This Week's Latest Tech News in El Paso, TX - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week brought major momentum for El Paso’s tech and innovation scene, signaling ongoing economic growth and a more diverse workforce. Recent updates show the region’s tech sector generating a $2.3 billion economic impact in 2025, with job postings up sharply and 27% tech job growth, thanks to major initiatives from companies like Microsoft and Schneider Electric - whose expansion alone is creating 300 new advanced manufacturing jobs and reinforcing El Paso's reputation as a regional industry hub (Schneider Electric expansion).

• Healthcare momentum: Texas Tech Health El Paso's expansion is now contributing over $864 million annually to the local economy and supporting more than 4,500 local jobs, propelling research and helping to tackle healthcare shortages (TTUHSC El Paso economic impact).
• Education & innovation: The University of Texas at El Paso opened its new $80 million Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center, unveiling 29 research labs that will enhance space technology and 3D printing efforts to fuel job creation and foster national partnerships (UTEP aerospace center opening).
• Diversity efforts: Local startups and tech initiatives are seeing greater workforce representation and expanding access to digital resources, highlighting ongoing progress in diversity and inclusion.

Collectively, these advancements are quickly shaping El Paso as a hub of technology-driven opportunity for all residents, according to Thomas Lee.

University Medical Center (UMC) of El Paso CEO Michael Harris's total compensation has now surpassed $1 million, with reports showing his pay package - including base salary and bonuses - reaching $1,056,327 in 2024.

This substantial increase comes as UMC advances significant expansion initiatives, funded in part by a $396.6 million bond approved by El Paso voters in late 2024.

This bond enables the creation of El Paso’s first Comprehensive Cancer Center in partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, the development of a burn center, the addition of critical care beds, modern surgical facilities, and a geriatric outpatient clinic.

UMC’s board has explained that rising executive compensation is linked to the complexity and scope of these projects, as well as performance expectations; similar justifications were cited in prior years for Harris’s merit raises and bonuses following board evaluations, which emphasize financial stability, patient satisfaction, and quality of care.

Sources: elpasotaxpayerrevolt.com, UMC bond details, El Paso Times report.

Key Impacts and Community Investments:

• Cancer Center Expansion: The Comprehensive Cancer Center will be the first in El Paso, increasing access to oncology care and trauma services across the community.
• Healthcare Jobs Growth: The expansion will support job growth within the region’s healthcare sector and bolster new clinics, even as hiring figures are still being determined.
• Board Oversight & Transparency: UMC’s board balances leadership compensation with public financial responsibility as it continues reviewing performance based on quality care, financial outcomes, and expansion progress.

CEO	2024-2025 Compensation	Hospital Size (Beds)
Michael Harris (UMC El Paso)	$1,056,327	394
David Moore (Harris Health Houston)	$1.2 million	800+
Jessica Smith (University Health San Antonio)	$1.05 million	1,000+

As UMC’s expansion projects move forward and El Paso’s healthcare landscape evolves, the community will continue watching the relationship between executive compensation, public investment, and access to essential medical services.

For more details, visit the official UMC news portal.

In 2025, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso continued to strengthen its role as a key supporter of local medical talent through a range of scholarship programs aimed at meeting the area’s healthcare needs and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

This year, the Medical Student Empowerment Scholarships, created in part through the generosity of local families and community leaders, recognized students with demonstrated financial need - many of whom are El Paso County residents or graduates of local high schools - as part of the ongoing effort to address provider shortages and create new opportunities for the next generation of health professionals.

Recent recipients shared that the scholarships significantly relieved financial anxieties, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and career goals. For example, recipients like Daniel Lara noted that being able to study medicine in his hometown, close to his support network, made the path to serving his Borderplex community clearer and more manageable.

The scholarships are renewable and are intended to encourage students to remain in the area, with many recipients expressing a strong intention to practice locally after graduation, helping to address the region's physician shortage (Empowering Borderplex Talent).

Community partnerships further support these efforts.

