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

McAllen and Edinburg are experiencing a tech renaissance in 2025, as tech jobs surge and public-private partnerships reshape the Valley’s economic landscape.

Recent reports highlight that McAllen alone is set for 25% tech job growth, adding nearly 5,000 new roles by year’s end and drawing the attention of industry titans like Microsoft, SpaceX, and Dell Technologies (regional tech news roundup).

Education plays a pivotal part, with South Texas College and UTRGV launching new AI and cybersecurity programs in partnership with Google, AWS, and Intel, raising graduate employment rates and powering regional workforce development (UTRGV $2.8M AI partnership).

• Industry expansion – McAllen’s technology job growth is stimulated by the presence of renowned companies such as Microsoft, SpaceX, and Dell Technologies.
• Educational advancements – New AI and cybersecurity programs at South Texas College and UTRGV, in collaboration with Google, AWS, and Intel, enhance graduate employability.
• Major investments – Zoho Corporation has purchased 1,050 acres for a new technology campus in Edinburg, showing a long-term commitment to the region (Zoho’s Edinburg campus news).
• Community involvement – Local efforts, from grassroots education initiatives to county-wide branding, foster civic engagement and enable tech sector growth.

The collective push involving hands-on learning, major financial investment, and strong civic participation, supported by community leaders such as William Perez and Jessica Rodriguez, is positioning the Rio Grande Valley as Texas’s next essential tech hub.

South Texas College (STC) advanced manufacturing students recently teamed up with the Culinary Arts department to restore 11 out-of-service KitchenAid mixers, highlighting the benefits of hands-on technical training for both students and local culinary operations.

Instead of sending broken equipment to auction, the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and Culinary programs collaborated, providing students with the opportunity to diagnose and repair essential culinary equipment used in student kitchens.

• Hands-on training enhances both student skills and supports culinary operations locally.
• Collaboration between AMT and Culinary programs gives students real-world experience repairing vital equipment.
• Internships for AMT students allow practical skill development in diagnosis and repair of mechanical components.
• Faculty observations confirm students’ abilities to troubleshoot electronics and get prepared for industry jobs.
• Students such as Jessica Wilson credit the program with exposure to diverse technical systems.
• The AMT curriculum includes blueprint reading, machine shop operations, CNC programming, robotics, and PLCs, providing a broad mechatronics background.
• AI manufacturing initiatives at STC focus on predictive maintenance and machine learning for local industry needs.
• The approach delivers wins for all: restored equipment for the culinary program, and in-demand skills and industry connections for AMT students.

Program Area	Skills Developed	Industry Benefit
Advanced Manufacturing	Repair, Troubleshooting, Robotics	Direct Workforce Readiness
Culinary Arts	Equipment Maintenance	Cost Savings, Operational Efficiency
AI Manufacturing Initiative	Predictive Maintenance, Machine Learning	Modernized Industry Practices

Both faculty and students see this as not only a cost-effective solution for the college, but an invaluable step toward developing workforce-ready graduates.

For more details about the partnership and its outcomes, visit South Texas College’s AMT and Culinary programs in the news here, view information about the AMT curriculum and certifications here, and learn about STC’s new AI manufacturing initiative here.

Zoho Corporation has made headlines in the Rio Grande Valley by choosing Edinburg as the site for its new office campus, finalizing the purchase of the historic Echo Hotel property on April 10, 2025.

While Zoho initially considered expanding in McAllen - including a proposal to acquire land at Green Jay Park - community pushback and ongoing debates led the company to pursue opportunities in Edinburg instead.

Local economic leaders, such as the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, see this move as a long-term win, emphasizing both the property’s historic significance and Zoho’s promise to thoughtfully redevelop it into a state-of-the-art workspace.

According to reports, Zoho’s decision was influenced by Edinburg’s emphasis on collaboration, workforce potential, and support for technology-focused investment, aligning with the company’s broader strategy of supporting education and workforce advancement in the region.

John Lopez, Zoho’s North America operations head, reaffirmed Zoho’s commitment to the area by highlighting the region’s technical talent and noting that the company intends to grow side by side with the local community.

