Technology building at UH Sugar Land

A major gift will help fund a University of Houston manufacturing laboratory in Sugar Land aimed at assisting emerging businesses. 

University of Houston alumnus and entrepreneur Brij Agrawal and his wife Sunita pledged $1 million to the UH College of Technology building at the Sugar Land campus.  

The gift will fund the purchase of the latest 3D printers, machine tools and measuring test equipment, and the creation of an advanced manufacturing design center focused on small and medium scale industry. Advanced manufacturing, or the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products, is a key goal for the Advanced Technology and Innovation Center at UH at Sugar Land. The center is part of a broader effort in fast-growing Fort Bend County to increase investment, economic development and workforce creation.

Brij Agrawal graduated from UH’s Cullen College of Engineering in 1988 with a degree in mechanical engineering, and quickly made a name for himself as the founder of numerous successful companies in manufacturing, fabrication and fast-casual restaurants. 

“I would not have graduated from college if it wasn’t for the UH System. That is why I am so passionate about supporting UH. I live in Sugar Land and that makes me more attached to the UH at Sugar Land campus,” said Agrawal. “I am thrilled to know the impact this gift will have on the students and faculty in terms of access to state-of-the-art equipment in a modern academic building and campus in Sugar Land.” 

UH President Renu Khator said she is grateful to the Agrawals for the gift that will help create the next generation of tech innovators. “Having access to state-of-the-art lab equipment is critical to building the skills necessary to excel in today’s rapidly developing technology workforce,” Khator said. 

The gift’s total impact could reach $3.5 million after matching gifts from the George Foundation, which will match $1 million, and the Texas Research Incentive Program.

In recognition of the Agrawals’ gift, the building’s ground floor auditorium will be named the Brij and Sunita Agrawal Auditorium.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing in Houston.