Gov. Perry: The Future of Innovation and Technology is in Texas

Press Release

Speaks at Grand Opening of Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies

Gov. Rick Perry today emphasized the importance of strengthening Texas' economy by promoting research and education in emerging technology sectors. The governor spoke at the grand opening of the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS), which will train veterinarians, physicians, scientists, technicians and engineers to meet the growing needs of the biomedical industry, while accelerating the research, development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies.

"This building and its high-tech mission are proof that Texas is prepared to play a lead role in the development of new ideas, technologies, and therapies," Gov. Perry said. "The TIPS institute will fuel our state's economy by facilitating collaboration between public universities and the private sector and providing a forum where great ideas can grow into successful businesses and quality jobs."

In July 2007, Gov. Perry announced a $6 million investment through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) to help recruit world-class biotechnology researchers to the TIPS institute. This investment leveraged an additional $40 million for the institute from the Texas A&M University System, and $2.5 million from the local community through the Research Valley Partnership.

"I am extremely excited to have our TIPS facility up and running," TIPS founder and director Dr. Theresa W. Fossum said. "The world-class services that we can provide biotechnology companies will advance their initiatives to the next stages of development, and that is unique in one location."

The 112,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features sophisticated imaging technology, a large animal hospital, animal housing, surgical laboratories, pre-operation and recovery areas, an interventional catheterization laboratory and incubator space for start-up companies.

The TIPS facility will house research activities from the public and private sectors, such as medical device and combination product safety studies in large animals, pre-clinical studies, and biomedical imaging to support pharmaceutical and medical equipment development. This facility, together with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M University System will give industry and academic researchers across many disciplines access to vital research and testing capabilities in one location.

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