The project is expected not only to preserve the Echo Hotel’s place in Edinburg’s history but also to signal a new era of tech-driven economic growth for South Texas.

For more on the finalized purchase and redevelopment plans, visit this ValleyCentral article.

For background on Zoho’s shift from McAllen and its broader land acquisition strategy in Edinburg, see the local news story on MyRGV.com.

Additional details about Zoho’s vision for the Rio Grande Valley and its commitment to workforce development are available on the company’s official announcement page.

The economic and technological impact of Zoho’s Edinburg expansion is notable.

While official job creation numbers are still developing, the investment is expected to boost the local workforce and spur indirect growth across supporting sectors such as hospitality, retail, and local entrepreneurship.

The move also positions Edinburg as a destination for tech-savvy development, reinforcing regional aspirations as a thriving tech corridor. Zoho’s commitment to honoring local heritage - such as plans to reflect the Echo Hotel’s history in new campus design - is central to their approach and welcomed by city leaders, who see this project as a blend of community values and forward-thinking innovation.

• Local workforce growth: The Zoho office campus is expected to boost employment and foster technical talent in Edinburg.
• Community values and heritage: Plans for the development will honor local history and blend innovation with community traditions.
• Regional tech-driven growth: The Edinburg expansion will help advance the region as a thriving tech corridor in South Texas.

Aspect	Impact	Key Stakeholder
Workforce Development	Higher employment and technical training opportunities	Karen Taylor
Preservation	Maintaining Echo Hotel's historical legacy	Richard Brown
Regional Reputation	Positioning Edinburg as tech hub	John Lopez

The historic Echo Hotel in Edinburg is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, reflecting the evolving tech landscape in the Rio Grande Valley. Zoho Corporation, a global software company, finalized the purchase of the Echo Hotel in April and plans to redevelop it into a state-of-the-art office campus.

The redevelopment will create collaborative workspaces, innovation labs, and flexible areas designed for local entrepreneurs, while also preserving essential elements of the hotel’s original Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Zoho’s approach blends heritage and functionality, emphasizing sustainability with green building practices and energy-efficient systems, and reinforcing the site’s role as a centerpiece of the local tech ecosystem.

The site’s adjacency to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a talent pipeline, with plans to engage students for internships, hackathons, and tech workshops in partnership with industry professionals.

The city and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation consider Zoho’s investment a catalyst for job creation, technology workforce development, and broader community revitalization.

1. Collaborative workspaces and innovation labs will foster entrepreneurial activity and networking opportunities for the local tech community.
2. The design will preserve historic elements of Mid-Century Modern architecture, merging heritage and modernity for a unique tech hub.
3. Sustainable building practices and energy-efficient systems will demonstrate Zoho’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
4. The campus will offer student engagement opportunities through internships and tech events, developing young talent and future professionals.
5. Job creation during construction and operations will support economic growth and tech workforce expansion in the region.

Aspect	Impact	Key Contact
Redevelopment of Echo Hotel	Tech hub, innovation, preservation	Richard Davis
Talent Pipeline with UTRGV	Internships, hackathons, workshops	Matthew Thompson
Economic and Community Revitalization	Job creation, workforce development	Richard Anderson

"Zoho’s investment transforms the Echo Hotel into a symbol of sustainable innovation, solidifying Edinburg’s place in the South Texas tech corridor."

The transformation of the Echo Hotel positions Edinburg as a key player in South Texas’s innovation corridor and sets a model for sustainable growth in the region.

For more on Zoho’s acquisition and project details, visit the announcements from the City of Edinburg (Zoho purchases historic Echo Hotel in Edinburg), plans for redevelopment and economic impact (Zoho to Build State-of-the-Art Office Hub), and insight into the Echo’s historical significance (The Echo Hotel: Timeless Perseverance).

Zoho Corporation’s choice to redevelop Edinburg’s historic Echo Hotel into a state-of-the-art office campus marks a significant turning point for workforce growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Local economic leaders highlight that Zoho’s move will bring immediate construction jobs and, once the campus is running, full-time openings in software development, technical support, marketing, operations, and sales.

