Economic Development Organization Doubles Down on Strategy with Major Investment in San Antonio’s Military Medical Ecosystem
SAN ANTONIO (December 9) — VelocityTX, the Eastside innovation hub and economic development organization, announced today the appointment of Jeremy Nelson, PhD, as its new Chief Innovation Officer. Nelson’s addition marks a significant milestone in the organization’s strategy to expand the city’s military medical ecosystem, accelerate innovation-driven economic growth, and drive jobs and investment across the region.
A nationally recognized leader in defense health innovation, Nelson brings more than 20 years of experience aligning scientific discovery with operational needs across the Department of War, academic medical institutions, and emerging life science companies. His expertise spans human performance, neurophysiology, medical technology innovation, and complex program execution—placing him at the center of national conversations about military medicine, readiness, and translational science.
VelocityTX President and CEO Rene Dominguez emphasized that Nelson’s appointment is part of a broader commitment to elevate San Antonio’s position as the nation’s premier hub for military medicine and bioscience innovation.
“VelocityTX is investing in world-class leadership to accelerate the growth of San Antonio’s military medical ecosystem,” Dominguez said. “Jeremy’s expertise, network, and strategic vision will help us attract more companies, more federal and academic partnerships, and ultimately drive more jobs and investment into San Antonio.”
As Chief Innovation Officer, Nelson will lead innovation strategy, strengthen defense and federal partnerships, expand research and commercialization pathways, and build collaborative ecosystems that connect startup innovators, academic researchers, clinicians, and military medical leaders.
Nelson most recently served as Portfolio Manager for Biological Systems within the Defense Health Agency, where he guided strategy for the Department of War’s medical science and technology investments in brain, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems health. Prior to this, Nelson served in a variety of roles across academia, industry, and the military, including serving as Deputy Director of UT Health San Antonio’s Military Health Institute.
Throughout his career, Nelson has led multidisciplinary teams, shaped national-level research strategy, and established public–private partnerships that accelerate technology development and transition—experience directly aligned with VelocityTX’s mission to grow San Antonio’s innovation economy.
Reflecting on his new role, Nelson said, “My career has focused on translating cutting-edge science into operational capabilities. At VelocityTX, that mission will include supporting innovators, strengthening partnerships, and building systems that turn discovery into deployable solutions and economic impact.”
Nelson continued, “VelocityTX sits at a critical intersection—where research, technology, and military medicine converge to drive regional growth. I’m excited to help elevate a strategy that not only expands San Antonio’s military medical ecosystem, but also directly fuels job creation, investment, and long-term competitiveness for the region.”
With Nelson’s leadership, VelocityTX aims to accelerate its work to support early-stage companies, attract federal and private-sector investment, and create high-paying jobs within the bioscience and military medical sectors, industries that account for more than $80 billion of annual economic impact to San Antonio.
—
About VelocityTX
Formerly known as the Texas Research & Technology Foundation, VelocityTX is a nonprofit organization established in 1984 to promote sustainable economic and community growth. In carrying out this mission, the organization seeks to advance San Antonio’s life sciences industry through the development of a state-of-the-art bioscience innovation campus on the city’s near east side. Based out of the former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage complex, the master planned development will bring together established bioscience companies, healthcare startups, and military medical research organizations in an inclusive community where ideas collide to spur medical breakthroughs. VelocityTX also promotes workforce development through its Step Into STEM program, and provides entrepreneurial support services designed to accelerate the commercialization of emerging medical technologies. Learn more at velocitytx.org.