"New Mexico is blessed with remarkable breadth and depth in science, engineering, and technology. Those strengths provide a strong foundation that make New Mexico one of the foremost centers of innovative research and development in the world. The State is partnering with our two national laboratories, our research universities, and other innovation-driven institutions and businesses in creating new thrusts in driving technology-based economic development. We are also developing new ways in which we can more effectively use our resources to strengthen our efforts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. This website is meant to serve as a portal for all those interested in learning more about the world-class science, engineering, and technology capabilities we have in New Mexico. We encourage you to contact us if you are interested in learning more about what makes New Mexico such a premier crossroad of science, engineering, and technology."

— Thomas Bowles, Science Advisor to the Governor

EDD Encourages Application for Federal Biotech Credit

Money available to create jobs, provide for healthcare breakthroughs

SANTA FE- In a continuing effort to promote job growth in New Mexico’s outstanding research and development cluster, the New Mexico Economic Development Department is encouraging local biotech research entities to apply for the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Credit (Internal Revenue Code Section 48D). 

The credit provides for biotech research, with the aim of making technological breakthroughs, reducing healthcare costs and creating new jobs.  The measure offers a 50% tax credit or nontaxable grant of the same amount for qualifying biotech investments in tax years 2009 and 2010.

Distribution of the funding is determined on the basis of a competitive application process.  The IRS, Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department will evaluate the applications, favoring those that create and sustain high-paying and high-quality jobs.  Applying companies must have fewer than 250 employees. A total pool of $1 billion is available, with a cap of $5 million of credits or grants per company.

The application process is open from June 21 through July 21, 2010, and will conclude in October when project awards are announced by mail.

For full details and assistance in the application process, please contact Ellen Veseth at 505-827-0281, or at .

NMEDD Enters into Agreement with Smart Grid Advocate Galvin Electricity Initiative

MOU to assist innovative state green grid initiative

SANTA FE- The New Mexico Economic Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Galvin Electricity Initiative to help optimize the development of the New Mexico Green Grid Initiative (NMGGI). The MOU covers specific activities, including assessments of technical progress, policy development and educational outreach. 

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Galvin, and see it as another stepping stone in transitioning New Mexico to an efficient green grid,” stated Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón.  He added, “Our partnership in these efforts will spur entrepreneurial innovation, create green jobs, and attract clean business to New Mexico.”

The Galvin Electricity Initiative is a non-profit organization advocating for electricity grid modernization in the U.S.  The MOU establishes an innovative public-private partnership that will assist in incorporating new and innovative smart grid technology by building cost-effective microgrid distribution systems throughout the state, which will achieve dramatic improvements in reliability, maximize clean energy resources, benefit consumers, and lower operations and maintenance costs.

“We are proud to lend our expertise and guidance to the New Mexico Green Grid Initiative and become a part of this statewide partnership,” said Galvin Electricity Initiative Executive Director Kurt Yeager, who signed the agreement. “Smart microgrids are the right approach for green-minded New Mexico since on-site generation and clean energy integration capabilities of this type of distribution system will improve the electricity system’s overall reliability and reduce New Mexicans’ electricity costs.”

The Galvin Electricity Initiative’s New Mexico work will be implemented by New Mexico-based Energy Control Inc. (ECI), a nationally recognized smart grid company led by Jack McGowan, Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Energy GridWise Architecture Council. “The combination of business and technical benefits from green microgrids can create Enterprise Zones for Electricity that will create jobs and stimulate new business opportunities,” said McGowan. 

The MOU stipulates:

• Galvin will work with NMGGI members, the Economic Development Department and other interested parties and state agencies to make policy recommendations to assist New Mexico in driving a transition to a green grid in a timely and effective manner.
• Galvin will take a leading role in the development of educational outreach, including seminars and messaging, to detail the challenges and successes of the green grid.
• Galvin will establish a New Mexico office to provide monthly reports to the NMGGI and the Economic Development Department to track results and accomplishments of the green grid.

The agreement will last until June 30, 2012

More on the New Mexico Green Grid Initiative ( NMGGI): Beginning in August 2008, the NMGGI was established with the goal of making New Mexico the first state with a green grid, a statewide smart grid with at least half of the electricity being produced from clean and renewable energy sources.

The NMGGI is providing a technical roadmap and business plan for investment that lays out how a green grid can be implemented in New Mexico, and has been working with the nation of Japan, as well as electric utilities, communities, businesses, and other organizations to carry out a set of demonstration projects.  These demonstration projects include at least five sites testing the viability of a microgrid, small local electrical grids that can be controlled by the consumer and a utility to provide for optimal performance.

More on the Galvin Electricity Initiative: The Galvin Electricity Initiative was launched by former Motorola CEO Robert W. Galvin to transform our electric power system into one that is reliable, efficient, secure and clean, and meets the needs of 21st century consumers. In 2010, the Initiative is accelerating its campaign to spark a migration toward a consumer-driven electric power system in select states. The campaign goal is to promote grid modernization through Perfect Power smart microgrids that place top priority on serving consumers and businesses with reliable, high-quality, clean power.

