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

Fort Worth continues to emerge as a tech innovation powerhouse, underscored by pivotal developments this April. The city has been chosen as the site for the FAA-backed Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) at Texas A&M-Fort Worth, which will focus on cutting-edge research into drones, air taxis, and hypersonic vehicles.

This designation is part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and is projected to attract billions in new investment and create thousands of high-paying jobs, leveraging partnerships with major airports, academic institutions, and industry leaders learn more about CAAT's focus and partnerships.

CAAT’s Fort Worth lab is set to become a national hub for research and testing, with state-of-the-art facilities and support from the Texas A&M University System and other key universities see how Fort Worth landed this hub.

Meanwhile, education and tech leadership are advancing, with TCU and UNT expanding programs in AI and tech entrepreneurship, and Fort Worth’s healthcare sector incorporating innovations such as AI-driven telehealth.

As local leaders note, this synergy fosters strong growth - a 41% STEM jobs increase since 2020, over $1.6 billion in health tech investment, and recognition as a top city for tech talent read about Fort Worth's tech landscape.

Fort Worth took a major step in aviation innovation this April as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected Texas A&M-Fort Worth to host the new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT).

This federal initiative, established through the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act with support from Senator Ted Cruz, designates Texas A&M System to lead research and testing for next-generation aviation technologies, including commercial drones, urban air taxis, and supersonic or hypersonic aircraft.

The CAAT will use Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Autonomy Research Institute - an FAA-designated UAS test site - to safely integrate these emerging technologies into the national airspace, with the Fort Worth lab serving as the project’s hub.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Industry and academic partnerships form the backbone of the CAAT's development, bringing together 19 Texas A&M System institutions, the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and other partners to foster innovation.
• Aviation Technological Advancements: The CAAT aims to drive research and testing of next-generation technologies such as commercial drones, urban air taxis, and supersonic/hypersonic aircraft.
• Economic and Workforce Growth: The center is expected to create thousands of high-paying jobs while stimulating billions in future investment across Texas.
• Infrastructure Development: State-of-the-art facilities including a new airspace lab, flight demonstration zones, and testing corridors are under development, with first-phase completion expected in 2026.
• Urban and Commercial Air Mobility: The CAAT’s facilities will support commercial, cargo, and public safety drone operations while enabling testing of new air mobility models and facilitating safe airspace sharing.

“With CAAT’s selection, Fort Worth is poised to become a leading site for research, economic growth, and workforce development in the field of advanced aviation,” said William Thomas.

Key Stakeholder	Role	Contribution
Texas A&M System	Lead Institution	Hosts and coordinates research and infrastructure
FAA	Federal Partner	Funds and designates advanced aviation projects
Daniel Perez	Industry Liaison	Facilitates collaboration between public and private sectors

According to the FAA, CAAT's selection came after reviewing 28 proposals nationwide, given Texas A&M’s proximity to major airports and strong partnerships with both academia and industry.

Beyond advancing technology, the center expects to create thousands of high-paying jobs and stimulate billions in future investment across Texas. With the campus under development and first-phase completion expected in 2026, CAAT will include a new airspace lab, flight demonstration zones, and testing corridors throughout North and South Texas.

These facilities will support commercial, cargo, and public safety drone operations; test new air mobility models; and facilitate data sharing for unmanned and manned aircraft sharing the skies.

The partnership aims to make Fort Worth a leading site for research, economic growth, and workforce development in advanced aviation. To read more about the announcement and details on the CAAT’s scope and impact, visit the FAA’s press release here, the Texas A&M System’s official update here, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s coverage here.

Fort Worth’s role in shaping higher education across Texas has grown significantly in 2025, with two of its residents, Charles Hernandez and Sarah Lopez, elected as chairs of the state's most prominent university system boards.

In April, Charles Hernandez was unanimously chosen as chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, following years of involvement both as vice chairman and regent since 2015.

