AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Merck is locating its newest IT Hub in Austin, Texas. Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, is a leading global biopharmaceutical company that brings forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. The company is at the forefront of health care research and medical invention, and the new IT Hub will help build upon synergy with local partners like Dell Medical School at UT Austin, the Austin Healthcare Council and other regional entities to further deliver innovative health solutions. The project will involve an investment of more than $20 million and the creation of at least 600 jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant offer of $6 million has been extended to Merck.

"Texas continues to excel as an economic powerhouse because global industry leaders like Merck recognize the Lone Star State as a premier state for business expansion and enterprise," said Governor Abbott. “I am extremely encouraged by Merck’s investment in Texas, and for the opportunities and jobs that will come along with it. This expansion is another example that Texas is the place where business and innovation come to thrive.”

"A major factor in Merck picking Austin is the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas," said Senator Kirk Watson. "And Dell Medical School would not be here but for the investment by Travis County taxpayers. With this project, we have further proof that investment is paying the dividends we promised by improving both the health of our community and our economy."

“It has been a pleasure working with the State of Texas, and the City of Austin, on the plans for our newest IT Hub,” said Clark Golestani, President of Emerging Businesses and Global CIO at Merck. “We look forward to working with the innovative and collaborative community there, including partners like the Dell Medical School at UT Austin and the Austin Healthcare Council. Our goal is that, together, we can connect technology and science to invent medicines and vaccines to help improve or save people’s lives.”

“We are excited that Merck has selected Austin as home for their 4th Innovative IT Hub in the world," said Kerry Hall, 2017 Chair, Opportunity Austin, an initiative of the Austin Chamber. "Merck’s presence in the Austin community enhances our position as a global leader in technology, innovation, and job growth. Securing this international and innovative company was truly a team effort, working side-by-side with the City of Austin and our state and regional partners over the past year. The potential partnership between Merck and Dell Medical School is a testament to the qualities of Austin as a place for investment in medical technology and healthcare delivery as well as our city's ability to work together to recruit great businesses and jobs."

“In Austin, we think Merck sees an unprecedented effort by a number of partners to transform the ecosystem around people’s health, not just health care,” said Dr. Clay Johnston, inaugural dean of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. “We’re hopeful that we’ll find ways to work with them on a wide range of efforts to reduce health inequities, improve patient outcomes and lower costs to the community. Just as they need an all-in community like Austin to advance some of their person-centered goals, our community needs a well-resourced, internationally engaged collaborator that will catalyze collaborative efforts to transform the ways people get and stay healthy.”

View more information about Merck.