📰 In this Issue:
Tech Bloc Announcements
San Antonio Tech News
Opportunities
Stay Engaged
Thanks for joining our trip to Guadalajara, TB Members!🇲🇽
Tech Bloc, AEM, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, Alamo Angels, Geekdom, Parlevel, Sammis Ochoa, Myers Immigration, Amegy Bank, OPCOM Media Group, SWBC and Maverick MRI traveled to Guadalajara this past week, with the goal in mind to build strong relationships to support startups transferring to San Antonio. This initiative aims to provide resources and opportunities on both sides of the border, fostering a dynamic and interconnected tech community. We met with the mayor of Guadalajara, Juan Francisco Ramírez Salcido, to mark a shift from traditional politically-fixed missions, focusing instead on business and tech exchange.
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San Antonio Tech and Business News
From groundbreaking innovations to exciting developments, stay tuned for a tech-filled journey that promises to shape the future. Welcome to a year of endless possibilities and cutting-edge news in our vibrant San Antonio tech community
UTSA, WEX Foundation awarded $800K NASA grant for unique space education program
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the WEX Foundation have received an $800,000 NASA grant to create a space education program for San Antonio middle school students. The four-year program will involve students designing and testing lunar habitat models and includes mentorship from STEM professionals. This initiative, part of the "New Worlds Await You-Next Generation" program, aims to enhance STEM education and train UTSA student teachers in space-related topics, ultimately encouraging underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration.
Source: UTSA Today
SwRI breaks ground on hypersonic propulsion research facility
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has initiated the construction of the Center for Accelerating Materials and Processes (CAMP), a new $34 million, 36,600-square-foot facility focused on hypersonic propulsion research. This facility will support the development of high-speed aerospace engines, which are crucial for modern defense capabilities and global connectivity. The project aims to advance the U.S.'s leadership in this technology by developing faster, more efficient manufacturing techniques for these engines.
Source: San Antonio Express News
Google expands its San Antonio broadband service to include small businesses
Google Fiber has expanded its broadband services in San Antonio to include small businesses, following its residential rollout in 2016. This move aims to support local business growth by offering reliable, high-speed internet, which is crucial for online business activities. The new service provides two plans: a 1 gigabyte plan for $100 per month and a 2 gigabyte plan for $250 per month. This expansion is expected to make San Antonio more attractive to small businesses and enhance their competitive edge with superior internet service
Source: San Antonio Current
Air Force is Considering Port San Antonio's Unique Proposal to Build New Cyber Headquarters
Port San Antonio has proposed a $1 billion plan to move the Air Force's 16th Air Force (Cyber Command) headquarters to its site. This novel proposal includes creating a modern, high-tech campus through a public-private partnership, aiming to provide state-of-the-art facilities faster and more cost-effectively than traditional military construction methods. The Air Force is considering this proposal while also making interim moves to Port San Antonio from their current outdated facilities at Joint Base San Antonio.
Source: Port San Antonio
H-E-B buys office, retail building in Southtown area from downtown developer
H-E-B recently purchased a building in the Southtown area of San Antonio, specifically the former site of the San Antonio Mexican restaurant, Rosario’s, located at 722 S. St. Mary’s St. The grocery chain plans to redevelop this location, contributing to the ongoing growth and revitalization of the Southtown neighborhood.
Source: San Antonio Express News
Done deal: Toyota selects SA for $531M expansion
Toyota is planning a significant expansion of its San Antonio plant with an investment of $531.7 million. This expansion will increase the facility's size by more than 500,000 square feet and is expected to create 41 new jobs, each with an average annual salary of $68,245. The project includes a proposed incentive package from Bexar County, which offers a 10-year, 100% abatement of real and personal property investments and a skills development grant of up to $250,000
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Local IT training school owes millions in unpaid lease debts
Toyota is planning a significant expansion of its San Antonio plant with an investment of $531.7 million. This expansion will increase the facility's size by more than 500,000 square feet and is expected to create 41 new jobs, each with an average annual salary of $68,245. The project includes a proposed incentive package from Bexar County, which offers a 10-year, 100% abatement of real and personal property investments and a skills development grant of up to $250,000
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
NTI adds 10,000 square feet of downtown office space
NTI Inc. is expanding its operations by acquiring and renovating the historic San Antonio Light building in downtown San Antonio. This expansion includes adding a state-of-the-art training facility and additional office space. The redevelopment is part of NTI’s strategy to enhance its technological training services and to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area. This project underscores NTI's commitment to growing its presence in San Antonio and providing advanced IT training solutions.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
CompTIA Report: Tech job market sees promising recovery after year of layoffs
CompTIA's latest report on tech jobs highlights significant trends in the technology employment sector. In May 2024, tech job postings surged to their highest levels since June 2023, with nearly 427,000 active postings. Notably, there was a marked increase in positions requiring AI skills, which made up 12% of all tech openings. The tech unemployment rate dropped to 2.5%, well below the national average of 4%.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Why now is the time to invest in software companies
Sentiment toward VC funding has improved significantly compared to the first half of 2023. Pat Matthews, CEO of San Antonio-based Active Capital, believes that now is one of the best times to be an early stage software investor.
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
Become one with the community and attend local events! Check out some of these:
AIM SA Startup Crawl 🎉 TODAY!
Date: June 25, 2024
Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Use code STARTUP for FREE entry courtesy of VelocityTX x TechBloc
#vemosvamos
Unity University Workshop 💻
Date: June 26, 2024
Location: Project Cowork
More Income, Free Time, Brain Power & Joy with AI - Optimizing Your Business
Date: June 26, 2024
Location: Online
AT&T Learning Center Opening
Date: June 27, 2024
Location: 1600 Saltillo St, San Antonio, TX 78207
RSVP: mario.barragan@att.com
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