Monthly news, events & updates
Building a Rainforest in the Desert | July 2020
University of New Mexico 2nd Among Mid-Sized Research Universities for Innovation Impact Productivity
Upcoming Events
Photo from Albuquerque Journal
Local startup company Avisa Pharma, Inc. has announced that this summer it is planning to go public on the TSX Venture Exchange in Toronto.

Welcome to our Newest Board Members!
President & CEO, Sandia Foundation
President & CEO, Nusenda Credit Union
In the Spotlight - Featured Inventor
2015 Rainforest Innovation Fellow
C. Jeffrey Brinker, Ph.D.
Distinguished and Regents’ Professor Emeritus
Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
Member, Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of New Mexico

Dr. C. Jeffrey Brinker is internationally recognized for his work in advanced materials and as a pioneer in developing sol-gel processing, a method for making inorganic materials molecule by molecule. Over the past two decades he and his research team have developed self-assembly (wherein molecules spontaneously organize into nanostructures) as a robust and efficient means to create porous and composite thin film and particulate nanostructures with optimized properties and/or complex functionalities.
On June 22, the New Mexico Rainforest EDA University Center hosted its June seminar on “Tapping into Native Business Resilience Moving Forward.”

This webinar discussion was led by entrepreneur and UNM-Gallup University Center Mentor Vanessa Roanhorse, from Roanhorse Consulting. Vanessa was joined by Liz Gamboa and Jake Foreman from New Mexico Community Capital to discuss various ways in which Native American communities have overcome adversity throughout the years and how despite the many challenges faced, continue to persevere in business development.

NM Rainforest University Center Seminar

Drinking Beer at the Bar, Finding Deal Flow
July 16 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Presented by: John Chavez, President of NM Angels
Virtual Rainforest Mentor Office Hours – July
July 17 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stacy Sacco  teaches entrepreneurial studies at the Anderson School of Management, serves as the Director of the UNM Small Business Institute and is President of Sacco Connections, a management consulting firm.

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!

Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program - Fall 2020 Cohort
The Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) executive education program is one-of-a-kind, with applicants needing five years professional economic development experience and completion of a basic certificate. Apply now to reserve your spot at this exciting two-week learning experience that is becoming the standard for advanced EcD training. All economic developers who successfully complete the program earn an Economic Development Master Practitioner diploma from the four partner universities.

  • Week 1: November 2-5, 2020: Kauffman Conference Center, Kansas City, MO
  • Week 2: May 17 - 20, 2021, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus, Long Beach, MS
UNM Rainforest Innovations | Website