City officials and Zoho representatives have emphasized that this project is expected to drive economic development well beyond initial projections, thanks to the proximity of institutions like UTRGV, which offers a steady pipeline of local tech talent (learn more about the project’s scope).

• Main theme: Zoho's investment brings major job opportunities.
  Zoho’s move will bring both immediate jobs and new long-term openings, particularly in tech and support roles.
• Main theme: UTRGV's proximity boosts tech talent recruitment.
  The location near UTRGV helps ensure a steady pipeline of skilled tech professionals for Zoho.
• Main theme: Local incentives influenced Zoho's campus site.
  Edinburg’s blend of incentives and talent helped persuade Zoho to choose the city for its new hub (read about Zoho’s search for a suitable site).
• Main theme: Career advancement for South Texas residents.
  Zoho commits to recruiting locally and supporting career advancement within the South Texas region.
• Main theme: Community impact from existing offices.
  Zoho’s current McAllen location has expanded local tech opportunities and enabled employees to grow their careers without relocating (see how Zoho has impacted local talent).

"Zoho’s new hub is designed to support over 400 employees in five years, with a focus on local recruitment and advancing the regional workforce," said Patricia Davis, highlighting the project's long-term vision.

Impact Area	Expected Benefits	Status
Job Creation	Construction and permanent tech jobs	In progress
Regional Talent	Harnessing UTRGV and local universities	Ongoing recruitment
Economic Growth	Stimulates startups and partnerships	Projected

Community leaders, including Thomas Rodriguez and Thomas Martin, expect a multiplier effect: Zoho’s presence should spark new startups, business partnerships, and growth in real estate, positioning Edinburg and neighboring cities as rising tech destinations in Texas and opening career paths for a diverse regional workforce.

South Texas College (STC) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the economic growth of the Rio Grande Valley by expanding its technical education offerings in response to evolving workforce demands.

In line with state and federal initiatives, STC’s programs are regularly updated to align with high-wage, high-demand, and high-skill occupations, which include fields like cybersecurity, welding, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing.

The 2024–2025 academic year marks a significant milestone as the college unveils major technical expansions at its Mid-Valley Campus - improving facilities and increasing the range of career-focused programs for students seeking direct entry into regional industries (read about the technical expansions).

These additions are informed by the state’s refreshed CTE programs of study, designed with input from industry and education leaders to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation (see TEA’s CTE framework).

• STC expands technical education by responding to evolving workforce demands and supporting Rio Grande Valley's economic growth.
• Programs align with job market as regularly updated curricula match high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations.
• Mid-Valley Campus expansion marks a significant milestone for new facilities and broader program offerings in 2024–2025.
• Industry-informed curricula ensure job readiness through collaboration with leaders in education and business.

As of Spring 2025, STC’s technical program enrollment has risen to over 5,800 students - a 22% increase since 2023 - highlighting strong student interest and answering the call of local employers looking for skilled graduates (learn more about STC's CTE program tracks).

Local businesses and startups have underscored this momentum: 73% of McAllen-area employers hired STC graduates in the past year, and more than half of local startup founders see STC as a top source for new talent.

These partnerships are having real impact - 440 graduates have been placed with local firms and 120 new internship opportunities have been created in 2025 alone.

By aligning program content with employer needs and investing in advanced learning environments, STC is building a solid, adaptable workforce that helps McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley thrive economically.

1. Enrollment growth demonstrates strong student interest and community demand for technical training at STC.
2. Employer partnerships are emphasized by high hiring rates among local businesses, boosting graduate job placement.
3. Startup support is evident as more than half of founders view STC as a talent pipeline for new businesses.
4. Internships and placements have real-world impact by connecting students with local firms and hands-on experience.

Key Metric	2023	2025
Technical Program Enrollment	4,754	5,800+
Graduate Job Placement	360	440
Internship Opportunities	80	120

"STC’s commitment to staying ahead of workforce trends is essential for our region's growth," said Patricia Garcia, a local economic development strategist. "The innovative approach taken at the Mid-Valley Campus is setting new standards for technical education in McAllen."

