Technology Research Collaborative Helps Develop and Commercialize High-Tech Products Born in NM

In March 2016, Governor Susana Martinez announced funding through the Technology Research Collaborative (TRC) to help develop and commercialize several innovative products born in New Mexico. The TRC was reestablished in 2013 through legislation enacted by Governor Martinez. The TRC works to commercialize products through partnership between the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology along with several other appointees. Researchers compete for funding to bring their products and ideas to the marketplace.

The first six projects are:

• The University of New Mexico will collaborate with Sandia National Laboratory and Dynamic Photonics through a $60,000 award to develop a significantly cheaper way to produce optical receivers which are used in laser-based fiber optic communications.
• With a $62,000 award, UNM will collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Skinfrared, Inc., to develop advanced infrared imaging tools that can be used in a wide variety of operations, such as commercial, military, medical, and others.
• With $40,000, UNM will collaborate with the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies and OptiPulse, Inc. to commercialize new approaches to growing and expanding wireless broadband.
• Through a $50,000 award, UNM will work with Pressure Analysis Corporation and Albuquerque’s own Duke City Gladiators to develop football helmets designed to lower the risk of head injuries.
• With $50,000, New Mexico State University will collaborate with NMX Organic Pesticides to develop pesticide and fertilizer products to provide organic farmers with more natural options to protect their crops.
• New Mexico Tech and Los Alamos National Laboratory will use a $38,000 award to develop arsenic removal technology to purify water used in the oil and gas industry.

New Mexico is at an advantage with technological resources available through Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Laboratory, university research and private sector research. Governor Martinez and her administration continue to emphasize the importance of helping locally-grown high-tech products, ideas and services grow into prosperous businesses. Converting these resources into successful businesses helps diversify New Mexico’s economy, easing New Mexico's long-time federal dollar reliance.