A Texas A&M graduate with honors in Economics and Marketing, Hernandez has deep ties to the university - including a family legacy, as both he and his father have served as regents, and a history of business leadership across railroads, energy, real estate, and technology.

He also leads companies focused on railroad construction and innovative healthcare, further extending his influence beyond campus grounds (read more about Hernandez’s appointment).

At the same time, Sarah Lopez, another Fort Worth entrepreneur and co-founder of Double Eagle Energy Holdings, took up the chairmanship of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.

Together, their appointments represent the first instance where both leading state university systems are chaired by Fort Worth natives, overseeing educational networks that reach more than 165,000 students at Texas A&M and hundreds of thousands more across the Texas Tech system, with combined budgets exceeding $7 billion at A&M alone (more on both Fort Worth chairmen).

Why is this crucial? Board chairs like Hernandez and Lopez have a direct hand in charting the course for research initiatives, campus development, technological advancements, and how millions in public and private funding are invested.

Their leadership already benefits Fort Worth: Texas A&M-Fort Worth is expanding with a new Innovation and Research campus, and Hernandez’s leadership has been key to fostering cutting-edge research, including initiatives in biomedical technology.

Similarly, the Texas Tech System has increased research funding for local projects, fueling regional growth in areas like healthcare and aviation. Hernandez’s recent efforts also involve a major campus expansion in Brazos County and ongoing review of system policies to enhance operational effectiveness (details on A&M System expansion).

The impact in Fort Worth is tangible:

System	Chair	Annual Impact in Fort Worth (2025)
Texas A&M	Charles Hernandez	$110M in research, 2,400+ local jobs
Texas Tech	Sarah Lopez	$65M in funding, STEM program expansion

As Hernandez reflects, it’s an “exciting time for the opportunity,” underscoring their commitment to academic leadership and economic vitality in Fort Worth and beyond.

Their influence signals a shift toward more local leadership directly shaping statewide education and innovation strategies (Hernandez’s vision for Texas A&M).

Cook Children’s Health Care System recently welcomed Kyle D. Edgington, Ph.D. as its new Chief Development Officer, aligning his appointment with the beginning of a $1.25 billion expansion centered on the West Tower in Fort Worth.

Dr. Edgington, a Fort Worth native and former Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at UT Dallas, brings deep experience in major fundraising campaigns, having led efforts that more than doubled university endowments and expanded donor engagement.

In his new role, Dr. Edgington is responsible for leading Cook Children’s largest fundraising campaign to date, which will finance the 10-year master plan for expanding the flagship medical center, including a 760,000-square-foot West Tower.

Fundraising will depend on a blend of operational funding, bonds, and philanthropic support, with Dr. Edgington’s leadership central to securing gifts from individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, as well as driving strategic outreach throughout the North Texas community (learn more about the expansion plan).

Designed for advanced pediatric care, the new West Tower will feature increased NICU and PICU capacity, expanded hematology/oncology and heart centers, and smart technology in operating rooms and imaging services.

Early site work is already underway, with main construction set to begin in Summer 2025 (about Dr. Edgington and the campaign).

The project aims to add a million square feet to the campus, support over 500 new health tech jobs, and reach 100,000 more children annually. Dr. Edgington emphasizes that this expansion is a community investment:

“Philanthropy is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in healthcare, and few places embody its spirit more profoundly than Cook Children’s.”

Find additional details about Dr. Edgington’s background and the health system’s vision at Fort Worth Report.

Impact Area	Projected Benefit	Key Stakeholder
Pediatric Bed Capacity	+27% Increase	Lisa Jones
HealthTech Jobs Created	500+	William Martin
Annual Patient Reach	+100,000 More Children	Michael Anderson

• Expansion leadership: The appointment of Dr. Edgington signals a new fundraising era for Cook Children’s.
• Advanced facilities: The West Tower project includes smart technology and expanded specialty centers.
• Community investment: Philanthropy and outreach efforts are crucial for project success and regional impact.

