Here we are at the end of 2024…and what a year it’s been!
Read on for updates regarding our recent Cannon Beach announcement, progress in the innovation space with the launch of McKinney’s Plug and Play Tech Center, the highly anticipated VENU Amphitheater, where we rate in terms of business friendliness, and how we are working to amplify the voices of our non-profit and business community here in McKinney.
City of McKinney announces a new partnership with Cannon Beach: Surf and Adventure Park
McKINNEY, Texas (Dec. 13, 2024) – The City of McKinney is excited to announce it is pursuing an agreement with Cannon Beach, a $200 million multi-use development set to redefine recreation, tourism, and economic innovation in North Texas. Anticipated to break ground in 2025 at the northeast corner of Stacy Road and S.H.121, this 35-acre project will feature a four-acre surf lagoon, a full-service resort-style hotel, and dining,entertainment, and business spaces.
“We cannot be more excited to bring a beach paradise to McKinney, whose leadership shares our unparalleled vision for a world-class,family-friendly destination that will quite literally bring the ocean to its backyard,” said developer Cole Cannon. “Cannon Beach promises to offer something for everyone, from families and thrill-seekers to professionals and entrepreneurs.”
NTXIA and Curiosity Lab Announce Global Startup Pitch Winner
Czech Republic-based AI technology company VisionCraft AI won the 2024 Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge held recently in Barcelona, Spain, North Texas Innovation Alliance and Georgia-based partner Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners announced.
Judges evaluated four finalists in a live competition held at last month’s Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona.
“All four of our finalists across Ecosystem Informatics, L&T Technology Services, Sial-tronica 22 SL, and VisionCraft AI did a fantastic job showcasing their solutions and pitching to our panel of judges,” NTXIA Executive Director Jennifer Sanders said in a statement.
Sanders said the innovative finalists made it challenging to determine a winner.
“Each finalist hit the nail on the head regarding this year’s problem statements of the future of transportation, sustainability and VRUs,” she said. “We want to thank each of these incredible companies for making the trip to SCEWC in Barcelona for the final competition, and also for their time and efforts in applying and pitching. We send our warmest congratulations to the VisionCraft AI team and cannot wait to move forward in having you all visit the U.S. and begin your deployments.”
NTXIA is a regional consortium of over 40 municipalities, agencies, corporations and academic institutions across North Texas working to create the most connected, smart and resilient region in the country.
Michael Talley, senior vice president of McKinney Economic Development Corp., said he’s pleased with the success of this first Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge.
“The Inaugural 2024 Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge was a massive success, and it was an honor to serve on the judging panel,” he said in a statement. “Our partners at the NTXIA are great visionaries to work alongside to bring international awareness to our innovation efforts in McKinney, alongside our other regional partners working tirelessly to elevate the startup ecosystem across North Texas. We can’t wait to welcome VisionCraft into McKinney’s dynamic startup ecosystem and utilize their innovations to help improve our community.”
Cytracom Relocating HQ to District 121 in McKinney, Aims to Double Staff by Late 2025
The growing company, previously headquartered in Allen, said the move is part of a larger strategy to tap into the area's tech talent pool.
Cytracom, a provider of cloud-based communications and networking solutions for managed service providers and small to medium-sized businesses, has relocated from Allen to the District 121 development in McKinney.
CEO Zane Conkle
The company said its new headquarters, spanning roughly 30,000 square feet, will occupy the top two floors of the District 121 office building, providing ample room for continued expansion. Cytracom, which previously had its office at Allen’s 450 Century Parkway, said it plans to double its staff by the end of 2025.
“We believe McKinney and the 121 Corridor offer the perfect environment for Cytracom’s next phase of growth,” company founder and CEO Zane Conkle said in a statement. “The vibrant commercial district, growing tech sector, and increasing access to top talent make this an ideal location.”
The District 121 development is a unique blend of residential, retail, office, and entertainment spaces. It includes premium features such as a lounge, a golf simulator, a fitness center, and a variety of dining options—from casual eateries to fine-dining establishments.
“McKinney is focused on attracting employers in innovative industries that build high-wage, high-skill jobs,” Michael Kowski, president and CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), said in a statement. “Cytracom embodies the excellence and forward-thinking spirit we value in our community.”
Cytracom said the move is part of its broader strategy to tap into the region’s growing tech talent pool and aligns with MEDC’s vision of establishing the city as a hub for high-tech companies.
McKinney Success: Maverick Power
“We compete against multi-gazillion-dollar companies. But that’s okay. I like the mentality of David versus Goliath.”