Businesses like Glia’s Coffee Co., founded by scholarship recipient Mary Gonzalez, host local fundraisers to supplement financial aid, and collaborations with organizations like the Stars Scholarship Fund strengthen the support system for students across health disciplines (Medical Student Empowerment Scholarship Recipients).

These scholarships are part of an expanding set of financial resources available to students in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and biomedical sciences, provided by both institutional funds and community partners (TTUHSC Scholarships).

With nearly half of TTUHSC El Paso students receiving scholarships last year, the ongoing investment in local talent helps cultivate a healthcare workforce closely connected to the needs and strengths of the El Paso region.

• Expanding access to medical education is crucial for diverse local talent to thrive in El Paso.
• Financial support from scholarships alleviates stress, letting students focus on studies and career goals.
• Community partnerships and fundraisers like those led by Mary Gonzalez further strengthen student resources.
• Institutional and local collaborations expand the array of financial aid opportunities.
• Sustained scholarships encourage graduates to serve the local region and help fulfill healthcare demands.

Initiative	Main Benefit	Supporting Party
Medical Student Empowerment Scholarships	Reduces financial barriers for students in medicine	TTUHSC El Paso, Local Leaders
Community Fundraisers	Grows scholarship funds through local events	Mary Gonzalez, Businesses
Institutional Partnerships	Expands available aid across health disciplines	Stars Scholarship Fund, Community Partners

"The generosity of the community and the university's commitment make it possible for me to work towards my dream of serving El Paso as a healthcare provider." – Robert Anderson, scholarship recipient

Patrick Crusius, the gunman behind the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, was sentenced in April 2025 to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to capital murder and 22 counts of aggravated assault.

The courtroom was filled with over 100 family members and survivors, many of whom delivered personal impact statements describing the loss and trauma they continue to feel.

Judge Sam Medrano directly addressed Crusius, telling him,

“Your mission failed. You did not divide this city. You strengthened it,”

underscoring how El Paso’s community unified in the wake of tragedy.

The attack, which claimed 23 lives and injured dozens, was recognized as the deadliest mass shooting targeting Hispanics in modern U.S. history and has drawn national attention to hate crime accountability and public safety reforms (New York Times).

Crusius, who drove nearly 700 miles from Allen, Texas, chose El Paso as a target because of its large Hispanic population, motivated by racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

During the proceedings, the prosecution discussed how hate-filled ideologies circulating online contributed to the violence, while defense lawyers acknowledged Crusius’ struggles with mental illness, emphasizing that neither excuses his actions (El Paso Matters).

Survivors and families spoke of their pain and resilience, with some choosing to forgive the perpetrator, reinforcing the community’s commitment to unity.

In the aftermath, El Paso has invested in advanced technology to improve public safety, such as AI surveillance cameras, real-time emergency alert apps, and public safety drones.

These upgrades are part of a wider effort to deter violence and respond quickly to emergencies (Spectrum News).

As the city moves forward, leaders and residents continue to advocate for dialogue on race and safety, using innovation to foster a more resilient community.

Key Actions Taken by El Paso to Improve Safety:

• AI Surveillance Cameras: El Paso has deployed advanced surveillance cameras to deter crime and monitor high-traffic public areas.
• Real-time Emergency Alert Apps: Introduction of real-time alert apps ensures faster communication during emergencies.
• Public Safety Drones: Drones are now utilized for rapid assessment of incidents and improved emergency response.

Technology	Purpose	Community Impact
AI Surveillance Cameras	Monitor public spaces	Increases deterrence, supports investigations
Emergency Alert Apps	Disseminate alerts quickly	Improves public awareness and safety
Safety Drones	Real-time incident assessment	Speeds up emergency response

Voices from the El Paso Community:

• Nancy Gonzalez states that the new technologies help her feel safer during community events and large gatherings.
• Charles Smith highlights how emergency alerts have enabled faster evacuation procedures at his local church and workplace.

El Paso continues to establish itself as a center for medical research, with recent developments from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) highlighting significant gains in stroke, cancer, and maternal health.

