New Mexico's Tech and Science Roadmap: Turning Research into Jobs

New Mexico is making big moves to turn its strong research into jobs and money. The state just released a detailed plan called the Science and Technology Roadmap. This plan points out areas where New Mexico is already doing well and suggests ways to use these strengths to create more high-paying jobs. The roadmap focuses on three main areas: quantum technologies, advanced energy, and aerospace and defense systems. It also looks at two growing areas: biosciences and technologies related to agriculture and water. New Mexico is already seeing some success in these areas. For example, a company called Qunnect is building the state's first quantum network. Another company, Pacific Fusion, is investing $1 billion in a new research and manufacturing campus. And Castelion Corp. is creating a huge campus for making hypersonic missiles, which will bring up to 300 high-paying jobs. The roadmap also suggests three main actions to turn these opportunities into economic growth. One idea is to create targeted industry centers, like the $25 million quantum hub in Albuquerque. Another is to move research from labs into the commercial market. The third is to expand access to risk capital to support early-stage startups.The state recently gave grants to 19 startups, including YEEO and Reprotox Biotech. These companies are working on sustainable solutions for pest management and models for assessing the safety of drugs and chemicals. The state hopes these investments will help turn research into scalable, commercial products. However, there are some challenges. One big issue is the lack of physical spaces to support the growth of startups. Another challenge is bringing national lab research to the market. Andrew Clark, co-founder of Hoonify Technologies, said it was difficult to commercialize software developed at Sandia National Laboratories. Hoonify's software provides advanced simulation capabilities for the defense, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. Despite these challenges, New Mexico is making progress. The state recently passed laws to help businesses expand. These laws allow the state to develop infrastructure like utilities, roads, and internet at prime development sites. With a central point of focus and state leadership, New Mexico is confident it will build a healthy ecosystem. New Mexico has long been driven by scientific innovation. While other states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida are more developed, they don't have similar plans to New Mexico's Science and Technology Roadmap. This plan is a big step forward for the state, providing a roadmap for economic growth and job creation.