Southwest Research Institute

Company Description

A unique corporate philosophy allows SouthSouthwest Research Institutest Research Institute to offer contract research and development with appealing business features.

SwRI is independent and impartial. It is not affiliated with any government agency, educational institution, or corporate entity, nor does it endorse products or services.


SwRI is nonprofit. There are no stockholders.


SwRI performs applied contract research and development and encourages technology transfer.


As part of a long-held tradition, all project results arising from client-sponsored research, including patents rights when applicable, belong exclusively to the client. SwRI generally retains the rights to Institute-funded advancements.


SwRI has a wide range of technical competencies and breadth. Its 2,700 staff members in 11 technical divisions have expertise in such areas as chemistry, space sciences, nondestructive evaluation, automation, engine design, mechanical engineering, electronics, and more. The Institute can assemble a multidisciplinary team of experts required by any technical project, giving SwRI a teaming flexibility difficult to find at other R&D organizations.


SwRI has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities located on 1,200 acres in San Antonio, Texas. Almost two million square feet of laboratories, offices, and test facilities support work on almost 1,500 client projects each year