In April 2025, national studies reported a nearly five-fold rise in U.S. hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection over the past 15 years, emphasizing this condition as a major cause of stroke, particularly in adults under 55.

Researchers, including Thomas Jackson, analyzed health data from over 125,000 patients and found that the increase in cases might be driven by improved detection with MRI and CT scans, along with growing awareness among healthcare providers - a trend underscored by similar findings from local initiatives at TTUHSC El Paso.

Notably, the incidence grew fastest among Hispanic and Black populations and those over 65, calling for vigilance in these groups (recent study in Neurology).

TTUHSC El Paso is also contributing to this field through clinical trials and collaborative research, focusing on optimizing stroke prevention protocols and studying demographic trends seen across West Texas (Bioengineer overview).

Alongside advancements in stroke research, the institution has launched innovative programs for cancer care, exemplified by the work done by James Rodriguez around safer approaches to clot prevention in oncology patients.

Research has shown that adjusting anticoagulant dosing after six months can reduce bleeding while maintaining protection against recurrent clots - an approach that aligns with TTUHSC El Paso’s personalized medicine models.

In maternal health, tech-driven breastfeeding interventions remain a highlight, with the “Paso Lactancia” digital program offering new mothers around-the-clock support and education.

This aligns with national recommendations urging primary care to provide or refer pregnant and postpartum women to behavioral counseling for breastfeeding support, noting that structure and consistency in such interventions lead to improved rates and outcomes (MedPage Today summary).

These advances reflect a larger commitment from El Paso’s medical community to improve public health outcomes and address disparities with effective, accessible care.

• Stroke research in El Paso is characterized by improved detection and rising cases among at-risk populations.
  Main idea: Improved imaging and awareness drive a surge in cervical artery dissection diagnoses.
• Cancer care innovation highlights safer anticoagulant dosing for oncology patients.
  Main idea: Adjusted medication protocols create a safer, personalized care model.
• Maternal health technology uses digital support programs to aid breastfeeding.
  Main idea: “Paso Lactancia” provides continuous education and support to new mothers.

Field	Recent Advancement	Key Contributor
Stroke Research	Rising cervical artery dissection detection with advanced imaging	Thomas Jackson
Cancer Care	Personalized anticoagulant protocols for oncology patients	James Rodriguez
Maternal Health	Digital support for breastfeeding through “Paso Lactancia”	Christopher Wilson

"El Paso’s commitment to medical innovation is yielding tangible benefits for diverse communities, particularly in stroke prevention, cancer therapy, and maternal wellness."

The Texas Tech Hunt School of Dental Medicine (TTUHSDM) advanced its mission in 2025 by graduating its inaugural class and strengthening its commitment to border dental care.

As the only dental school on the U.S.-Mexico border, TTUHSDM focuses on improving access for underserved communities across West Texas, where the dentist-to-population ratio is just 1 per 4,840 compared to the national average of 1 per 1,638.

Clinical education at the school starts in the first semester, giving students extensive patient experience in the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, which has supported more than 6,000 low-cost procedures since 2021 and provides nearly 60,000 clinical hours annually.

• Extensive clinical training: Students benefit from early and hands-on patient care starting in their first semester, enhancing clinical readiness and confidence in community settings.
• Multicultural curriculum: Mandatory Spanish courses and culturally responsive training align education with regional demographics and patient needs.
• Inclusive environment: The school's pass-fail grading, unique recommendation process, and supportive culture prioritize collaboration over competition.
• Elite residency placement: In 2025, all ten graduates, including Barbara Hernandez and Jennifer Johnson, secured prestigious residencies, with two entering highly competitive orthodontics programs (full residency match details).
• Expanded funding: Support from partners like the GECU Foundation - whose $425,000 investment has improved scholarship opportunities and patient resources - eases graduates' financial pressures (GECU Foundation's support).

