San Antonio Rises as a Leading Hub for Cybersecurity, Manufacturing, and Life Sciences

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San Antonio has emerged as a dynamic hub for industries like cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences & health, while ranking among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. The city is attracting new businesses and expanding air services, and with the addition of over 22,000 residents last year, San Antonio is setting a strong pace for growth. It also excels in delivering high-quality city services, such as public works, waste management, and parks and recreation, all contributing to exceptional customer satisfaction.

In a recent survey, San Antonio residents rated the “overall quality of city services” and “customer service” at 87% and 88% satisfaction, far surpassing the national averages of 41% and 32%, respectively—a remarkable improvement of 112-175% over national benchmarks.

“The results of this survey are really profound and showcase how ready San Antonio is to scale and support the transformational growth of our region,” said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of greater:SATX.

Notable recent developments in San Antonio include:

• CoStar, a commercial real estate data firm, ranked San Antonio as the top office real estate market to watch. In 2024, more than half of greater:SATX’s project wins have been office-related, driven by growth in cybersecurity, financial services, and life sciences.
• The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) and UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) announced their merger, approved by the UT System board of regents. This new world-class university, expected to be fully operational by 2025, will elevate San Antonio in the fields of education, biomedical science, healthcare, and digital technology. The institution will serve around 40,000 students and have a significant economic impact, contributing over $6 billion annually.
• In life sciences, San Antonio is home to the nation’s first dual degree program in MD and MS in artificial intelligence, launched by UTSA and UTHSA. The program will reside under the newly unified institution starting next year.
• San Antonio ranks as the second-largest city in the nation for cybersecurity professionals, with over 100 firms operating in the region. In recognition of this, the European-based InCyber Forum will host its first U.S. event in San Antonio in 2025. NukuDo, a pioneering cybersecurity school that pays students while they learn, has also chosen San Antonio for its U.S. headquarters.
• San Antonio International Airport saw a major air service win when Condor Airlines launched the city’s first direct transatlantic flights to Frankfurt. Additional nonstop flights to Washington, D.C. are also expected following the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act in May 2023.
• Toyota Texas announced a $541 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in San Antonio, adding over 400 jobs to its production of Tundra trucks and hybrid Sequoia SUVs.
• JCB, a global leader in agriculture and construction equipment manufacturing, broke ground on a $500 million advanced manufacturing facility in San Antonio. This 720,000 sq. ft. plant will create over 1,500 jobs in its first five years, marking JCB’s largest investment to date and San Antonio’s biggest jobs boost since Toyota’s 2003 expansion.
• In August 2023, San Antonio’s “AAA” general obligation bond ratings were reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Ratings, showcasing the city’s strong fiscal management and stability. These high bond ratings reflect investor confidence and underscore the city’s robust financial foundation.

“So far in 2024, San Antonio’s momentum is rapid, strategic, and thriving,” said Saucedo-Herrera. “With our partners across the region, we are tremendously proud of these recent successes, and we look forward to achieving even more toward our ambitious transformational growth goals for the region, its businesses and citizens. The momentum is real in San Antonio!”

San Antonio continues to lead in industry growth, innovation, and quality of life, solidifying its position as a top metropolitan center in the U.S.