The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) was born out of a desire to fill the needs of a growing biotechnology and life science industry in Texas which was losing out on opportunities. The original vision for the Institute was to: serve as a resource for lawmakers, industry participants, the media, the public, and those outside the state wishing to learn more about Texas life science and biotechnology; be a forum or facilitator assisting industry participants to communicate statewide; distribute information on the needs of the industry; serve as a clearinghouse and coordinate existing resources to support emerging life science companies and recruit established companies wishing to relocate to the state; and advocate for policies bolstering the research and development environment in this state. This vision is still applicable over a decade later. Officially formed in June of 1996, THBI included members from a diverse section representing all segments of the industry including: pharmaceutical companies, economic development corporations, biotechnology companies, academic research institutions, and businesses with an agricultural biotech focus. Ten years later, THBI has many accomplishments to list in line with its original mission. Among the first efforts from THBI were 3 studies that helped lay the groundwork and provided awareness about specifics in the life science industry.