Brownsville Showcases Space and Innovation at IEDC Annual Conference

The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will represent the Rio South Texas Region at the 2025 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference, to be held September 14–17 at Huntington Place in Detroit.

This premier four-day forum brings together economic development leaders from across the globe to discuss strategies shaping the future of communities. Among the featured sessions, a panel on September 16 will highlight Brownsville’s unique transformation into a hub for space, energy, and advanced technology.

Brownsville’s Transition to a Space and Technology Hub

Participating on behalf of the region will be Gilberto Salinas, President of GBIC; Jovanna Rangel, Director of Space and Energy at GBIC; and Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization at UTRGV. Together, they will present the panel “Tools and Mindset to Pursue Out-of-This-World Projects”.

The discussion will explore how Brownsville, historically known as a quiet border city, has evolved into a launch point for groundbreaking industries. Central to this transformation is the establishment of SpaceX’s Starbase operations, which has accelerated local initiatives in workforce training, infrastructure, housing, and supply chain readiness.

Building an Ecosystem for Global Competitiveness

The Brownsville story underscores the importance of a mindset shift within economic development organizations. By aligning workforce programs, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering partnerships across sectors, GBIC and UTRGV have positioned the region as an ecosystem capable of supporting complex, large-scale projects.

Conference attendees will gain insights into how Brownsville’s proactive strategies — from energy readiness to international trade integration — are redefining competitiveness at the U.S.–Mexico border.

With this participation, GBIC and UTRGV reaffirm their role in showcasing Rio South Texas as a forward-looking region where innovation, collaboration, and ambition are driving growth beyond traditional boundaries.