Building a Rainforest in the Desert | February 2025

Chuck Wellborn, the former CEO of UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI), wrote an op-ed piece for the Albuquerque Journal on the impact and innovation taking place at UNMRI. Mr. Wellborn practiced corporate law in New Mexico for nearly 30 years, including serving as President of the State Bar of New Mexico in 1982.

After many years of working with technology companies and promoting technology-based economic development, Mr. Wellborn took on the challenge of technology commercialization, becoming the first full-time President of UNM Rainforest Innovations (formerly known as STC.UNM) in May of 1995. From 1991-1998, he served on the New Mexico Venture Capital Advisory Committee that has been instrumental in bringing five venture capital firms to New Mexico.

Read the op-ed

The New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 New Mexico Women in Tech Awards, celebrating women who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and community impact within the state’s technology sector. Among the honorees is Shuya Wei, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico and co-founder of Flow Aluminum, Inc. Dr. Wei’s recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to both academia and industry.

The Women in Tech Awards will be held on March 13, 2025, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, where Dr. Wei and her fellow awardees will be celebrated for their remarkable achievements.

Read more

Applications are now open for the New Mexico Advanced Energy Award (NMAEA) Pilot Program! This competitive, state-funded grant awards non-dilutive funds to proposals in advanced energy innovation and commercialization from New Mexico small businesses engaged in research and development. The funds seek to assist early-stage companies developing a unique product with strong growth potential.

Through this award, the New Mexico Economic Development Department ultimately seeks to support the retention or expansion of economic-base businesses; the creation of jobs in economic-base businesses; the development of the tax base; and business development.

Selected proposals will be awarded between $250,000 and $1,000,000 in funds. Funding will be awarded on a cost reimbursement basis. Awards may not be first money in – evaluation criteria will include the proportion of previously-secured funding from additional sources.

Application window: January 8 – February 6, 2025, at 5pm MST.

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Rainforest Student Pitch Competition

Have a business idea? Pitch it! 

Ready to bring your ideas to life? Submit a 90-second video pitch of your idea for your chance to win up to $1,000. The top 10 finalists will pitch live at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. for their chance at a piece of the $5,000 prize pool. Deadline to apply is April 1st.

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Mytegia Lee, a dedicated Tribal Liaison for the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program (NMTEEP) and Executive Director of Southwest Native Assets Coalition, has been selected as one the 2025 Women of Influence honorees by the Albuquerque Business First. For many years, Mytegia has worked to empower rural communities in Western New Mexico, providing essential services such as credit analysis, financial education, and small-dollar loan origination and servicing. As a Tribal Liaison for the NMTEEP, Mytegia has served as a dedicated mentor and navigator for entrepreneurs in tribal communities, helping identify challenges and connect them to resources within the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Women of Influence Awards, now in its 21st year, celebrates women who have excelled in their professional fields and made significant contributions to their communities. This year, 26 women were selected for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to creating positive change.

The awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2025, at The Clyde Hotel in Albuquerque.

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Creative Industries: Designing & Growing a Native Fashion Brand, Interview with Dante Biss-Grayson

In this this episode artist and veteran, Dante Biss-Grayson, shares insights in starting and growing his Native-owned fashion company, Sky Eagle Collection and his experience patenting two of his designs!

Check out the podcast

Watch on YouTube

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 here" 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