Monthly news, events & updates | Building a Rainforest in the Desert | March 2025 | | |
The 2025 Innovate New Mexico Technology Showcase is almost here! Be sure to register to attend this collaborative event. | |
March 4, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Event Center at Sandia Golf Club
30 Rainbow Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Agenda details
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The day will include technology panel sessions, a keynote presentation, opportunities to visit the companies on display and breaks for networking, along with a reception.
| Thank you to the Sponsors and Supporters of the event! | |
UNM Research Reveals Alarming Levels of Microplastics in the Human Brain | |
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New research from the University of New Mexico, in collaboration with several institutions, reveals that the brain may contain significantly higher levels of microplastics compared to other organs.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed tissue samples from 47 cadavers and found that brain tissue contained roughly ten times more microplastics than liver and kidney tissue. The average microplastic content in the brain was about 4,800 micrograms per gram, equivalent to the amount found in a plastic spoon. Dr. Matthew Campen and his research team’s groundbreaking work continues to shed light on the environmental and health impact of microplastics.
See Mary Kekatos and Liz Neporent’s February 4 article, “Brain tissue may contain higher amounts of microplastics than other organs: Study,” posted on the ABC News website.
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Osazda Energy Receives SBIR Phase II Matching Grant to Advance Solar Technology | |
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Osazda Energy, LLC, an Albuquerque-based startup, has been awarded a $100,000 SBIR Phase II Matching Grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) to further develop its innovative solar technologies. The company’s product enhances solar panels by providing solar-cell-crack-tolerant metallization, making them more resilient to extreme weather. In addition, Osazda is advancing a software design platform to optimize solar panel performance.
This grant, which is part of the state’s effort to support local innovative technologies, will help Osazda Energy scale its products and strengthen New Mexico’s growing clean energy sector. The Phase II award is aimed at companies with promising technologies that have already secured federal funding, helping them bridge the gap to commercialization and job creation within the state.
Learn more
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In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor | | | |
Dongchang Chen, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
The University of New Mexico
Dr. Chen's research areas include:
- Next-generation Li-ion and Na-ion battery electrode materials featuring a high performance, long-cycle life, low cost, and better sustainability.
- Development of low-cost advanced solid-state batteries and spectro-microscopic characterization techniques for solid-state batteries.
- Novel spectroscopy-based battery monitoring techniques for advanced diagnosis or prognosis of electrochemical energy storage systems.
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UNM Faculty Unveil Latest Technologies at UNMRI Showcase | |
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On February 5, UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI) hosted a technology showcase featuring some of the latest technologies developed at the University of New Mexico (UNM). The event opened with a welcome address from Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of UNMRI, followed by presentations from nine UNM faculty researchers.
See presenters' technologies at the following links:
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Developing New Approaches to Lower Cholesterol and Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease – Bryce Chackerian, PhD, Regents Professor & Vice Chair, Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
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Realizing Two-Dimensional Silicon Carbide (2D SiC) Nanosheet Electronics – Sakineh Chabi, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Low-cost Efficient Wireless Intelligent Sensors (LEWIS) for Research – Fernando Moreu, PhD, Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering
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Accessible Home App Suite – Suzanne Burns, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy
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Nanobese: Nanosystem to Treat Obesity…Differently – Achraf Noureddine, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
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Oncolytic Myxoma Virus: A Novel Immunotherapy for Cancer – Eric Bartee, PhD, Dana C Wood Endowed Professor, Division of Cancer Immunotherapy
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Radioactive Glass Microspheres for Tumor Medical Imaging and Therapy – Nick Carroll, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
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Microsystems-Based Aerosol Generator – Nathan Jackson, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Humanized Non-Opioid Composition and Therapies for Pain Management – Karin Westlund High, PhD, Vice Chair of Research & Distinguished Professor, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine
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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.
Learn more
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New Mexico Economic Development Department Startup Intake Form
New Mexico Office of Strategy, Science & Technology
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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!
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Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast
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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. | |
UNMRI Hires Tribal Liaison for the City of Santa Fe
UNM Rainforest Innovations in partnership with the City of Santa Fe Economic Development Department has hired Deborah Torres to serve as the Tribal Liaison for the City of Santa Fe and surrounding communities.
Deborah Torres is a dedicated advocate for New Mexico’s tribal communities, with extensive experience in tourism, legislative affairs, and community development. As a leader in Native American tourism initiatives, Deborah has worked closely with tribes to promote cultural preservation, economic growth, and meaningful representation.
Read more
Check out our Interview with Deborah Torres on the Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast!
Check out the podcast
Watch on YouTube
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UNM Rainforest Innovations Hosts Visitors from Osaka Metropolitan University and Kyushu Institute of Technology | |
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UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI) recently hosted a group of 10 students and university professionals from Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) and Kyushu Institute of Technology. The group participated in professional training sessions and presentations focused on best practices in university technology transfer and economic development.
Led by Eri Hoshi, Co-Founder of KOSEI, LLC (Knowledge Transfer of Sports, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation), the group engaged in a series of presentations by UNMRI staff on key topics such as commercialization, marketing strategies, intellectual property, economic development, licensing agreements, and invention disclosures. Additionally, students received an introduction to the fundamentals of technology and startup pitch presentations.
During their visit, the group received presentations and toured several local organizations, including Flow Aluminum, Inc., the UNM Center for High Technology Materials, the UNM Innovation Academy, the COSMIAC research center, Radiant Technologies, Inc., Tamarindo Partners, LLC, and Sacco Connections, LLC. The week ended with pitch presentations by the students, with Lisa Kuuttila (UNMRI), Cara Michaliszyn (UNMRI), and Casey DeRaad, the CEO & Founder of NewSpace Nexus, serving as judges.
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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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