Cook Children’s is strengthening its position as a pediatric health leader in Texas by investing in new technology and building strong community partnerships for better care and greater regional impact.

OJ Sanchez’s appointment as Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in 2025 highlights an important transition in his leadership journey and the Fort Worth aerospace landscape.

With a background as an F-22 pilot in the Air Force and previous experience leading the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed, Sanchez steps into a role focused on advancing technology and integration across classified military programs.

He succeeds Thomas Smith, who moved to a senior technology role within the company. Under Sanchez’s leadership, Skunk Works continues pioneering advanced solutions in areas like air dominance, working closely with teams across the corporation to shape future capabilities.

This transition also brought Jennifer Thompson, a 35-year Navy veteran, into the leadership of the Integrated Fighter Group, who now oversees the development, production, and sustainment of aircraft including the F-16, F-22, T-50, KF-21, F-21, and F-2, and previously guided strategic directions for Lockheed’s F-35 program according to Lockheed Martin’s official announcement.

Sanchez’s career at Lockheed began in 2014 and has included leading the F-16 Block 70 launch and fostering international partnerships, emphasizing continuous modernization and a collaborative approach that fits Lockheed’s “Quick, Quiet, Quality” philosophy as reported by GovCon Wire.

Notably, Sanchez’s leadership is seen as aligning Skunk Works’ legendary legacy with new priorities like improved production and sustainment of classified programs, ensuring Lockheed remains adaptive in an evolving security climate as detailed in Air & Space Forces Magazine.

This blend of operational know-how, global teamwork, and a focus on technological advancement continues to contribute to Fort Worth’s identity as a hub for aerospace innovation.

Dallas-based Pariveda Solutions has recently expanded its executive leadership team, announcing the promotions of Charles Miller as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Jennifer Jackson as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in April 2025.

These leadership changes are part of Pariveda's broader strategy to scale operations, strengthen client relationships, and reinforce its purpose-driven approach within North Texas and beyond.

Charles Miller, a 15-year Pariveda veteran and former National Vice President leading Delivery, Customer Value, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), steps into the COO role with a focus on operational excellence.

Jennifer Jackson, who previously led the Customer Value and Experiences team and brings over 35 years of experience, takes on the CCO position to drive commercial strategy and deepen market engagement.

Both additions reflect Pariveda’s ongoing commitment to developing internal talent and supporting growth in DFW’s competitive business and tech consulting landscape.

Pariveda operates with about 618 employees as of April 2025 and has maintained significant service reach across industries such as financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology in North Texas, including Fort Worth.

The company’s B Corp certification further highlights its commitment to positive impact for employees, clients, and the community. This strengthened C-suite leadership is well positioned to support the region’s rapid evolution, bringing industry expertise and expanding partnerships as Fort Worth’s technology and innovation sectors continue to flourish.

For more details on these appointments and Pariveda’s services, visit these resources:

• Discover executive change: Read the official announcement on the Pariveda’s executive promotions press release for more information.
• View national coverage: Explore details and national perspectives through PR Newswire.
• Examine company details: Learn more about Pariveda’s business model and industry presence on the Pariveda Solutions website.

Texas A&M-Fort Worth’s emerging research-driven campus is reshaping the region’s higher education and tech landscape as the city’s only Tier One research university.

Set in downtown Fort Worth, this multi-building project features the eight-story Law & Education Building - expected to open in 2026 - and the upcoming $260 million Research and Innovation Building A, which will house Texas A&M agencies such as the Engineering Experiment Station, AgriLife Research, and the Division of Emergency Management.

These facilities will support programs in engineering, business, nursing, performance, visualization, and fine arts, with industry hubs dedicated to aerospace, agriculture, entrepreneurship, workforce education, health care innovation, and media production, providing space not only for academic projects but also for private-sector partnerships and job-focused training.

At a recent summit, over 70 regional companies including Lockheed Martin, Alcon, and local health systems engaged with the university to shape workforce development and curriculum, aiming to bridge education and industry needs.

