Monthly news, events & updates |
Building a Rainforest in the Desert | June 2022 |
|
CHTW Supporting Women Scientists at UNM’s Center for High Technology Materials |
|
There’s a new project at the Center for High Technology Materials with the goal of supporting women scientists at the center. Called CHTW, the project works to increase presence, recognition, success, and satisfaction for women scientists. The Center for High Technology Materials promotes research and education in photonics, microelectronics, and nanoscale materials and devices and their applications. They also foster interaction between the University of New Mexico, federal laboratories, and industry while promoting an entrepreneurial spirit for economic development.
CHTW currently organizes seminars, workshops, informal lunchtime discussions, drop-in hours, and more. Visit their website to learn more and explore their different resources at: https://chtw.unm.edu/index.html.
|
|
Rainforest Forum in April Discusses Corporate Engagement Initiatives at UNM Rainforest Innovations |
|
In April, UNM Rainforest Innovations held an in-person Rainforest Forum bringing together the University of New Mexico (UNM) and business community members to exchange ideas and open dialogue on the mission and goals of UNM’s corporate engagement. The forum was led by UNM Rainforest Innovations Board Members Robert Nath and David Foster.
The vision of the new corporate engagement initiatives is to situate the University of New Mexico at the top of global corporate call lists for engaging talent, advancing research, establishing collaboration, and developing workforce. As the Director of Corporate Engagement, Mathis Shinnick plans, develops, and manages external outreach initiatives and partnerships on behalf of UNM Rainforest Innovations and the University of New Mexico. This collaborative initiative embodied in the Corporate Engagement Network led by Mathis, includes members from across campus, including UNM’s schools, offices, centers, and branches, in order to align strategic goals within the university and create an integrated network of members.
During the Rainforest Forum, there was a panel discussion that included two companies: Thorlabs and Shimadzu.
|
|
In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor |
|
|
Stefan Posse, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Neurology
Member, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of New Mexico
Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Department of Clinical Medicine
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
|
Research areas include: biophysics of high frequency resting-state functional MRI in human brain, development of ultra-high-speed real-time functional MRI data acquisition, development of real-time signal and image analysis tools for task-based and resting-state functional MRI, development of neuro-feedback to synchronize brain functional networks using real-time resting-state functional MRI, development of high-speed proton echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (PEPSI) for proton and C13 hyperpolarized MR spectroscopic imaging in human brain, development of single-shot diffusion tensor MR spectroscopic imaging in human brain, development of simultaneous functional MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging in human brain, clinical application: pre-surgical real-time resting-state functional MRI in patients with brain tumors, and other clinical areas of interest: epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. |
|
|
Startup Advanced Concepts in Biology Exploring New Ways to Fight Cancer with Technology Developed at the University of New Mexico |
|
A new biotechnology startup has emerged in our innovation ecosystem with the goal of fighting cancer with novel technology developed at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Advanced Concepts in Biology, LLC and UNM Rainforest Innovations, the technology transfer and economic development organization for UNM, closed on a license agreement in the fall of last year for exclusive rights to the technology.
Researchers at UNM identified an isomer of the FDA-approved drug Ketorolac that has the ability to selectively inhibit key cancer pathways and treat multiple tumors including ovarian and breast cancer. This component, called R-Ketorolac, selectively inhibits Rac1 and Cdc42 and was found to be less toxic and could be dosed much higher and for longer periods of time in comparison to Ketorolac.
Based on this promising data, Advanced Concepts in Biology are currently developing R-Ketorolac towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA and a Phase I/II clinical trial in ovarian cancer patients at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. Key management includes Jeffrey Serbin, Peter Kash, Richard Serbin, and Colby Kash.
|
|
UNM I-Corps Site Program Trains Spring 2022 Cohort |
|
Six teams of university students recently completed the 12-week long spring I-Corps program hosted by UNM Rainforest Innovations and UNM’s Innovation Academy. This program trains entrepreneurial-minded faculty and students on how to transition their STEM-related technologies to the marketplace.
Teams consist of an academic lead (typically a UNM faculty or staff member), and entrepreneurial lead (a UNM student or post-doc), and an external industry mentor provided by the I-Corps program. Throughout the program teams learn how to determine value propositions, customers, size of market, and market trends for their respective technologies. They are also equipped with $3,000 in seed funding to fund their customer discovery efforts and proof-of-concept prototyping.
|
|
Student Interns @ UNM Rainforest Innovations
|
|
|
|
|
Our featured intern this month is Ariana Nava, who joined UNM Rainforest Innovations in August 2021 as an Innovation Intern. “I enjoy that UNMRI consistently provides me new challenges and learning opportunities. Through curating mailing campaigns, drafting non-confidential summaries, conducting novelty searches, assisting start-up companies, researching various markets, and creating marketing summaries, I have been able to expand my capabilities. From cancer research to satellites, I am always getting the opportunity to learn about something new.” |
|
|
It Takes a Village to Raise a Startup |
|
In a column written by John Rice, Chair of the New Mexico Angels and Angel Investor and President of ASiQ, LLC, he reflects on the importance of community when it comes to supporting and growing startup businesses, which he calls the children of our economy.
There are many members of our ecosystem village, including the New Mexico Angels, ABQid, CNM Ingenuity, the University of New Mexico, UNM Rainforest Innovations, Innovation Academy, WESST and the Santa Fe Business Incubator, our state’s national laboratories, New Mexico Biotechnology & Biotechnology Association, city and state economic development resources, and a plethora of other network members.
Just as sports teams excel with the support of an enthusiastic fan base, startups and entrepreneurs exceed expectations with public support. We can all do our part to help “raise” a startup, whether that is buying local products, providing mentorship and guidance, or by simply cheering them along.
|
|
Attend Upcoming Open Office Hours
Providing Mentoring for Your Startup/Idea
|
|
|
|
|
Rainforest Mentor Office Hours with Stacy Sacco |
For the past 20 years, Mr. Stacy 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!
Stacy Sacco will be available either IN-PERSON at the Lobo Rainforest Building or VIRTUALLY via Zoom based on your personal preference. Click Sign Up to select the time frame you plan to attend.
|
|
|
|
Mentoring for Entrepreneurs with Mytegia Lee |
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.
|
|
UNM Rainforest Innovations | Website
Sign Up to receive our e-newsletters and event emails
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
