Monthly news, events & updates |
Building a Rainforest in the Desert | February 2022 |
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February 15 | 3:00-5:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom |
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In the Spotlight - Featured UNM Inventor |
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Nancy L. Kanagy, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
Department of Cell Biology & Physiology
The University of New Mexico
Fellow of the American Physiological Society and American Hearth Association
UNM Co-Investigator: Ross Clark, MD
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Dr. Kanagy’s research areas include: Vascular endothelial cell signaling; Regulation of hydrogen sulfide synthesis and activity in vascular endothelial cells; and Effects of chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension on hydrogen sulfide-induced vasodilation. |
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UNM Rainforest Innovations and the UNM Innovation Academy invite you to apply to the National Science Foundation program: |
Lobo Rainforest NSF I-Corps (Regional Program)
Apply by February 13, 2022
The I-Corps program is funded by the National Science Foundation to help scientists and engineers to explore commercialization and prototyping. Selected I-Corps site teams will receive a $3,000 award to assist with customer discovery and also receive entrepreneurial training and guidance over 11 weeks to assess your idea’s commercial viability.
You are applying as a team that has at a minimum: an entrepreneurial lead (a UNM student or post-doc) and an academic lead (a UNM faculty member, staff, or advisor) with a STEM-related technology you wish to commercialize. Through this program, we will pair you with an experienced mentor.
Benefits of participation:
- Get entrepreneurial training, support, and guidance for customer discovery.
- Explore the potential impact of your research project (prototype or proof-of-concept).
- Learn how to assess the market opportunity and pathway for your innovation.
- Achieve eligibility to apply for the national NSF I-Corps program and a $50,000 I-Corps team grant.
- Strengthen your SBIR/STTR proposal if pursuing a startup.
Program Dates:
Mondays, 4:30pm-6:00pm (MT) from February 21, 2022 – May 9, 2022 online via Zoom meetings
Final presentation date: May 2, 2022
Application Requirements:
- Contact information of Team Members
- Description of technology/idea
- Summary of problem being solved
- Description of the target customer that would benefit from the innovation
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February 15, 2022 | Full-day program | Online only |
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U.S. universities are hotbeds of innovative technologies and new knowledge. Yet a growing gap has developed between nascent advanced hard-technology development (in academia and university-rooted startups) and technology concept commercialization (in established microelectronics and semiconductor industries). This gap impedes the translation of disruptive hard-tech from the lab to the market, leading to national calls for action. This workshop will survey the current landscape for startup support and tech translation to identify challenges and opportunities to improve the national ecosystem for launching and sustaining hard-tech startups, as part of a collaborative effort between industry and academia to advance the resurgence of U.S. leadership in semiconductors and microelectronics.
SESSION 1: INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
Featuring speakers from established and emerging ecosystems, as well as regions seeking to expand support for hard-tech entrepreneurship, this session will highlight U.S. regional differences and suggest actions that could elevate new entrepreneurial regions.
SESSION 2: STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES
Presented in two his session will explore roles, contributions, and perspectives of industry and venture capital (part 1), and academia and government (part 2). The critical theme of intellectual property management among the different stakeholders will be highlighted.
Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer, University of New Mexico Rainforest Innovations will be a panel speaker in this segment and share her perspectives.
SESSION 3: PREPARING PROTO-COMPANIES AND STARTUPS
Featuring speakers from incubators, national labs, technical facilities, and other organizations, this session will explore how access to facilities and technical support systems can cut costs and reduce time to market.
SESSION 4: STARTUP EXPERIENCES
Featuring speakers and panelists from different regions and varying stages of development—from seed stage to initial public offering—this session will invite founders and technical leaders of hard-tech startups to describe their journeys.
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The 7-Pillars to a Healthy, Thriving Business
NM Rainforest Webinar
February 16, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (MST)
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In this virtual seminar, A.J. Mirabedini will discuss how your business is an interconnected organism and how you can achieve success by nurturing each of the seven critical pillars:
- Your Finances
- Your Team
- Your Products/ Services
- Your Marketing
- Your Sales
- Your operations
- YOU!
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While the world is full of business leaders focused on the bottom-line success of their own companies, A.J. is dedicating his nearly 30 years outstanding success history to studying, learning, mentoring and advising mid-market businesses and private equity firms interested in them. A.J. is building a movement focused on holistic health of client companies, with deep focus on their finances, HR, marketing, SOP and products and services. He is a consummate business executive and serial entrepreneur, with deep ties to private equity and investors interested in mid-market founder led organizations. |
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A Look at Insurance for the Entrepreneur
NM Rainforest Webinar
February 22, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (MST)
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This session will help explain various coverage needs and options to protect the livelihoods of business owners and their employees. The why, when, and how proper planning can make a difference in your future will be explored.
Michael Chesley is currently an agent with Cress Insurance Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Previously, he was an agency owner with Farm Bureau Financial Services for over 7 years. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas he enjoyed a 25-year career in the hospitality industry with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels, & Marriott International holding various executive positions in the rooms, food and beverage, and sales departments including General Manager. After leaving Marriott International, he opened his own critically acclaimed restaurant in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill area. Michael was named Restaurateur of the year in 2005 by the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Other positions of note are Chairman of the Board of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2003 and currently Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Endorphin Power Company, a transitional home for recovering addicts. Residing in Albuquerque for 30 years, he is married and the father to two children.
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Attend Upcoming Open Office Hours
Providing Mentoring for Your Startup/Idea
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Rainforest Mentor Office Hours with Stacy Sacco |
Mr. Stacy Sacco teaches entrepreneurial studies at the Anderson School of Management, serves as the Director of the UNM Small Business Institute and is President of Sacco Connections, a management consulting firm.
Mr. Sacco will be available for one-on-one mentoring where he will give guidance, coaching and perspective to enhance entrepreneurship and provide connections to resources at UNM and in the community. There are many resources available to those who have ideas that they may want to turn into a business!
Stacy Sacco will be available either IN-PERSON at the Lobo Rainforest Building or VIRTUALLY via Zoom based on your personal preference. Click Sign Up to select the time frame you plan to attend.
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Mentoring for Entrepreneurs with Mytegia Lee |
Come to virtual 1:1 mentoring with Mytegia Lee where she will provide guidance, coaching, perspective, and connections to enhance entrepreneurship and connections to resources at UNM and in the community. There are many resources available to those who have ideas that they may want to turn into a business! Join Mytegia on Zoom and learn more about what is available and which connections are the best fit for you.
Ms. Lee is the Executive Director of the Southwest Native Assets Coalition (SNAC). Prior to joining SNAC she worked in the commercial banking and financing services industry providing credit analysis, financial education as well as small dollar loan origination and servicing throughout western New Mexico.
These are VIRTUAL office hours, please register to select the time frame when you can attend your meeting on Zoom. After you register, a Zoom link and calendar invitation will be emailed to you.
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SCORE mentors will be available for one-on-one, confidential discussions and mentoring to inventors, students, and start-up companies.
SCORE's mentors (https://albuquerque.score.org/) 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:
In accordance with UNM policy, please wear a mask. Walk-ins are welcome, or click Sign Up to select the time frame you plan to stop by.
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Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program - Spring 2022 Class Accepting Applications |
Program dates and location:
May 16-19, 2022 | Gulfport, Mississippi
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The Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) executive education program is one-of-a-kind, with applicants needing five years professional economic development experience and completion of a basic certificate. The program is online and will provide an engaging and immersive experience. Apply now to reserve your spot for the next two-week learning experience that is becoming the standard for advanced EcD training. All economic developers who successfully complete the program earn an Economic Development Master Practitioner diploma from the four partner universities. |
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