A Message From Our Executive Director

Welcome to the inaugural edition of BioConnect—our new monthly newsletter spotlighting the innovation, talent, and momentum of New Mexico’s growing bioscience sector.

This newsletter is designed to celebrate your accomplishments and connect you with the people, programs, and resources that support your work. In this first edition, you’ll receive an update on our Bioscience Entrepreneurship Experience (BEE) Internship Program, explore our new RFP for travel grant opportunities to the BIO 2026 International Convention, and learn more about some exciting changes to the Bioscience Connect EcoMap coming soon.

BioConnect is a community-driven resource, and we invite you to help shape it. If you have news, milestones, or opportunities you’d like to share in future editions, please contact our Communications and Industry Outreach Manager, Irene Gray. We look forward to growing BioConnect into a valuable monthly touchpoint for New Mexico’s bioscience community.

Warmly,

Stephanie Tofighi, MSPP

Executive Director

New Mexico Bioscience Authority

Bioscience Entrepreneurship and Experience (BEE) Internship Program Launches

The Bioscience Entrepreneurship Experience (BEE) internship program launched its pilot cohort on January 20, welcoming 13 interns from UNM, NMSU, NM Tech, and CNM. Interns are placed with six New Mexico-based bioscience companies across the state.

BEE is a statewide internship program that pairs bioscience and business students with industry partners to strengthen workforce development and support New Mexico’s college-to-career pipeline.

Interested in hosting interns for the summer?
Join us for a virtual info session:
Friday, February 20

11:30 AM to noon
Register here

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEE INTERNSHIP

Funding Watch

BIO 2026 International Convention Travel Grants

To ensure New Mexico’s bioscience companies are represented on the global stage, NMBSA is excited to announce we are offering up to $90,000 in travel grants for the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego, CA.

Grants support small businesses engaging with international partners and investors through two pathways:

Pitch Competition Track: Support for up to six companies selected for BIO-affiliated pitch competitions or investor forums
Pavilion Staffing Track: Support for up to eight companies representing New Mexico at the state pavilion

APPLY BY MARCH 16

New Year, New EcoMap

The New Mexico Bioscience Connect EcoMap is a comprehensive, living catalog of resources and opportunities available to all New Mexicans engaged in bioscience innovation.

We are excited to announce that changes will be coming within the next couple months to enhance the user experience of this important resource. If you need to update your record, or would like to create one, you are encouraged to do so during this migration to our new platform.

GO TO BIOSCIENCE CONNECT

Events & Networking

NMBSA Board Meeting

February 19

11:30 AM - 1 PM

BEE Internship Virtual Info Meeting

February 20

11:30 AM - 12 PM

Red Bull Basement X NM Tech Talks Meetup

February 26

6-9 PM

Hollow Spirits Distillery

2026 Innovate NM Technology Showcase

March 3

8 AM-4 PM

UNM Rainforest

Did you miss our kick-off to Elevate New Mexico? Click the video above to watch distinguished diplomat and global business executive, Meg Whitman's, conversation with NMBSA board member, Dale Dekker.