The campus is also the planned home for the federally backed Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, which will focus on research for unmanned aerial systems, air taxis, and advanced air mobility - anticipated to generate jobs and investment across Texas.

Main features at Texas A&M-Fort Worth’s new campus include:

• Flexible labs and dedicated space provide resources for startups and student entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Advanced technology and simulation centers offer hands-on experience in areas including aerospace and health innovation.
• Business-industry hubs and public spaces foster collaboration and community events for both students and professionals.

Table: Recent Texas A&M-Fort Worth Partnerships

Partner	Focus Area	Project Examples
Lockheed Martin	Aerospace	Lab and curriculum joint-design, CAAT collaboration
Cook Children’s	Health Tech	Pediatric care research hub
Elbit Systems, Alcon	Defense, Eyecare tech	Applied research & workforce training

The campus expects to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth beyond education, with a clear goal to integrate public and industry input into programming and facilities.

To learn more, visit the latest campus updates here, read about the new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies here, or see details about the campus expansion here.

Community philanthropy continues to shape Fort Worth’s progress in pediatric healthcare technology, with local support fueling not just advancements at Cook Children’s but across the city’s broader health innovation ecosystem.

For example, the annual Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Gala helps raise crucial funds for type 1 diabetes research and patient programs, uniting the community to drive health solutions forward and honor local leaders such as Dr. Paul Thornton, Medical Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Cook Children’s (Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Gala 2025).

Recent years have seen Cook Children’s benefit from more than $56 million in philanthropic contributions, enabling the launch of projects like the Telehealth Center, which used a $5M endowed gift to expand remote monitoring and AI-enabled diagnostics - reflecting a city-wide trend of investment in virtual care and digital health resources.

Similar support from groups like Innovators for Children’s Medical Center Foundation provides direct funding for pediatric research, ensuring that emerging technologies reach Fort Worth children (Innovators for Children's Medical Center Foundation).

• Major grants have transformed health centers such as Cook Children’s West Tower, by providing advanced robotics, 3D printing, and analytics platforms for innovative care.
• Community-driven events in Tarrant County empower VR therapy advancement and offer scholarships, supporting professional development for pediatric healthcare staff.
• Philanthropic scholarships and endowments supported over 200 nurses last year, enabling expertise in advanced medical technology and building a stronger healthcare workforce.

Reports show that as of 2025, the trend in Fort Worth mirrors statewide data: roughly 83% of major gifts surpassing $1 million in Texas are channeled into tech and education upgrades, reflecting a shared recognition of innovation’s pivotal role (Texas Health Resources Foundation).

These strategic donations keep the region’s pediatric care at the forefront, making lasting impact not only on daily operations but also on future generations of care providers and families.

Fort Worth continues to earn national attention for its outstanding workplace culture, especially within its technology and healthcare sectors. A prime example is Cook Children’s Health Care System, recently ranked No.

3 on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers, and named the top employer nationally in the healthcare and social services category. This recognition is based on anonymous employee surveys that evaluate factors like compensation, advancement opportunities, workplace well-being, and organizational culture.

In addition to its Forbes ranking, Cook Children’s was included in Newsweek’s 2024 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces, highlighting its proactive efforts to promote employee health, diversity, and professional growth.

These accolades reflect Fort Worth’s growing draw for skilled professionals, as organizations continue to invest in technology-driven care, digital health infrastructure, and comprehensive support programs for their employees.

For more details on national rankings, visit the Forbes Best Large Employers 2025 list.

Recent news further demonstrates Fort Worth’s role as a destination for top talent.

Cook Children’s employs nearly 10,000 team members and operates over 60 pediatric medical offices and specialty clinics throughout the region. Its commitment to programs such as mental health counseling, tuition reimbursement, and expanded parental leave sets it apart from other employers.

Internal surveys and listening sessions have led to the launch of initiatives like employee resource groups and wellness programs that help manage burnout and support overall well-being.

