovation, job creation, and industry collaboration. As these hospitals grow, they strengthen the entire ecosystem by attracting top talent, fostering research partnerships, and encouraging further investment in the district.

How is Fort Worth planning to advance innovation and support business growth in the coming years?

Fort Worth is focused on fostering innovation by supporting breakthrough research and ensuring that local companies have access to the funding they need to grow and scale. One of the city’s priorities is helping entrepreneurs connect with investment groups, such as Cowtown Angels, which provide early-stage funding to help startups overcome financial hurdles. Partnerships with venture capital firms like Bios Partners VC are also playing a crucial role in driving biotech innovation.

Significant funding opportunities are available to support this growth. For example, HSC recently secured $149 million in NIH funding for the Institute for Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research, which is a major step forward for the region. The city is also keeping a close watch on legislative changes that could impact future funding, including the BRAIN Initiative and updates to SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) programs. Additionally, there are substantial resources such as the $6 billion CPRIT fund for cancer prevention research and the $700 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, which can support medical device companies developing semiconductor-based technologies. Fort Worth is committed to attracting innovative companies by offering strategic incentives and strengthening its position as a leader in the life sciences and biotech sectors.