Since 2004, 75 new private companies were either spun off from the University or used University technology to start up. These companies focus on drug development, cancer therapies, molecular imaging, medical diagnostics, software development, genetics and more.
UNM Rainforest Innovations (formerly known as the STC.UNM and Science & Technology Corporation @ UNM) is a nonprofit corporation formed and owned entirely by the University of New Mexico Board of Regents (UNM). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with an independent board of directors. Located at the Lobo Rainforest Building in the heart of the Innovation District in Albuquerque, New Mexico, UNM Rainforest Innovations has proximity to research and development and laboratory facilities and other technology-based companies, many of which are the creation of UNM Rainforest Innovations.
The mission of the organization is to foster a Rainforest in the Desert, UNM Rainforest Innovations nurtures innovation and catalyzes economic development.
UNM Innovation Academy is located at the Lobo Rainforest Building. The Innovation Academy is designed to allow students to pursue their interests in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Here they build their enterprise while completing their degree program with world-class support from a research university truly interested in their success. See more information at https://innovationacademy.unm.edu/.
The ASCEND (Accelerating Solutions for Commercialization and Entrepreneurial Development) Hub is a Regional Technology Transfer Accelerator Hub for the seven Mountain West IDeA States: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Dr. Eric Prossnitz is the Academic PI of the Hub which is led by UNM.
To increase entrepreneurship and commercialization of basic medical science in the mountain west states, the ASCEND solution provides
ASCEND was just awarded Phase II funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this second phase of funding, they will continue to develop their training and mentoring programs this time partnering with the Albuquerque based NM Startup Factory as their industrial lead and Rob Delcampo and the UNM Innovation Academy as their educational lead.
The New Mexico Bioscience Authority (NMBSA) was created in 2017 by the legislature as an official state entity and the state’s first public-private partnership which includes state government, research institutions, national laboratories, and private industry. The NMBSA is growing a robust bioscience industry in New Mexico by connecting Research & Development, Tech Transfer, Investment, and Entrepreneurs.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of 13 professionals from across the state that represent the various research institutes, industries, and entrepreneurial organizations that comprise the bioscience sectors. More information regarding the five subsectors that contribute to the diversification of the bioscience sector can be found on our webpage where we break down The Future of Bioscience in New Mexico.
The NMBSA is currently conducting three main programs to promote the advancement of the bioscience industry in the state: Community Readiness Program, Co-Investment Program, SBIR/STTR Bioscience Accelerator Program which is intended to extend the reach of the federally funded ASCEND Hub.
Contact our staff to learn more about getting involved or sign up for our listserv.
Healthy Neighborhoods Albuquerque (HNA) increases jobs and economic activity in underinvested neighborhoods in ABQ via collaborations.
The mission of HNA is to develop partnerships and collaborative projects that leverage anchor institutions' capacities to buy local and hire local, as well as promote business development by creating “Main Street Jobs” in underinvested neighborhoods throughout the community.
Anchor Institutions
Project HIRE is an initiative to strengthen the local economy by strengthening the workforce pipeline. Project HIRE creates a career pathway for high school graduates, placing them in positions in our anchor institutions.
Participating Anchors: UNM HSC, APS, PHS, CABQ, Bernalillo County & CNM
Community Partners: NM Workforce Connection and YDI
Our anchors are committed to increasing their procurement of locally grown food, goods and services. We understand that each contract we grant New Mexico based organizations enables a local business to create jobs and wealth in our local economy.
Participating Anchors: CABQ, BERN CO, UNM HSC, PHS, APS
Community Partners: Agri-Cultura Network, First Choice Community Health, MoGro: Mobile Grocery