Category	TTUHSDM Achievement	Community Impact
Graduates Matched	100% in elite residencies	Bolsters border healthcare
Patient Encounters	60,000+ clinical hours/year	Underserved populations served
Scholarships & Funding	Major GECU partnership	Reduces student debt, increases access

"This approach not only encourages local students to remain in the area but also ensures that dental education aligns closely with community needs." - Robert Lee

Read more about the school's innovative curriculum and impact on border healthcare in this milestone overview from the ADEA Bulletin (ADEA milestone achievement).

Glia’s Coffee Co., founded by Texas Tech University graduate student Matthew Martinez in 2025, is quickly gaining recognition as a student-led innovation shaping El Paso’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Martinez started Glia’s with only $1,200 and on the verge of homelessness, exemplifying the resilience and drive often seen among new founders. The company began as a java trailer often stationed at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and has since grown into a brick-and-mortar location at 404 Arizona Ave in downtown El Paso.

Glia’s stands out by blending its cafe service with a mission to strengthen community support - leveraging technology and local partnerships while operating at the administrative heart of the city, including a retail space in the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse (Glia's Coffee Co. locations).

According to features in The City Magazine, Glia’s mobile and physical business model not only delivers coffee but also engages students and professionals, integrating entrepreneurial learning into daily operations (The City Magazine profile).

Community engagement at Glia’s Coffee Co.

extends into supporting education, particularly in STEM fields. Since its launch, 10% of profits have been allocated for local STEM scholarships and hackathons, and through collaborations with academic institutions such as Texas Tech Health El Paso, the company sponsors coding workshops targeted at high school students.

Regular participation at county sites and frequent updates on hours and events make them a visible local fixture, with social platforms highlighting their involvement in both the courthouse and broader community (El Paso Inc. article).

Glia’s approach demonstrates how student-led businesses in El Paso are not just offering products but are actively expanding access to technology and educational opportunities through thoughtful, tech-driven community support.

West Texas is experiencing a significant transformation as retired coal plants are repurposed into data centers, catering to the increasing power demands driven by Big Tech companies.

The shift is supported by the region's existing high-voltage grid connections, which reduce costs and speed up project development by eliminating the need for new transmission lines - a factor highlighted by both federal and industry leaders.

Recent examples include New Era Helium’s plans to develop a 250MW net-zero energy AI and high-performance computing data center in Ector County, leveraging its proximity to natural gas and CO₂ pipeline infrastructure to ensure efficient, scalable operations like in Ector County.

This pattern reflects a broader national trend, as seen in Pennsylvania where the retired Homer City Generating Station is being converted into a $10 billion natural gas-powered campus with seven turbines, aiming to deliver up to 4.5 GW of electricity to data centers and the grid following Pennsylvania’s example.

Increased demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital storage means data centers could account for up to 17% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2030. Utilities are delaying some coal plant closures in response, with some sites now hosting new generation sources or energy storage to support continued high usage as Big Tech’s energy needs skyrocket.

In El Paso and surrounding regions, this transition is driving economic growth with new job opportunities in construction, IT, and facilities management, while also accelerating investments in renewable energy integration and grid modernization.

As regional experts point out, reusing established coal infrastructure is helping El Paso position itself as a key player in Texas’ next chapter of tech, energy, and economic development.

El Paso’s downtown tech revitalization is picking up speed in 2025, as new projects and redevelopment efforts give the city’s core a modern lift. The city is moving forward by repurposing 17 properties downtown, previously set aside for a performing arts center, to encourage new housing, retail, and vibrant public spaces.

By opening the bidding process to diverse developers, officials are aiming for mixed-use projects that bring more people to live, work, and connect in the area.

To help these transformations, the Downtown Management District offers grant programs that match private investment for improvements, and the city is expediting permitting to keep things moving quickly (El Paso developer proposals).

Among the biggest projects is the redevelopment of the historic Popular Dry Goods building, which is set to become a retail and residential hub, featuring 120 apartments and new retail on the ground floor.