For more on Galvin, please go to [url=http://www.galvinpower.org/]http://www.galvinpower.org/[/url].

State of New Mexico Science and Technology Plan - A Roadmap for the Future

Santa Fe - The State’s new Science and Technology Plan, “Technology 21,” is now available. After nearly 18 months’ of work by nearly one hundred people, the plan details the State’s science and technology infrastructure and points the way towards the creation of new sustainable high-wage technology jobs and business growth in its two parts. 

The 100-page plus document may be downloaded here. Science & Technology Plan, Science & Technology Plan-Appendices For more information, contact: Stephan Helgesen, Director of the Office of Science and Technology, Economic Development Department, at 505/827-0616 or email:

New Mexico’s Angel Investment Tax Credit Nets Over $1 Million for Local Tech and Manufacturing Firms

SANTA FE, NM – The Economic Development Department’s Office of Science and Technology announced today that accredited investors using Governor Bill Richardson’s Angel Investment Tax Credit program have invested $1,030,595 in four New Mexico companies engaged in high-technology research or manufacturing since the tax credit went into effect July 1, 2007.

The Angel Investment Tax Credit was approved by the 2007 New Mexico State Legislature. The provision states that a taxpayer who files a New Mexico income tax return and who is a qualified investor may take a tax credit of up to $25,000 – 25 percent of a qualified investment of not more than $100,000 – for an investment made in a New Mexico company that is engaging in high-technology research or manufacturing.

“The Angel Investment Tax Credit is a powerful tool that encourages private investors to invest their money in local companies in an effort to broaden New Mexico’s tax base and strengthen those operations engaging in the kind of business activities specified in the initiative,” said Ellen Veseth, Angel Investment Tax Credit Program Director. “Opportunity abounds for both investors and qualifying companies – it’s just a matter of spreading the word that this tool is available.”

Qualified companies that have received Angel Investments during the program’s first six months are:

• Gourmet Pet Supply, Inc. – Albuquerque – Manufacture of all-natural, human-quality avian and small animal health foods

• Vibrant Corporation – Albuquerque – commercializing Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) for the aerospace and power generation industries

• APJeT, Inc. – Santa Fe – Fabric-treatment processes for the textile industry

• Advent Solar – Albuquerque – Solar cell technology

About the Angel Investment Tax Credit

To qualify, investors and companies must complete a detailed application process administered by the state Economic Development Department.

A qualified investor may claim the Angel Investment Credit for up to two qualified investments in a taxable year, provided that each investment is in a different qualified business. Any portion of the tax credit remaining unused at the end of the taxpayer’s taxable year may be carried forward for three consecutive years.

For more information on the Angel Investments Tax Credit, visit http://www.goNM.biz or call Ellen Veseth at 505-827-0281.

Governor Bill Richardson Announces 350 New Jobs for Albuquerque

SCHOTT Solar to hire 1,500 for new $500 million manufacturing plant in first seven years

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced SCHOTT AG, of Germany, will build a solar products manufacturing plant at Mesa Del Sol, just south of Albuquerque.  The $500 million complex is expected to open in early 2009 and will create as many as 1,500 jobs at peak production.

SCHOTT will manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and receiver tubes for concentrated solar plants at the new facility, and will be one of the company’s largest operations in the United States.

“I am committed to making New Mexico a clean energy state,” said Governor Richardson.  “I am pleased SCHOTT is opening a factory and bringing more alternative clean energy development to the state.”

SCHOTT is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world. The company operates in 41 countries with 16,800 employees worldwide. It has been in operation for more than 150 years.

“According to both industry analysts and our projections, the market for solar energy will double over the next five years,” said Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, Chairman of SCHOTT’s Board of Management. “With this new plant, SCHOTT Solar, the State of New Mexico, the City of Albuquerque, and Bernalillo County are taking a lead in answering the growing demand for renewable energy in the United States.”

Construction of the facility will begin in early 2008, with the plant expected to be operational in 2009, initially bringing approximately $100 million of foreign direct investment to New Mexico. This will result in 350 jobs by year one and a total of 700 jobs by year four.  Approximately 80 percent of the jobs will be production-based; the remaining 20 percent of jobs will be engineering and management positions.

“The future of New Mexico, the country and the world depends on clean alternative energy,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Designate Fred Mondragón, “and our economy is going to be increasingly dependent on foreign direct investment. What we have with SCHOTT coming to New Mexico is the best of those two worlds.”

For more information visit http://www.us.schott.com/solar. 

Governor Richardson Announces Historic Supercomputer Project

New System Among World’s Fastest, Aimed at Boosting Economy

SANTA FE, November 2, 2007 - Governor Bill Richardson today announced that New Mexico will soon host the one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world.

“This is a major part of my effort to strengthen New Mexico’s economy,” Governor Richardson said. “This project proves New Mexico is serious about developing its high-tech economy, and represents a crucial investment in our state’s future.  Our supercomputing center will be a world-class research facility.  We will recruit companies to partner with us and move their research, development and manufacturing operations to the state, creating more high-wage jobs for New Mexicans.”