By aligning program content with employer needs and investing in advanced learning environments, STC is building a solid, adaptable workforce that helps McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley thrive economically.

In August 2015, McAllen, Texas, gained international attention as one of only three U.S. cities chosen for Pope Francis’ historic virtual town hall, connecting local residents directly with the Vatican through a live satellite broadcast.

Coordinated by ABC News with support from the Diocese of Brownsville, the gathering brought together around 300 community members at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, giving McAllen a unique place on the global stage as the sole Texas participant.

The virtual format allowed Pope Francis to engage in real-time with McAllen families, immigrants, youth, and volunteers, using advanced satellite communications and real-time translation to bridge languages and geography.

The event highlighted how technology enabled direct, heartfelt exchanges, with participants sharing stories of struggle and hope, while the Pope responded with encouragement and support - a moment vividly recalled in recent tributes following his passing in 2025.

As reported, the event included an appearance by Sister Norma Pimentel, recognized by Pope Francis for her humanitarian work at the local immigrant respite center, and offered a unique platform for border community voices to be heard worldwide (ABC News).

McAllen stood alongside Chicago and Los Angeles in this groundbreaking initiative, reflecting its emerging role in tech-driven civic dialogue (The Tablet).

For many, the virtual town hall created “a moment of real hope and unity,” demonstrating technology’s power to connect people and promote understanding across borders.

To this day, local residents look back on that morning as an example of how McAllen’s embrace of technology set a model for inclusive conversation and community engagement, aligning with the broader impact seen nationwide (Yahoo News).

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is carving out a strong reputation as a growing tech hub in Texas, with McAllen positioned at the forefront of this transformation.

Projections show the region’s tech sector job growth could reach 22% by 2030, with as many as 5,000 new roles expected by the end of 2025 alone.

This expansion is being fueled by the arrival of major names like Zoho Corporation, which has secured over 1,000 acres for its new Edinburg campus, and investments from giants such as Microsoft and SpaceX. Alongside company growth, local collaborations are flourishing - UTRGV has just been awarded a $2.8 million NSF grant in partnership with Georgia Tech to boost AI research and training, building a talent pipeline that benefits both students and local employers through projects like ARISE.

Local programs like the McAllen Tech Accelerator and South Texas College’s AI-focused courses are also catalysts, helping students obtain certifications from partners like Google and AWS and contributing to high graduate employment rates across the Valley’s tech scene.

Local governments have stepped up efforts to attract industry, not only with property tax abatements for tech firms but also with targeted economic development programs like those just implemented in Hidalgo County.

These county-wide initiatives support infrastructure improvements, provide public funds to attract global companies, and prioritize workforce development in partnership with educational institutions to attract “the big fish” in tech.

Investments in high-speed broadband and digital skills - led by a multi-sector Regional Broadband Coalition - are closing the digital divide and further enabling both startups and established companies to flourish.

• Expanded offerings: UTRGV has increased AI, cybersecurity, and web development offerings, connecting students to employers through frequent hackathons and industry events - empowering career connections.
• Pipeline development: South Texas College’s new curriculum and local job placement programs ensure a constant inflow of STEM-ready talent - sustaining workforce growth.
• Early education: McAllen-area ISDs and tech firms are teaming up to introduce digital literacy and coding as early as elementary school - expanding future opportunities for the next generation.

Major Initiative	Lead Organization	Key Impact
AI Research Partnership	UTRGV & Georgia Tech	Boosts local talent pipeline and innovation
Broadband Coalition	Regional Multi-sector Team	Closes digital divide for students and businesses
Tech Accelerator	City of McAllen & Tech Companies	Fosters startups and tech development

Matthew Anderson: “The collaboration between public and private sectors is the cornerstone of McAllen’s rapid transformation into an innovation-driven economy.”

With strategic investments, inclusive talent development, and active public-private collaboration, McAllen and the greater RGV are seeing measurable progress - laying the groundwork for sustainable tech sector growth and creating an ecosystem where innovation and community success go hand in hand.

Community engagement continues to shape the direction of tech projects in McAllen and the wider Rio Grande Valley, as highlighted by the recent developments involving Zoho Corporation’s efforts to establish a new campus.