Tom Currier
Founder and CEO
Maverick Power
…on competing in the power distribution industry, in a recent MEDC podcast interview with Madison Clark of McKinney Economic Development Corporation.
What happens when you take on industry giants with “a little bit of attitude”? For Maverick Power, it’s led to unprecedented success. The McKinney-based company’s nearly 5,800% growth over the past three years is the highest growth rate the Dallas Business Journal has seen in its 12-year history of the Fast 50 awards—and marks the first time a manufacturing company has achieved the honor, according to founder and CEO Tom Currier.
McKinney's Innovation Fund: By The Numbers
Since its inception in 2020, we have seen tremendous growth, reception, and advancement in the startup ecosystem in McKinney.
There are too many success stories to list – but here’s a snapshot of a few.
- Two companies that met through our fund program have merged together, and are making waves in the sportstech space. Learn About PMG
- We’ve expanded the fund from $50,000 to $200,000 for early stage startups, allowing us to impact companies at various stages of growth. Read about the fund expansion
- This year alone, we’ve welcomed seven companies into the portfolio.
- One of the fund companies was awarded a highly competitive research and development grant from the NIST Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR) under the “First Responder UAS Wireless Data Gatherer Challenge.” Read about SYBORTECH here
- Our team participated in judging an international pitch competition in partnership with the NTXIA. Read the release here
How McKinney’s New ‘Plug And Play’ Solution Will Help Drive More Tech Investment In The Texas City
Plug and Play has tremendous experience in supporting startups through funding, technology development, hiring employees and conquering regulatory hurdles. We have begun to create an ecosystem in McKinney for early-stage technology startups, and Plug and Play will leverage our existing work, add in some of their magic and raise the chances of any startup in our region succeeding.
The official launch kicked off on March 26th at The Cotton Mill in McKinney, followed by another launch event in partnership with Frisco later that day
“Plug and Play Texas will serve as a catalyst for growth for the entire state, a connective tissue between otherwise disparate parties in the innovation value chain. Our mission is to serve as a key statewide economic driver by attracting new business, advancing technology innovation, and becoming one of the most active venture capital investors in Texas companies.”
Kevin Parakkattu
Partner, Plug and Play
Read the BisNow article on Plug and Play and the Innovation Fund here.
VENU - Sunset Amphitheater
The City of McKinney has reached an agreement with Notes Live for the development of a 20,000-seat open-air amphitheater located on 46 acres at the northeast corner of U.S. 75 and S.H. 121. This project – called the Sunset Amphitheater – represents a potential investment in the community in excess of $220 million. It is estimated to bring over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs to the community and an economic impact of roughly $3 billion to the area over the first ten years. Bringing this world-class venue to McKinney was a joint effort by the city, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, and the McKinney Community Development Corporation.
The Sunset Amphitheater will serve as the flagship music venue for Notes Live and represents the largest venue among its locations. The venue will be designed to host major touring artists, focusing on creating an exceptional fan experience through upscale hospitality, crystal-clear sound quality, and spectacular outdoor views. The amphitheater will include over 300 luxury fire pit suites, a reserved seating area, and a landscaped grass berm, all under an iconic roof structure. Construction is projected to begin in late 2024, and Notes Live anticipates the project will be complete for the 2026 touring season.
For information on Notes Live, or investment opportunities, please visit SunsetTexas.com.
Scout Report: Top 13 Cities in DFW - McKinney is #2!
“McKinney is a growing city with many available resources for business owners. Plenty of new industrial and commercial space is available and more is under construction. Utilities are first rate and power and internet access are available in all areas of the city.” – Jon R. | CEO in the Telecommunications Industry (reviewed on Scout)
Read the full report from Scout Cities here
McKinney Momentum: Focus on Non-Profits
Our latest episode of McKinney Momentum features Dana Riley and Jill Scigliano from the Samaritan Inn right here in McKinney. The Samaritan Inn was founded in 1984 as a 10-bed single men’s homeless shelter. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest shelters for our unhoused neighbors in North Texas. They serve single men, women, and families and have the capacity to serve up to 226 residents. Funded by private donors, city grants, and the InnStyle Resale Shop, YOUR giving and volunteering go a long way.
Learn more about how to donate and get involved here: https://saminn.org/
Shop InnStyle: https://innstyle.org/
Subscribe to their YouTube: 
/ @thesamaritaninn6565
EDC 101
We have launched a new series to help resource the community and show people in McKinney what the EDC does, how we’re funded, and more!
3 Episodes are out now, and we hope you’ll take the time to check this short series out. Click the image above to browse this resource.
