Next-generation molecular diagnostics company BillionToOne announced its expansion from Menlo Park, California to Austin, Texas. The expansion marks a significant life sciences addition to the Austin region, building on the city’s status as a hub for innovation. Tier 1 life sciences developer Tarlton Properties is leading the expansion into the Austin region. Tarlton owns and manages over 3 million square feet of Class A life science and mixed-use properties in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Menlo Park lab where BillionToOne is currently based.
“We have worked with Billion21 for over six years, originally starting with our Menlo Park lab incubator and partnering with them to meet their evolving facility needs. We are excited to expand our partnership with Billion21 into the Austin market and continue to provide them space aligned with their goals,” said John Tarleton, CEO of Tarleton Properties.
The new approximately 220,000 square foot facility is equipped with the infrastructure and technology to meet the rigorous requirements of a CLIA-certified site under the Public Health Act while providing the company with flexibility to grow. BillionToOne’s Austin facility will employ more than 1,000 people when fully staffed and completed in 2026. Job roles will range from laboratory technicians and clinical laboratory scientists to automation engineers and postdoctoral researchers.
“Austin’s vibrant culture and concentration of talented STEM graduates from nearby universities makes it an ideal location for our expansion,” said Oguzhan Atay, CEO of BillionToOne. “We are excited to continue our mission to transform molecular diagnostics, making them more powerful, accurate, efficient and accessible from our state-of-the-art Austin laboratory, which has the capacity to process up to six million highly complex molecular diagnostic tests each year.”
BillionToOne’s expansion into Austin will accelerate the expansion of the company’s technologies, including its Quantitative Counting Templates™ (QCT™) platform, which is revolutionizing molecular diagnostics, enabling more accurate and accessible diagnostic testing, particularly in the prenatal and oncology fields.
The new facility will be built in East Village, a 425-acre master-planned project developed by Reger Holdings, LLC on East Parmer Lane. With apartment complexes and retail/restaurant space already completed, it is an ideal location for this life sciences expansion that, when complete, will feature eight unique apartment communities totaling 2,400 units, three hotels, 150 acres of parkland with miles of hiking and biking trails, 466 single-family homes and a 1.5 million square foot life sciences campus.
Opportunity Austin CEO Ed Latson expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are excited to welcome Billion to One to the Austin region. The decision to locate here aligns with the strategic focus outlined in our new life sciences study conducted by McKinsey. This move not only reinforces our position as a rapidly growing life sciences hub, but also demonstrates Austin’s unique technology base, which continues to attract world-class companies.”
The collaboration between the City of Austin, Opportunity Austin and the local business community has been instrumental in the company’s expansion, with Mayor Kirk Watson praising the company’s cutting-edge work in molecular diagnostics and its significant investment in the city’s economic growth while strengthening the region’s reputation as a leader in life sciences.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson welcomed Billion To One to the city, saying, “Today’s announcement is a perfect example of what happens when city leaders and staff, economic developers, industry pioneers and innovative thinkers come together and align on a shared vision for the future. It’s a testament to the success of our culture and talent, and the streamlined processes that enable companies to move quickly and do their best work.”
STG Design played a pivotal role in the architectural vision for this project. Jeff Ervin, Principal at STG Design, said, “As a precision diagnostics company with the singular goal of disease detection, BillionToOne sought a design that combined custom functionality with a contemporary feel. STG was honored to meet these challenges.”
Neil White, chairman of White Construction, highlighted the alignment of values and missions in collaborating on this project, stating, “We are honored to partner with the City of Austin, Rieger Holdings, Tarleton, STG Design, Opportunity Austin and others to support Billion to One’s mission to revolutionize disease detection on a global scale. We are honored to have the opportunity to build a space that will enhance human well-being.”
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