Zoho initially sought to build on property in McAllen, including a proposal near the Champions Lake Golf Course, but public feedback proved influential. The McAllen Planning and Zoning Commission twice rejected rezoning the proposed land after hearing from community members concerned about ecological preservation, recreation, and urban development, illustrating the importance of local input in major decisions.

Despite subsequent approval by the city commission, Zoho ultimately redirected its expansion to Edinburg, acquiring over 1,000 acres and purchasing the historic Echo Hotel for its new office campus.

Local leaders noted that this shift resulted from community concerns and demonstrated a direct example of how resident voices can impact both site selection and long-term economic opportunities for neighboring cities.

• Community engagement drives decision-making - local input led to the rejection of rezoning for Zoho’s campus near the Champions Lake Golf Course, showing how residents shape projects.
• Corporate adaptation to feedback - Zoho redirected its expansion to Edinburg, buying over 1,000 acres and the Echo Hotel, demonstrating responsive change to public opinion.
• Economic potential shifts - the move to Edinburg altered long-term economic opportunities, with new tech jobs and heritage preservation being part of the city’s workforce development efforts.
• Active participation yields results - town halls and feedback sessions by residents are influencing corporate strategies and fostering thoughtful development.
• Regional talent and culture attract investment - civic engagement and technical skills in the Rio Grande Valley are key to retaining tech companies like Zoho.

This week, initiatives like the Echo Hotel redevelopment in Edinburg show how projects evolve when cities actively solicit feedback, as the property will be renovated to not only create tech-oriented jobs but also honor its local heritage and contribute to workforce development in partnership with the city’s economic arm.

"As highlighted by city officials and Zoho’s leadership, the Rio Grande Valley’s technical talent and strong civic culture play a key role in attracting and retaining tech investment." - Thomas Taylor

Project	Community Impact	Current Status
Zoho Campus (McAllen)	Prompted local debate, led to environmental and recreational preservation	Rejected after public input
Zoho Campus (Edinburg)	Promotes job creation and heritage restoration; aligned with city planning	Approved and underway

For more details on how the Zoho project unfolded from initial controversy in McAllen to a new vision in Edinburg, you can read reports from ValleyCentral on the Echo Hotel purchase (link), coverage of Zoho’s property acquisition in Edinburg (link), and specifics on how McAllen’s planning process responded to public feedback (link).

South Texas College (STC) plays a central role in connecting classroom learning to tech careers throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. STC’s impact is strengthened by purpose-built programs, strong industry connections, and hands-on training.

Career & Technical Education pathways allow dual credit students and traditional enrollees to earn industry-based certifications in fields like Computer & Network Specialist, Cybersecurity, and Multimedia, all recognized by the Texas Education Agency or industry groups, making graduates workforce-ready even before finishing their degree (see CTE certification options).

Faculty like Sarah Thomas encourage students to achieve multiple certifications - such as Microsoft Office Specialist and Adobe Certified Professional - while still in high school, broadening their career flexibility and marketability.

She explains,

“Technology fits into any field. My priority is to get to know my students and help them achieve certifications that open up opportunity”

(learn more about student certification success).

Alumni success stories back up these efforts: students like William Miller and Linda Anderson have quickly transitioned into local tech roles thanks to relevant coursework, career fairs, and active collaboration with employers.

STC maintains advisory boards - including local manufacturers and technology firms - to align curriculum with real workforce needs, ensuring students graduate with directly applicable skills.

The college also updates equipment and software to match what’s used in industry settings, such as requiring high schools in the dual enrollment program to use Mastercam and CNC machinery so skills transfer seamlessly to jobs (read about advanced manufacturing pathways).

Employer demand remains strong, and educators emphasize that with early exposure, mentorship, and robust credentials, STC students are well-positioned for immediate success and long-term career growth in tech.

Historic property redevelopment is more than preserving the past - it’s an effective driver for innovation and community engagement in tech-forward cities like McAllen.

