About the Council

The data makes the case. People make it happen.

San Antonio's economic indicators are strong. Manufacturing output is growing. Defense and cybersecurity employment is expanding. Healthcare investment is accelerating. The numbers tell a compelling story. But numbers do not make introductions, open procurement doors, or move a partnership from conversation to contract. People do. The Applied Innovation Council is where that work happens.

$192.8B
Gross metro product
San Antonio's 2024 GMP, projected to reach $210B by 2026. Source: Axios San Antonio, August 2025.
8.1%
Economic growth rate
Annualized business-cycle index growth as of August 2025. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
33rd
Largest US metro economy
Ranked by gross metropolitan product among all US metro areas in 2024.
Why San Antonio

The numbers make a strong case before you even walk in the door.

San Antonio holds a clear cost advantage over every other Texas market. Office space, employee rent, and median home prices are the lowest in Texas. Click each city to compare.

What this means in practice

Texas grew its GDP by 291% from 2000 to 2025, the fastest of any large state economy. San Antonio is positioned to capture a growing share of that growth as Austin and Dallas price out the mid-market companies that built them. The Council connects companies landing here to the people and institutions that make growth happen faster.

Recommended San Antonio
Compare Austin
Compare Dallas
Compare Houston
$27.92
Office rent per sq ft
Lowest in Texas. 42% below Austin.
~$1,050
1BR avg. monthly rent
Lowest in Texas. Landlord concessions available.
$297K-315K
Median home price
40% below Austin. Most affordable major Texas metro.
9% below
Cost of living vs national avg.
41% below Los Angeles. 63% below NYC.
#2
Startup cost rank
Among large U.S. cities. Source: CommercialCafe 2025.
Extensive
HubZone coverage
10% federal price preference. Sole-source up to $4.5M.
Sources: CommercialCafe/Yardi (2025), NerdWallet (2025), StartupBlink (2025), RentCafe/Zumper (2025-2026), SBA HubZone Program. Prepared by Emerge and Rise, Inc.
$45.96
Office rent per sq ft
Most expensive in Texas. 64% above San Antonio.
~$1,600
1BR avg. monthly rent
52% above San Antonio.
$499K-650K+
Median home price
Income needed to qualify: ~$139K/year.
Near/above
Cost of living vs national avg.
Housing affordability driving employee attrition.
#1
Startup cost rank
Among mid-size U.S. cities. Source: CommercialCafe 2025.
Limited
HubZone coverage
Fewer federal contracting advantages than San Antonio.
Strongest innovation brand and deepest VC network in Texas. Tech talent density is unmatched in the state. Cost premium is now significant and driving a market correction.
$31.46
Office rent per sq ft
12% above San Antonio.
~$1,412
1BR avg. monthly rent
34% above San Antonio.
$395K-515K
Median home price
Income needed to qualify: ~$114K/year.
12% above
Cost of living vs San Antonio
Higher employee compensation expectations.
#3
Startup cost rank
Among large U.S. cities. Source: CommercialCafe 2025.
Limited
HubZone coverage
Fewer federal contracting advantages than San Antonio.
Largest office market in Texas with the most active corporate relocation pipeline. Strong infrastructure and broad talent base, but carries a mid-to-high cost structure for SMEs.
$30.18
Office rent per sq ft
8% above San Antonio.
~$1,350
1BR avg. monthly rent
29% above San Antonio.
$335K-370K
Median home price
More affordable than Austin and Dallas.
Near avg.
Cost of living vs national avg.
Competitive but flood risk adds insurance costs.
#7
Startup cost rank
Among large U.S. cities. Source: CommercialCafe 2025.
Moderate
HubZone coverage
Some federal contracting access, less than San Antonio.
Largest Texas metro economy with the most diverse industries. Costs are competitive but flood risk and absence of zoning are real operational concerns for SMEs.

Founding Members & Advisors

  • Close-up of a smiling woman, Danielle Larish, with brown hair styled in an updo, wearing makeup including dark lipstick and eye makeup, and a black off-the-shoulder top against a plain white background.

    Danielle Littleton Larish, MBA, MA, LSSBB

    Membership Chair

    Vice President, Tech Transfer & Commercialization - AV, Fractional COO/CPO, Immersive Insights, LLC, Board Member, Emerge and Rise

    LinkedIn
  • Lina Rugova, a woman with blonde hair slicked back, wearing a beige blazer over a blue top, and large earrings, seated at a white table with her hands resting on it. She has a friendly expression and wears a smartwatch and jewelry.

    Dr. Lina Rugova, DBA

    Operations Chair

    Founder and President, Emerge and Rise

    LinkedIn
  • Christine Colburn, a woman with long dark hair, wearing a navy blazer and a smartwatch, smiling confidently with arms crossed against a light blue background.

    Christine Colburn

    Engagement Chair

    VP Community and Strategic Initiatives, Emerge and Rise

    LinkedIn
  • Joyce Deuley, a woman with brown hair smiling on rooftop balcony, wearing a gray blazer and black top, with a cityscape in the background.

    Joyce Deuley

    Founding Member (SAAIC Facilitator)

    Strategic Innovation Advisor, Team b. Strategy+

    LinkedIn
  • A man, Art Trevethan with glasses, a beard, and gray hair in a checkered blazer, sitting with hands clasped, smiling in a professional portrait against a black background.

    Art Trevethan

    Founding Advisor (SAAIC Defense Advisor)

    Acceleration Reach Transition (ART) | Defense Innovation & Dual-Use Technology

    LinkedIn
  • Professional headshot of Ronald D. Sullivan, a man wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt, and a light-colored patterned tie, smiling at the camera.

    Ronald D. Sullivan

    Founding Advisor (SAAIC Policy Advisor)

    Senior Counsel, Senior Director, Clark Hill Public Strategies

    LinkedIn
  • Professional portrait of, Niti Vanee, a woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing pearl earrings and a dark green blazer, smiling at the camera against a dark gray background.

    Dr. Niti Vanee, PhD

    Founding Advisor

    Co-founder & CEO - iGenomeDx Inc., Managing Partner - Alamo BioCenter , Chair - BioSpark

    LinkedIn

  • Shirley Frobish

    Founding Advisor


    Vice President , Global Corporate Recruitment - greater:SATX

    LinkedIn

Ready to be part of the Council?

Membership is by invitation only and reviewed based on sector relevance and decision-making authority.