These ongoing efforts have secured its place on several state and national workplace rankings. For more on how Cook Children’s fosters a healthy workforce, you can read the Cook Children’s profile on its Forbes ranking.

Data from local workforce surveys align with national trends.

Notably, Cook Children’s was featured among the best employers in Texas, placing fifth in statewide rankings and earning positive marks from employees for workplace culture and opportunity.

Other Fort Worth employers such as Lockheed Martin and Texas Health Resources also received state and national recognition for excellence. To learn more about Fort Worth companies on these lists, see the Fort Worth Star-Telegram coverage of Forbes’ rankings.

These accomplishments reinforce the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and employee satisfaction in both technology and healthcare.

• Outstanding workplace culture: Fort Worth's leading companies set standards for employee well-being and a positive workplace environment.
• Technology-driven care: Employers like Cook Children’s invest significantly in digital infrastructure and innovative healthcare solutions.
• Comprehensive support programs: Employee-focused initiatives, such as mental health counseling and parental leave, highlight a commitment to staff well-being.
• National and state recognition: Multiple organizations, including Cook Children’s, have been recognized for their excellence at both the state and national levels.

Employer	Notable Ranking	Main Focus
Cook Children’s Health Care System	Forbes #3 Best Large Employer	Healthcare Innovation
Lockheed Martin	Forbes & State Rankings	Aerospace Technology
Texas Health Resources	State Recognition	Healthcare Excellence

"These accolades reflect Fort Worth’s growing draw for skilled professionals, as organizations continue to invest in technology-driven care, digital health infrastructure, and comprehensive support programs for their employees." - Lisa Martin

Fort Worth’s tech scene in 2025 is seeing major momentum, driven by a combination of public investment, university partnerships, and the expansion of innovation corridors like the Texas A&M-Fort Worth Innovation District.

Nearly 230,000 tech employees are now part of Fort Worth's ecosystem, positioning the city to potentially surpass Dallas as a top tech destination by 2045. Recent growth has been fueled by landmark developments such as a $2.2 billion data center project and the launch of the Fort Worth Innovation Center, which emphasizes IoT solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and smart city applications.

These hubs, along with key areas like Near Southside and West 7th, have experienced rapid increases in co-working spaces and tech accelerator programs, making them magnets for entrepreneurs and startups.

The Innovation & Strategy Division, alongside partnerships with organizations like the North Texas Innovation Alliance, continues to roll out smart city initiatives - including neighborhood Wi-Fi that connects 40,000 underserved residents and advanced city services using AI, machine learning, and blockchain (learn more about Fort Worth’s innovation & strategy).

Startup ecosystem trends in 2025:

• Venture capital investment in local startups is part of an ecosystem that includes over 1,400 startups in DFW, with a projected 25% growth by year-end, and a focus on sectors like fintech, health tech, aerospace, and digital solutions. This year, Fort Worth startups benefit from dedicated initiatives such as the $50 million Innovation Fund and close ties with TCU and other educational institutions preparing the next wave of tech talent (read more about tech startup growth in Fort Worth).
• Women-led and minority-founded startups are making up a larger share of new ventures, tracking with regional trends that highlight diversity and community-focused growth.
• Smart city investments total over $227 million this year alone, supporting both public-private partnerships and business accelerators, and fostering workforce growth even as the sector addresses a 30% skilled labor shortage in fields like AI and cloud computing (see the latest Fort Worth tech sector updates).

The table below gives an overview of recent investment activity:

Year	VC Investment (USD)	# of New Startups
2023	$258 million	120
2024	$370 million	175
2025 (YTD)	$425 million	200+

Local leadership, such as Christopher Gonzalez and Jessica Smith, point to university-driven research blending with private investment, resulting in tech clusters spanning medical innovation, AI, and clean energy.

As Fort Worth builds robust support for founders and launches large-scale projects - like the upcoming opening of Texas A&M-Fort Worth Innovation Campus - the city is establishing a strong foundation for long-term tech sector growth.

