Monthly news, events & updates | Building a Rainforest in the Desert | April 2025 | | Innovate New Mexico Fosters Collaboration Among Research Institutions in the State | | |
The 2025 Innovate New Mexico® Technology Showcase brought together the state’s leading research institutions to showcase new advancements in research and technology. The event, which attracted over 150 attendees both online and in-person, included investors, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, local start-up companies, and members of the business community.
Recap of the event
Watch the event presentation recordings here
| | Thank you to the Sponsors and Supporters of the event! | | Circular Genomics Partners with Lilly Gateway Labs to Enhance Alzheimer’s Diagnostics | | |
Circular Genomics, a New Mexico-based startup specializing in circular RNA biomarkers for neurology and psychiatry, has announced its move to the Lilly Gateway Labs innovation hub in San Diego. The company’s selection is based on its promising circRNA platform technologies and diagnostic programs targeting neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. In partnership with Eli Lilly and Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc., the collaboration aims to advance Alzheimer’s biomarkers and improve disease identification and monitoring.
Learn more
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In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor | | | |
Judy Cannon, PhD
Professor
Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Department of Pathology
The University of New Mexico
Dr. Cannon's research areas include:
- Immunology
- T cell migration
- Cell signaling
- Computational modeling
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2025 New Mexico Advanced Energy Award Pitch
Wednesday, April 16 from 9-11:30 a.m. (MDT)
You are invited to attend the final round of the New Mexico Advanced Energy Award competition at the Lobo Rainforest Building to hear finalists pitch!
| | Entrepreneurial Researchers Present Their Novel Projects at the Spring Rainforest Accelerator Final Session | | |
On March 24, seven teams of entrepreneurial researchers presented their innovative projects during the final session of the Spring Rainforest Accelerator.
The Rainforest Accelerator, administered by UNM Rainforest Innovations, supports teams of University of New Mexico faculty and/or post-doctoral or graduate students to go outside of their laboratories and into the marketplace where they can learn first-hand about entrepreneurship. They are also encouraged to explore and validate the commercial landscape surrounding their innovation with the support of $3,000 to fund their market discovery efforts and proof-of-concept prototyping.
Projects developed during the spring cohort included:
- XafetyKar – an automated human or pet detection system inside a vehicle
- Antibacterial Deep Wound Healing Medical Patch – an antimicrobial, deep wound healing medical patch designed to have strong antimicrobial properties and promote faster wound healing
- Smartfacturing – developing methods to enhance the productivity and reduce the downtime of equipment by using sensors to gather and interpret data
- Maynes – Universal Hand-Gesture Robotics Software
- CHTM EMI Shields – a multifunctional device that blocks radiofrequency (RF) waves and detects infrared (IR) radiation
- RxEd – a patient medical education software program used to provide patient medical education on demand
- Sandia Data Technologies – a software that utilizes user uploaded information, database listings and matchmaking algorithms to facilitate trade between businesses
Read more
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Join Us at the Rainforest Pitch Competition Finals Event
Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m.
At Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
Join us to support entrepreneurial students pitching in the final round of the Rainforest Pitch Competition. 10 finalists will each present a 90-second "live" pitch to the audience. No need to register, just show up!
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UNM Rainforest Innovations Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation from The University of New Mexico
| | Join us at the upcoming Innovation Awards where UNM Rainforest Innovations will also be celebrating its 30 year anniversary! | | | |
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Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast
| | | Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, The Indigenous Entrepreneurs podcast is part of the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program and aims to tell the story of the Entrepreneur’s Journey, specifically that of the indigenous entrepreneur, through candid conversations featuring successful indigenous entrepreneurs. | | Start and Grow Your Business with Assistance from the Wonderful WESST! | |
In this episode we speak with representatives from the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) and learn about their different offices, efforts, trainings, and resources available to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state of New Mexico! Tune-in to learn more about this amazing organization and resources!
Check out the podcast
Watch on YouTube
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Attend Office Hours
Providing Mentoring for Your Startup/Idea
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SCORE Mentor Office Hours at the Lobo Rainforest Building
Friday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MDT)
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Meet with SCORE mentors at the Lobo Rainforest Building! Vik Berniklau will be available for one-on-one, confidential discussions and mentoring to inventors, students, and start-up companies.
SCORE mentors are successful business people and entrepreneurs who want to give back to the community by helping other entrepreneurs become and stay successful. SCORE has been helping small businesses start and grow in the Albuquerque area for over 50 years through mentoring and workshops and seminars. SCORE is the largest National resource partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA) with about 11,000 SCORE volunteers sharing their time and talents to help America's small businesses.
| | IN-PERSON at the Lobo Rainforest Building. Click "Sign up" to select the time frame you plan to attend. | | |
Vic Berniklau is retired from the US Department of Energy as Senior Executive after filling positions in Technical and Administrative Leadership. Started two small businesses in electronic security with wife and son growing them to 30 employees ($2M sales) and turned them over to son who continues to grow them. Consultant in technology management and business management. Instructor at University of New Mexico at Graduate Level in Public Administration (Research Methodology) and Business Administration (Management of Technology).
Areas of Expertise:
- Accounting & Finance
- Business Plan
- Government Regulations
- Management & Operations
- Product Development
- Technology
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Registration is Now Open for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership 2025 Session
An intense, comprehensive curriculum now in a one-week session!
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Join the 2025 Cohort Session:
November 3-6, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri
AEDL immerses participants in a collaborative, team-centric approach that fosters learning through exploration, debate, exercises and team competition. The program attracts practitioners from across the U.S. bringing a wide range of thought, ideas and experiences to these sessions. Through this approach and the diversity of thought represented, participants often learn as much from interaction with fellow professionals as they do from faculty instruction.
Learn more about the program
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UNM Rainforest Innovations | Website
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