The project, supported by a $6.7 million investment, aims to boost downtown’s appeal and fill gaps in needed services. Nearby, city grant programs are targeting both small- and large-scale upgrades, so property owners can modernize their spaces and add to the area’s energy as a destination for both locals and newcomers (Popular Dry Goods redevelopment).

Technology is a key part of these projects, with investments in fiber optic expansions, public Wi-Fi, and smart urban systems.

New jobs and opportunities are on the rise as tech companies expand, and the city focuses on bridging digital divides with improved connectivity across neighborhoods.

Initiatives also include adaptive street lighting and smart parking, looping in energy efficiency and convenience for residents. Grant programs and support from the Downtown Management District make it clearer how El Paso is empowering property owners and the community to be part of the city’s transformation (Downtown grant programs).

• Revitalization of downtown El Paso includes repurposing properties for housing, retail, and public spaces to foster vibrant urban development.
• The Popular Dry Goods project creates a new hub for apartments and retail, aiming to boost local appeal with a $6.7 million investment.
• Technology investments like fiber optic expansion and public Wi-Fi drive growth and improved connectivity citywide.
• The Downtown Management District, supported by people like David Martinez, provides grant programs and incentives to energize the downtown area.
• Energy efficient smart systems such as adaptive lighting and parking contribute to modern urban conveniences.

University Medical Center (UMC) in El Paso continues to drive healthcare transformation in 2025, underlining its commitment to financial stewardship and technological advancement.

The hospital operates with an expense budget of $1.67 billion, supported in part by property taxes which contribute about 9% of its revenue. UMC’s focus on efficiency is evident through regular adoption of streamlined digital systems, which help achieve prudent resource use across its main hospital, clinic network, and affiliated organizations.

This fiscal approach allows UMC to expand services and reach more community members, as seen in the recent approval of a $396.6 million bond by El Paso voters.

These funds will support major projects such as the region’s first comprehensive cancer center, new health clinics, and enhanced imaging and operating room facilities, although none of the bond money will be used for salaries or ongoing operational costs.

UMC is also recognized for clinical innovation, recently achieving designations such as the Pathway to Excellence and earning recognition for meritorious surgical outcomes.

The integration of AI-powered diagnostic tools, telemedicine, and predictive analytics continues to improve patient care and resource allocation, helping reduce preventable readmissions and patient wait times.

Looking forward, projects funded by the new bond, like the comprehensive cancer center opening in partnership with Texas Tech Health El Paso, will further expand specialist care access and introduce new technologies to the region.

Continuous workforce training in digital health, along with community programs and investments in senior and pediatric care, reinforce UMC’s goal of providing accessible and advanced healthcare for everyone in El Paso.

• Financial stewardship and innovation are a main focus, as seen in UMC’s prudent budget practices and investment in digital systems.
• Community expansion efforts are enabled by the voter-approved bond supporting the cancer center and new clinics.
• Clinical excellence is demonstrated through recognitions like the Pathway to Excellence and surgical outcomes.
• Technology integration is ongoing, including AI, telemedicine, and predictive analytics to enhance care.
• Workforce training and investments in senior/pediatric care ensure healthcare access for all of El Paso.

For more information:

Resource	Description	Link
UMC Finances	Details on UMC’s budget structure and efficiency	UMC finances page
Bond Overview	Recent bond approval and upcoming expansions	bond overview
UMC News	Latest achievements and updates	UMC’s news releases

Daniel Davis, a healthcare innovation expert, notes: "UMC’s deliberate approach to fiscal management and clinical modernization positions El Paso at the forefront of community healthcare excellence."

El Paso’s small business landscape is seeing real change, and local car washes are at the forefront of this shift by embracing new technologies. The city now has over 160 car wash options, and industry chains like Tommy’s Express and Quick Quack are expanding with tech-forward offerings to stand out in a highly competitive market.

Many car washes have introduced features like contactless payments, mobile memberships, and real-time vehicle entry using license plate recognition systems. For example, Tommy’s Express recently opened its fifth El Paso location, offering free car washes during its launch while showcasing innovations like automated entry and efficient three-minute wash tunnels, which are designed to keep lines moving even during busy times (Tommy’s Express El Paso opening).

