Texas A&M University System Opens STEM Education and Research Center

The Texas A&M University System opened the STEM Education and Research Center in March of 2026 on the RELLIS Campus in Bryan. Designed by PBK Architects, this dynamic hub for applied science unites academic programming with innovation to accelerate the translation of breakthroughs into next-generation technologies. The $43.4 million facility provides students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning as they engage in shared discovery with researchers and industry partners. The 53,000-sf building features collaborative environments where the workforce of the future will gain immersive experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, programming, and interactive and virtual reality.

Spanning approximately 8,000 sf, an advanced maker space and exploratorium enables prototyping, testing, and fabrication activities. This state-of-the-art venue is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, a machine shop, a wood shop, and electronics stations. Flexible classrooms are accompanied by offices for the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship and partnering firms like Last Energy, Terrestrial Energy, and Plug and Play, establishing direct pathways to career placement.

Seamlessly integrating with the existing campus, the development also lays the groundwork for a pedestrian mall that will be delivered in a subsequent phase of construction. Tellepsen was the general contractor for the project, with Intelligent Engineering Services (IES) as structural engineer and Gessner Engineering as civil engineer. Ground was broken in February of 2024.

As a system-wide resource, the facility will be utilized by students from the RELLIS Academic Alliance, including Texas A&M University-Texarkana, West Texas A&M University, East Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The center will also foster connectivity across the system’s eight state agencies, such as Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.