SGI, a California company, has been awarded an $11 million state contract to build the supercomputer, which will be housed at Intel Corporation in Rio Rancho.  Businesses, governments and schools will be able use the New Mexico Computing Applications Center to model complex problems - everything from creating new products to modeling scenarios for New Mexico’s future water supply.

The supercomputer is projected to operate at 172 teraflops per second. One teraflop represents 1 trillion calculations per second. It’s powered by 14,336 Intel Xenon processor cores, and has enough memory for 28,000 office computers.

Supercomputers are often used for modeling, or quickly calculating how difficult problems play out. For example, companies could use the supercomputer to develop new airplane designs, simulate crash tests for new cars and design life-saving drugs. They’re also used to model hurricanes and global warming.

“Supercomputing has just now reached the point where we can simulate the world so well that we can find the best answers to complex problems before we spend time and money,” said Tom Bowles, Chief Science Advisor for Governor Richardson. “This project will attract international interest to New Mexico.”

The New Mexico Department of Information Technology will manage the supercomputer project.  Formal partnerships have been established with Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, and the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Tech.  SGI has formed a separate partnership to keep the computer at Intel’s Rio Rancho plant.

“By seizing this opportunity, the Governor has, in a single act, ensured that New Mexico will become a region of unbridled innovation and
opportunity,” said Bo Ewald, Chief Executive Officer of SGI.

“Intel is delighted to play a role in this effort to bring the resources of one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world to the educational and research community in New Mexico,” said Pat Gelsinger, senior vice president and general manager, Intel Digital Enterprise Group. “By providing this world-class computing facility, the State of New Mexico will enhance its standing as a magnet for research and development, and attract even more companies in the high-tech industry to the state.”

Governor Richardson and the New Mexico Legislature created the New Mexico Department of Information Technology in 2007 to provide leadership, efficiency and accountability for state government technology needs. The department approves computer and technology purchases, manages state communications, and oversees construction of new technology infrastructure for the state.

Secretary Fred Mondragón Announces Biogas Energy Plant to Bring 90 New Jobs to Clovis

SANTA FE, NM - Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón today announced that White Hat Energy, LLC, a biogas energy corporation, will build a $36-million dollar facility in Curry County.  New Mexico Economic Development Department, through the Clovis Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) has been working with White Hat Energy, LLC on this project over the last 24 months. 

"I am extremely pleased by what Clovis and Curry County have done in terms of economic development over the last two years,” said Cabinet Secretary Mondragón.  “The White Hat Energy project is just the latest of many success stories brokered by the leadership in Curry County, and their exemplary ability to partner with state and regional agencies, business and industry leaders and the local communities.”

Stuart Paisano, Assistant Cabinet Secretary of the State Economic Development Department, said: “It is very exciting any time an innovative, forward-thinking company like White Hat Energy chooses to set up operations in New Mexico.  One of our top priorities at the Department is to approach development responsibly; fostering companies involved in alternative energy manufacturing and production that have the desire and ability to meld with our existing infrastructure.”

The company will initially construct two 200,000-ton-per-year anaerobic digesters for processing cow manure into biogas.  Mill & Elevator Supply Co. of Clovis, New Mexico will serve as the prime contractor for the project. White Hat Energy, LLC has already secured manure contracts with more than 30 area dairies.

Anaerobic digesters are industrial systems that harness the natural process of decomposing waste to produce biogas that can be used to power electricity generators, provide heat, and produce soil improving material. The plants two by-products, methane and carbon dioxide, will be sold separately.  The waste will then be used as fertilizer at local farms and dairies.  The new plant will reduce methane gas emissions created by manure.  The advantages of this project include improved air and groundwater quality.

The City of Clovis has committed 20 acres of land adjunct to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to White Hat Energy, LLC to build their facility.  The first phase of the project is expected to create approximately 75 temporary construction jobs in addition to 90 permanent high-wage jobs.  “White Hat Energy represents a variety of benefits to the community,” said Clovis Mayor David Lansford.  “This development will not only create 90 jobs initially, but will also improve the environment and add to the efficiency of a renewable energy resource.  We welcome White Hat to our community.”

Project Information

• Direct Jobs:  90 new high-wage jobs initially, expanding to 247 within first four years
• Average Annual Salary: $27,000 plus benefits
• Capital Investment: $36 million
• Economic Development Department Incentives Utilized:
    - Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP)
    - Rural Jobs Tax Credit
    - High Wage Jobs Tax Credit
    - Manufacturer’s Investment Tax Credit
    - Technology Jobs Tax Credit
    - Alternative Energy Tax Credits
• Economic Impact Over the Next 10 Years:
    - Total Direct and Indirect Jobs Created: 1,309
    - Total Salaries Paid to Direct and Indirect Workers: $250,988,741
    - Gross Receipts, Property, State Corporate and Personal Income Taxes and other tax collections to State: $36,280,888

Page 1 of 1 pages

Office of Science and Technology
Joseph M. Montoya Building
1100 St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147