New Mexico's Economic Development Department on Friday announced the four startups selected for $25,000 in science and technology grants.
The state money is intended to help develop high-growth potential startups based in the Land of Enchantment. To be eligible for the dollars, startups have to work in one of several target sectors, including aerospace, biosciences, cybersecurity, intelligent manufacturing and sustainable and green energy.
Two bioscience, one aerospace and one sustainable and green energy startup received grants. Those startups are:
- Q Biotech — a bioscience startup based in Rio Rancho that's developing personal chromatography systems for life science research and development.
- Warpfactor Antenna Technologies LLC — a Santa Fe-based startup developing a next-generation antenna technology.
- Mercury Bio — a bioscience startup, also based in Santa Fe, that's developing a biomolecular drug delivery platform.
- Sunnoo — a Las Cruces-based renewable energy startup developing small-scale solar energy systems.
Four other startups were recognized by the Economic Development Department (EDD) as grant finalists, including Absolute Concept Designs, Stellenergy, Mesa Alta Research and Cetaly. In total, the department received over 70 applications, which were reviewed by the EDD's Office of Strategy, Science and Technology and the Technology Research Collaborative board.
The utility of the grant award and the potential for community and economic impact in New Mexico were two factors in considering grant awards.
"Representing the bioscience, cybertechnology and renewable energy sectors, this year's awardees are a great example of New Mexico's strength in entrepreneurship, innovation and tech transfer," Nora Meyers Sackett, director of the Office of Strategy, Science and Technology, said in a statement. "Our state's strong pipeline of science and tech startups is reflected in the 70-plus applications we received for this grant, from many exciting and promising businesses around the state."
Five startups received science and technology grants last year, the EDD announced in January. Another small business funding opportunity from the state, called the Small Business Innovation Research grant program, is accepting applications until Nov. 13.
EDD recently expanded its science and technology department, growing its staff and changing its name to the Office of Strategy, Science and Technology. The office plans to roll out a pair of new green energy-focused funding opportunities, which Sackett called "pilot programs" for the state, including the New Mexico Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program. Applications for that program open on Nov. 15, according to the EDD's website.
"We know that state support for early stage companies is critical for commercialization and business growth," Sackett said in a statement. "The [Office of Strategy, Science and Technology] will continue to work to expand New Mexico's science and technology startup ecosystem and strengthen the resources that enable these companies to grow and remain in New Mexico."
