Monthly news, events & updates | Building a Rainforest in the Desert | October 2024 | |
ShearIT Secures $490k NIH Grant for Stroke Treatment Research | |
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A local startup, ShearIT, LLC, has been awarded $490k in funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to support their Phase I (proof of concept) research for their utilization patented compound, Lamiflo™, and its effectiveness in extending the ischemic penumbra in large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Lamiflo™ is a high molecular weight polymer that enhances blood and red blood cell (RBC) flow by altering the physical dynamics of flow, not pharmacologically, and capable of increasing flow independent of tissue viability or vascular sensitivity. It converts turbulent to laminar flow, improves oxygen delivery to the brain, increases capillary endothelial shear rate via the glycocalyx which controls all aspects of endothelial function including thrombosis. In two rat models of AIS by embolic and monofilament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the study evaluates by quantitative voxel analysis in MRI imaging, Lamiflo™ effectiveness in extending the duration of the ischemic penumbra and delaying the expansion of the core in without increasing hemorrhagic transformation. Positive results will support a Phase II application that includes development of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), InLife and toxicology studies for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for FDA approval to pave the way to safety clinical trials.
Learn more
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Lisa Kuuttila Joins the New Mexico Bioscience Authority Board to Foster Local Innovation and Economic Growth | |
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Lisa Kuuttila has joined the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Bioscience Authority (NMBSA), bringing with her a wealth of experience in technology commercialization and economic development. As President & CEO of UNM Rainforest Innovations since 2003, Lisa has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and collaboration in New Mexico’s bioscience sector. With over 30 years of leadership in the field, including positions at Purdue Research Foundation and Iowa State University, Lisa has significantly increased the number of spin-off companies and managed seed-capital funds to support entrepreneurial growth. Lisa’s extensive background in technology commercialization and entrepreneurial ecosystem development will be a valuable addition to the NMBSA as it works to advance the state’s bioscience industry.
Learn more
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In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor | | | |
Shuya Wei, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
Center for MicroEngineered Materials
The University of New Mexico
Dr. Wei's research areas include:
- Electrochemical fundamentals and transport phenomena at the electrode/electrolyte interphases
- Energy storage materials (biomaterials and nanomaterials)
- Catalytic materials for greenhouse gases and chemical threats fixation and conversion
- Development of beyond Li-ion batteries
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Credit Building and Financial Foundations for You and Your Business
Thursday, October 10 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Santa Clara Pueblo Senior Center
Join the Santa Clara Library, NMTEEP and Enterprise Bank for a session on Credit Building and Financial Foundations for You and Your Business!
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Student Interns @ UNM Rainforest Innovations | | | |
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Joshua Zamora-Griego
Innovation Intern
Our featured intern this month is Joshua Zarmora-Griego who currently serves as an Innovation Student Intern. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Joshua attended Albuquerque Academy High School and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing management.
“Much of my family has always lived in New Mexico, supporting my career and pursuits. Although I want to remain flexible about where my career can go, I want to be embedded in the start-up community and expand my knowledge to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses or become one myself and eventually open my own business.”
Joshua has a plethora of hobbies he enjoys in his free time:
“I have many different hobbies, including chess, guitar, learning some new calisthenics moves, and even rock climbing. I also love to travel with friends, where recently, I traveled to Bozeman, Montana. I went cliff jumping there in the Grand Tetons and camped in Yellowstone National Park for three days.”
As an Innovation Intern, Joshua has been introduced to New Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and especially enjoys working with startups:
“One of the most valuable moments I had at UNM Rainforest Innovations was meeting the entrepreneurs who were starting their companies from scratch. I felt like I could relate to them and connect with their understanding, and it was interesting to see how they handled their problems within their businesses and ways UNM Rainforest could help. I’ve also learned a lot about properly managing and organizing outreach to companies and properly researching and conducting prior art searches for a wide range of start-up technologies to help these entrepreneurs in their pursuits.”
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Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast
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"nDiginizing" Entrepreneurship & Economies | |
During this episode we learn about Bernina Gray's journey of starting her business, and her greater goals regarding entrepreneurship and "nDiginizing" economies.
Listen to the podcast
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Changing Power Dynamics of Health & Wealth Systems | |
In this episode Vanessa Roanhorse shares about her journey starting Roanhorse consulting and how she fell into her path & purpose of entrepreneurship and trailblazing the way towards a future led by Indigenous people.
Listen to the podcast
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Cultivating Change: Bidii Baby Foods’ Farmer-in-REZidence™ Program | |
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Bidii Baby Foods LLC’s Farmer-in-REZidence™ program, now in its second year, is tailored to support young Indigenous farmers starting agribusinesses on Tribal Trust land. This unique incubator addresses the specific challenges of farming on “the rez,” where issues like land and water access, jurisdictional barriers, and capital constraints are prevalent. Land transfer processes are complicated by legal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) requirements, and political resistance often prevents the reallocation of idle farmland. To overcome these obstacles, the program provides training in traditional and organic farming, access to two acres with irrigation, shared heavy equipment, and nonprofit fiscal sponsorship. This comprehensive support helps participants immediately apply their training, build capital, and secure funding for growth.
Zachariah Ben is the owner and co-founder of Bidii Baby Foods, LLC, a Navajo-registered business that sells organic, indigenous baby foods. Zach also serves as a tribal liaison with the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program, where he supports other Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout New Mexico on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Learn more
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Attend Office Hours
Providing Mentoring for Your Startup/Idea
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SCORE Mentor Office Hours at the Lobo Rainforest Building
October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MDT)
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Meet with SCORE mentors at the Lobo Rainforest Building! Dar Johnson and 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. | |
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Dar Johnson has over 57 years in the aerospace private sector and with the Government, including over 38 years in senior and C-level management positions. He has been responsible for achieving growth nation-wide, obtaining new customers, cost containment, turning around marginal operations, increased profitability, customer satisfaction, staffing, and policy and procedure development. He also has worked in business development, proposal support, capture manager and proposal manager. He has owned a successful consulting business.
Areas of Expertise:
- Business Plan
- Government Regulations
- Management & Operations
- Marketing
- Product Development
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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
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New Mexico Venture Connect: Founders & Funders | |
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You are invited to a unique networking experience where entrepreneurs and venture capitalists come together to explore funding opportunities in vibrant New Mexico.
Set in the stunning Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, this event encourages conversations between local, regional, and national investors and entrepreneurs across various sectors*. Following the networking session, gain deeper insights during an “unplugged” panel discussion with select investors, and cap off the evening with an investor dinner. There is no cost to attend.
*Industry sectors: Space, Clean Energy, Life Sciences, Software/AI, Hard Tech/Early Stage
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NM Venture Connect: Founders & Funders
November 13, 2024
Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe
4:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Agenda:
4:30 - 7:00: Networking social with a VC panel
7:00 - 9:00: Investor dinner for VCs and event sponsors
Stay at the Inn for $179 per night when you use this link by October 30.
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New Mexico Artificial Intelligence in Medicine ECHO
2nd and 4th Fridays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Join this program to learn more about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can best be integrated in medical practice. The goal is to enhance participant's confidence in understanding and utilizing AI tools and applications in their respective health care settings.
Topics covered include:
- AI Models
- Ethics of AI
- AI and Patient Communication
- Role of AI and EMRs
- AI and Telemedicine
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UNM Rainforest Innovations | Website
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