SANTA FE, N.M. (Mar. 4, 2026) — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has awarded $2.5 million in Entrepreneurship Programmatic Support grants to five organizations working to expand resources that help entrepreneurs develop, launch and commercialize new technologies across the state.
The funding, administered through the Technology and Innovation Office, supports programs designed to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in key growth industries, including advanced computing, advanced energy, aerospace and defense systems, and bioscience.
“These grants help turn New Mexico’s research strengths into real economic opportunity,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “By expanding resources available to technology entrepreneurs, we’re creating the conditions for innovative companies to launch, grow and thrive here in New Mexico.”
According to state leaders, the funding aligns with priorities outlined in the state’s 2025 Science & Technology Roadmap, which emphasizes strengthening the organizations that guide entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization.
“Our roadmap highlighted the importance of investing in the organizations that help entrepreneurs move from idea to market,” said Nora Meyers Sackett, director of the Technology and Innovation Office. “This funding represents an important step toward building a more connected and resilient innovation ecosystem statewide.”
Organizations Receiving Grants
Five organizations across New Mexico have been selected to receive Entrepreneurship Programmatic Support grants to expand innovation programming and services.
Arrowhead Center — $450,000
Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University supports innovation-driven economic growth by helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into scalable businesses.
Through its New Mexico Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program, Arrowhead provides training, proposal development support and technical guidance to small businesses pursuing competitive federal research funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These services help increase federal funding awards to New Mexico companies while accelerating technology commercialization.
HealthInno — $844,000
HealthInno will launch New Mexico’s first healthcare innovation network, connecting healthcare providers, startups, researchers, investors and public-sector partners to bring new technologies to market.
The initiative will help evaluate and pilot advanced computing and digital health technologies, strengthening healthcare delivery across the state while creating new commercialization opportunities for emerging companies.
New Mexico Startup Alliance — $424,000
The New Mexico Startup Alliance is launching a Board Builder Bootcamp to help founders strengthen leadership, governance and strategic decision-making.
Developed in partnership with The Fourth Effect, the program will provide training, mentorship and curated advisor connections through local Board Members-in-Residence, helping startups build stronger governance structures and become more attractive to investors.
NewSpace Nexus — $457,000
NewSpace Nexus has introduced the NewSpace Ignitor Program, designed to support entrepreneurs launching companies in the space and aerospace sectors.
The program connects startups with New Mexico’s national laboratories, testing facilities and commercialization resources through workshops, technical briefings and industry partnerships. Collaborators include VetsinTech, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Startup Alliance, and the UNM Anderson Global Scaling Challenge.
UNM Taos HIVE — $312,000
UNM Taos HIVE, in partnership with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) and the Taos Community Foundation, is launching the Advanced Energy Innovation Bridge program.
The initiative will allow advanced energy startups to test and pilot technologies directly with KCEC while receiving coaching, technical support and industry partnerships. The program will culminate in a community Demo Day designed to showcase emerging technologies and connect innovators with investors and partners.
Expanding New Mexico’s Innovation Economy
The Entrepreneurship Programmatic Support grants are designed to strengthen New Mexico’s innovation pipeline by supporting organizations that provide the resources, mentorship and commercialization pathways needed to grow emerging technology companies.
By connecting entrepreneurs with research institutions, industry partners and investment networks, the program aims to accelerate technology commercialization, job creation and long-term economic growth across the state.