For more on the evolution of North Texas as a technology hub, visit this region-wide overview (regional DFW tech sector growth).

Regional collaboration in aviation research is shaping Fort Worth as a center for technological advancement, thanks in large part to the city’s role in the new FAA-sponsored Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) at Texas A&M-Fort Worth.

The CAAT initiative unites all 19 member institutions of the Texas A&M System alongside other partners such as the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University, bringing together academic expertise and cutting-edge industry know-how.

This structure, led operationally by the Autonomy Research Institute at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, is not just about academic excellence - federal support amounts to $35 million annually, supporting broad research into unmanned aircraft, air taxis, hypersonic vehicles, and advanced integration into the national airspace system.

Economic projections show CAAT is expected to generate thousands of high-paying jobs and attract billions in new investment to Texas, amplifying the impact of cross-sector partnerships in ways that go beyond traditional research, thanks to new demonstration zones and shared airspace laboratories across the state here.

• Multi-university collaboration boosts innovation as faculty and students access advanced research facilities and collaborate across disciplines.
• Industry and academic partnerships deliver real-world challenges and new funding to research, accelerating solutions to the marketplace.
• Strategic location and resources make Fort Worth ideal, with proximity to major airports, the FAA’s regional headquarters, and a vast research network more info.

Institution/Company	Role	Key Contribution
Texas A&M-Fort Worth	Lead Campus	Host for national aviation research and workforce training
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi	Lead Research	Oversight of flight testing and airspace integration
UNT, SMU, UTA, UTD	Academic Partners	Collaborative research and technology validation

According to leaders like Chancellor Jennifer Wilson, these partnerships are positioning Fort Worth at the forefront of aviation technology and workforce development, with far-reaching benefits for students, local businesses, and innovation in Texas.

With the construction of the multi-building campus underway and an active network of public and private collaborators, the region is poised to remain a key player in aviation’s next era.

For more details, visit this article.

As April 2025 wraps up, Fort Worth’s transformation into a tech innovation hub stands out both regionally and nationally. Driven by nearly 230,000 tech employees and annual sector growth of 4%, Fort Worth is expected to surpass Dallas in technology workforce and investment by 2045.

Recent advancements span key areas:

• Startup investment rises: The Techstars Accelerator has drawn $17.5 million in investment to boost health tech startups, showcasing the city's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
• Academic partnerships fuel AI: Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas continue to fuel innovation with new AI-focused programs and research backed by substantial grants and partnerships, setting a precedent for higher education impact.
• Infrastructure expansion continues: The city’s $2.2 billion data center project is not only creating high-paying jobs but is also attracting global companies and laying the foundation for long-term infrastructure resilience.
• Smart city initiatives make impact: Smart city development initiatives have improved internet access for 40,000 underserved residents and reduced energy consumption by 35% through smart street lighting and traffic systems, as detailed in this comprehensive tech update.
• Healthcare innovation achieves breakthroughs: Healthcare innovation is another bright spot, with projects leveraging AI and machine learning to cut diagnostic delays by up to 80% and streamline patient care, according to recent local coverage.
• Collaborative solutions address housing: Rapid growth also brings challenges - in particular, a sizable housing shortage and the need for creative partnerships between developers, nonprofits, and local government to ensure affordability for the city’s expanding workforce.

As Robert Smith from the Fort Worth Chamber notes, "Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are the key to maintaining our momentum while ensuring broad-based economic inclusion."

Area	2025 Achievements	Main Contributor
Smart City Tech	Improved access for 40,000+ residents, 35% lower energy use	Patricia Lopez
AI in Healthcare	80% reduction in diagnostic delays	Matthew Jackson
Housing Partnership	Multipurpose, affordable housing initiatives	Robert Smith

Solutions now include working with churches and organizations on multipurpose affordable housing, initiatives summarized in this housing report.

As Fort Worth continues to invest in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and sustainable technology, it is charting a path for inclusive prosperity and cementing its leadership as a 21st-century tech-driven city.