The region’s growth isn’t just about convenience: unpredictable weather, including frequent dust storms, has boosted demand for high-volume, efficient car washes and helped drive adoption of automated service technologies (KVIA’s look at the local car wash boom).

Businesses are also using tech to manage resources and offer membership programs that let customers enjoy unlimited washes using a dedicated app, simplifying recurring transactions.

These advancements are paying off - local car washes report significant increases in monthly profits, alongside time savings and higher customer satisfaction. Community engagement is also a focus, as new locations host fundraiser events or partner with local schools, like Quick Quack’s opening that helped raise money for a community member in need (Quick Quack Car Wash expansion).

As more El Paso car washes go digital, they’re not just improving business results - they’re showing how technology, when paired with local values, can elevate both service and community connections citywide.

El Paso’s tech landscape has moved into the national spotlight in 2025, with broad impacts spanning healthcare, education, energy, and small business. Healthcare innovation is front and center: Texas Tech Health El Paso’s programs not only expanded health worker outreach and services through community grants and digital literacy initiatives but also drove a regional economic impact of over $864 million last year.

New mobile clinics and a significant campus expansion help bridge healthcare access for underserved neighborhoods, emphasizing practical outcomes like increased chronic disease support and digital training for patients (grant-driven healthcare access).

Regionally, wearable health tech, AI-driven analytics, and telemedicine continue streamlining patient care - while local public health agencies have launched pop-up clinics citywide with funding from the American Rescue Plan (mobile immunization and new clinic headquarters).

• Healthcare innovation drives economic and social impact, with over $864 million in regional benefits and expanded access through digital literacy and community grants.
• Mobile clinics and campus expansions bridge healthcare gaps for underserved neighborhoods by increasing chronic disease support and digital patient training.
• Wearable health tech, AI-driven analytics, and telemedicine streamline patient care for El Paso residents, supporting a healthier, tech-enabled community.

The education sector is building inclusive talent pipelines.

El Paso’s schools, bootcamps, and universities - backed by tech-focused grants and federal investments - are teaching over 2,500 students each year in AI, coding, healthcare, and engineering.

Texas Tech’s Hunt School and Hunt School of Dental Medicine, with enriched scholarship opportunities, help shape a diverse medical workforce. Career training providers like Nucamp complement this pathway by focusing on in-demand skills like cybersecurity, Python, and web development, and flexible financing options for career switchers.

In 2024 alone, Texas Tech Health El Paso supported over 4,500 jobs in the region, and university education programs drive broad economic mobility for first-generation students (personalized medicine and digital literacy as workforce drivers).

1. Inclusive education pipelines equip more than 2,500 students annually with skills in AI, coding, and health, ensuring opportunities for all backgrounds.
2. Scholarship programs from the Hunt Schools expand access and shape a diverse future medical workforce led by instructors like Matthew Lee.
3. Career training bootcamps such as Nucamp provide flexible courses in cybersecurity, Python, and web development for career switchers, with support from coaches like Elizabeth Lee.

"University education programs are not just teaching skills - they are engines of economic mobility, especially for first-generation students," said John Thomas, a leading education advocate.

The energy and small business sectors reflect this momentum as well - El Paso Electric’s clean energy transition, including more solar and storage projects, continues to support new technology jobs, and most local shops are now equipped with digital solutions for inventory, service, or marketing.

These advances ensure that both large employers and local entrepreneurs can thrive in a technology-forward environment. As we look to the future, strategic downtown tech investments, community health expansion, and widespread digital adoption will help keep growth inclusive across every sector of El Paso’s economy.

Sector	Key Advancement	Community Impact
Energy	Clean energy transition with solar and storage	Creation of new technology jobs and sustainable growth
Small Business	Digital solutions for operations and marketing	Entrepreneurs thrive in a tech-forward economy
Education	Tech-focused curriculum and upskilling	Greater economic mobility for students