WRITER: Dana Catron, 505-469-8411, dderego@ad.nmsu.edu
The New Mexico Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, housed at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, will host its second annual Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Innovation Summit. This important event addresses opportunities for New Mexico technology-based innovative businesses to connect with the Department of Defense (Navy and Air Force) and other funding organizations. The event will take place on Dec. 12 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The Innovation Summit presents an opportunity for small technology firms to learn how their innovative ideas or capabilities – either technology or services – can be delivered to Department of Defense and other innovation funders. NAVSEA will be sending program managers to the event to present on upcoming funding topics and meet privately with startups. Currently, the Navy invests $350 million of non-dilutive funds every year in innovative ideas.
"This event is an unparalleled opportunity for New Mexican startups to log critical face-time with funding organizations," said Kathryn Hansen, director of Arrowhead. "Events like the Innovation Summit contribute to building a thriving innovation ecosystem in our region, and I'm excited to see what will come out of this year's event."
This year's event will build on last year's success – over 300 individuals participated in the in-person event or at one of the eight satellite locations in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. The 2018 Innovation Summit will add additional satellite sites in Idaho, Montana and North Dakota.
The 2018 Innovation Summit will feature a broader range of topics, more organizations available for private one-on-one sessions, and engaging panels focused on tips and tricks for submitting a strong proposal, how to engage with industry, and where to look for and secure follow-on funding. Rapid-fire pitches from local economic development organizations will highlight additional funding and assistance opportunities available to startups across the state.
"Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University did a fantastic job of putting on the event last year, and we at NAVSEA are excited about coming back to Albuquerque and meeting new small businesses and SBIR/STTR Program participants and supporters," said Dean Putnum, NAVSEA SBIR/STTR program manager. "Small businesses have brought innovative solutions that supported and enabled our naval warfighters in expanding the technological edge over our adversaries. I believe that New Mexico is a rich bed for technological innovation, and the SBIR/STTR Program is a way for the Navy to tap into that."
The NM FAST program, which is supported by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, works to improve the participation of small businesses in federal SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for innovative, technology-driven small businesses. NM FAST has gained traction in New Mexico by offering statewide workshops, mentoring, and micro-grant awards for eligible small businesses.
Tech companies, small businesses, economic development organizations, researchers, faculty, inventors, and students are encouraged to attend the Innovation Summit in an exciting chance to visit one-on-one with program managers and hear panels and presentations from several high-ranking officials. While focused on SBIR/STTR funding, the event will be compelling and relevant for anyone interested in learning how to move their technology or innovation towards market.
Save the date for Dec. 12 to attend in person at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Registration will open Sept. 1. Updates are available at the event website, http://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/innovationsummit/.
The event is currently sponsored by Arrowhead Center at NMSU and the City of Albuquerque. Sponsorship packages are available. For information on how your organization can benefit from partnering with this one-of-a-kind event, contact Dana Catron, program manager for NM FAST at 505-469-8411 or dderego@ad.nmsu.edu.