UNM Rainforest Innovations - July 2023 E-Newsletter

Monthly news, events & updates

Building a Rainforest in the Desert | July 2023

Right to Start Seeks Support for Statement of Principles and Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

The Right to Start Movement is seeking signers for their Statement of Principles. During the election season of 2024, they will deliver the Statement with all signatures to the U.S. President, leading presidential candidates, the U.S. House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader, all 50 state governors, and other elected officials, urging them to pursue policies that advance these principles.

Learn more

Did you know UNM Rainforest Innovations is an official Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Provider? Startups are eligible to apply for $5,000 in AWS credits valid for 2 years and 1 year of AWS Business Support (up to $1,500). See AWS Activate FAQ (amazon.com). Contact Cara Michaliszyn if interested in applying.

The Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) Celebrates 40th Anniversary

In 1983, the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) was established as one of UNM’s five Centers of Technical Excellence (CTE) by the New Mexico legislature. Now 40 years later, the center has been a critical contributor to UNM’s research and economic development activities and is a nationally recognized center for photonics and microelectronics research. The center also provides access to world class equipment from CHTM user facilities and a stellar reputation for world class research in New Mexico.

CHTM also plays an important role with UNM Rainforest Innovations. Compared to all other centers and department at UNM, CHTM has contributed to the largest number of issued patents, revenue, and startup companies. To date, they have received 285 issued U.S. patents, over $83 million in license revenue, and spurred the creation of 40 UNM technology-based startup companies.

Congratulations to CHTM on 40 years of significant research advancements and innovations!

In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor

Kannan Ramaiyan, PhD

Research Associate Professor

Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering

Member, Center for Micro-Engineered Materials

The University of New Mexico

Active Startup: Sun Safe Technology, LLC

Dr. Ramaiyan’s research areas include:

Solid oxide fuel cell materials development
Electrochemical gas sensors for hydrogen, NOx, ammonia, and hydrocarbons.
Solid oxide electrolyzers
Colorimetric sensors for UV radiation monitoring
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Brand Story Navigator: Power Hour

New Mexico Rainforest Webinar

Thursday, July 13 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (MDT)

Join Paul Blumer to learn how to tell your business and your brand story effectively and consistently!

Why does your business exist? Who's the hero of your brand story? How do you connect with customers? Learn the basics of Brand Voice, and leverage your unique story for effective & consistent brand messaging. Whether it's just you or a whole team; whether you're conceptualizing, building, growing, or rebranding—here's where you mine & refine your brand story into marketing jet fuel.

Paul Blumer is the founder of Quillpower and an ABQ convert of 2 years. He has a Master's degree in narrative writing, and teaching experience in public schools and undergrad creative writing. When he's not helping businesses connect with their audience, he can be found climbing walls (rock or plastic), cooking, traveling, reading, or writing novels.

This event is offered online via Zoom.

Key Resources in New Mexico for

Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Interview with Henry (Jake) Foreman

Program Director, New Mexico Community Capital

Student Interns @ UNM Rainforest Innovations

Natasha Somoza

Student Office Assistant

This month’s featured intern is Natasha Somoza. She joined UNM Rainforest Innovations as a Student Office Assistant in September 2022, and she is currently transitioning to an Innovation Student Intern to expand her knowledge of the company’s operations.

“As an Office Assistant Intern, some of my responsibilities include daily operations such as greeting and directing guests to appropriate space rentals and events, including general upkeep throughout the office suite. I provide departmental support as I assist with tasks like communications, coding, and data entry for the finance team and Tribal Entrepreneurship program here at UNMRI. As an Innovation Intern, I assist with projects (regarding) the marketing and commercialization process of new technologies. Having experience in both Office Assistant Intern and Innovation Intern positions, I most enjoy the sense of teamwork and interdependence of the work we do.”

Natasha is from Herndon, Virginia and received a scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico. “I am a first-generation (American) born and raised in Herndon, VA within the DC Metro area. After graduating from Herndon High School, I earned a merit-based scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico where I am a member of Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc. studying psychology as I am on a path to earn a license as a holistic mental health counselor.”

University Center Mentor Stacy Sacco Named Volunteer of the Month from the City of Albuquerque

On April 13, Stacy Sacco was named Volunteer of the Month from the City of Albuquerque by Mayor Tim Keller. This monthly series showcases people who are making big impacts on the city and positively impacting the people within it.

“Stacy is a conduit in our community; connecting individuals via his network of contacts and resources and making great efforts to support the people he meets,” said Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of UNM Rainforest Innovations. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are grateful for all his work with UNM Rainforest Innovations and our Rainforest University Center program.”

Stacy serves as a Rainforest University Center mentor, providing support and training to start-up entrepreneurs and small business owners. Over the years he has hosted regular office hours to meet with students and provide support. For the past 20 years, Stacy has taught entrepreneurial studies at the UNM Anderson School of Management and served as the Director of the UNM Small Business Institute. Currently, he is the President of Sacco Connections, a management consulting firm, and hosts a free, informational website, with 3,000+ links to local jobs, events, and resources: https://www.nmnetlinks.com/

Attend Upcoming Open Office Hours

Providing Mentoring for Your Startup/Idea

Rainforest Mentor Hours with Stacy Sacco

July 14, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MDT)

Join Stacy Sacco to discuss your startup or idea and gain valuable resources.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Sacco has taught entrepreneurial studies at the UNM Anderson School of Management, and served as the Director of the UNM Small Business Institute. He currently is the President of Sacco Connections, a management consulting firm, and hosts a free, informational website, with 3,000+ links to local jobs, events and resources.

Mr. Sacco will be available for one-on-one mentoring where he will give guidance, coaching and perspective to enhance entrepreneurship and provide connections to resources at UNM and in the community. There are many resources available to those who have ideas that they may want to turn into a business!

Mentoring for Entrepreneurs with Mytegia Lee

July 20, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (MDT)

Come to virtual 1:1 mentoring with Mytegia Lee where she will provide guidance, coaching, perspective, and connections to enhance entrepreneurship and connections to resources at UNM and in the community. There are many resources available to those who have ideas that they may want to turn into a business! Join Mytegia on Zoom and learn more about what is available and which connections are the best fit for you.

Ms. Lee is the Executive Director of the Southwest Native Assets Coalition (SNAC). Prior to joining SNAC she worked in the commercial banking and financing services industry providing credit analysis, financial education as well as small dollar loan origination and servicing throughout western New Mexico.

These are VIRTUAL office hours, please register to select the time frame when you can attend your meeting on Zoom. After you register, a Zoom link and calendar invitation will be emailed to you.