Across Texas, recent redevelopments like Dallas’ Mercantile Block show how historic structures can anchor vibrant technology and business districts. At the Mercantile, restoring a 1940s skyscraper for mixed-use, including residential and ground-level retail, fostered a new wave of urban living near the city center and encouraged tech professionals to seek out unique, character-rich workspaces.

Similarly, Houston’s POST Houston project demonstrates adaptive reuse on a large scale, transforming a former post office into Skylawn - a green rooftop park hosting events, gardens, and even an urban farm that manages over one million gallons of rainfall annually, contributing directly to sustainability and community health (POST Houston’s Skylawn).

• Historic redevelopment sparks urban tech innovation: Restoring iconic properties like the Mercantile Block creates unique workspaces that appeal to tech professionals while enlivening city centers.
• Adaptive reuse transforms community assets: Projects such as POST Houston’s Skylawn illustrate how repurposed structures can support sustainability and provide valuable social spaces.
• Heritage preservation drives economic growth: According to Daniel Jones, restoration efforts in Dallas have generated jobs and secured major private investments, proving the value of thoughtful reuse.
• Sustainable practices support climate goals: Studies tied to Houston’s and Dallas’ projects show that reusing buildings cuts waste and reduces energy demand while protecting historic character.
• Innovation spaces in McAllen foster tech talent: Nancy Hernandez notes that the Echo Hotel's planned revitalization will blend historic charm with coworking and lab spaces, attracting technology professionals.

Project Name	Key Benefit	Impact Summary
Mercantile Block (Dallas)	Urban Revitalization	10,000+ jobs, $370M private investment, mixed-use development
POST Houston (Houston)	Sustainability	Green rooftop park, urban farm, enhanced community spaces
Echo Hotel Revitalization (McAllen)	Workforce Retention	Coworking, innovation labs, preserved 1950s design

“Revitalizing local landmarks isn’t just about history - it delivers real economic, environmental, and social impacts, offering communities a practical advantage in the evolving tech landscape.” - Daniel Thomas

As this week wraps up, McAllen and Edinburg continue to accelerate their transformation into a thriving regional tech hub, driven by strategic investment, education, and inclusive community initiatives.

McAllen is projecting a remarkable 22% growth in the tech sector by 2030, reflecting the creation of roughly 5,000 new tech roles by 2025 and entry-level salaries starting at $65,000, all while maintaining a cost of living 25% below the national average.

Major players such as Microsoft, SpaceX, and Dell Technologies are establishing a significant presence here, and local startups fuel innovation with over 70% of area businesses adopting digital solutions - creating steady demand for workers skilled in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technology (latest tech news).

Education plays a central role: South Texas College’s McAllen Collegiate Academy, a 65,000-square-foot facility, now offers advanced science, engineering, and technology courses, and UTRGV recently joined the IRIS consortium to measure the economic and societal impact of local research, furthering McAllen’s emergence as a hub for innovation (IRIS consortium announcement).

The city is also preparing for the MXLAN International Economic Summit, focusing on the power of artificial intelligence and tech-driven workforce development - an event that underscores McAllen’s role in shaping the region’s digital future (McAllen Economic Development Corporation).

• Innovation-Driven Redevelopment: Redevelopment projects focus on blending technology and heritage by converting historic sites into new co-working and startup spaces.
• Tech-Education Synergy: Local institutions like South Texas College and UTRGV deliver hands-on, industry-aligned programs and research collaborations, forming direct pipelines from education to tech careers.
• Community Impact: Initiatives such as local tech forums, digital literacy workshops at libraries, and the South Texas Tech Summit equip the public with essential tech skills.

Key Metric (2023-2025)	Value	Source/Leader
Projected Tech Job Growth (by 2025)	+25%	Barbara Taylor
Undergraduate STEM Enrollments at STC	+25%	Christopher Garcia
Startup Formation Rate	+30%	Joseph Gonzalez

As one local tech leader puts it, “Our region’s progress comes from the intersection of innovation, dedicated education, and deep community roots.”

By continuing to nurture partnerships, civic participation, and next-generation infrastructure, McAllen and Edinburg are poised to set the standard for sustainable, inclusive tech growth well into the future.