UNM Rainforest Innovations, the University of New Mexico’s technology-transfer and economic development organization, has seen increased invention disclosures in fiscal year 2022 and has continued to diversify its income and matched or exceeded goals in many metrics.
Metrics for technology-transfer and commercialization activities from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, saw increases in the number of startup companies (8) and invention disclosures (94). There were comparable metrics to last year in number of option/license agreements (41) signed with startups and companies for UNM technologies. Of the 8 startup companies spun out from UNM technologies in 2022, 4 are located in New Mexico and 4 are headquartered out of state. UNM Rainforest Innovations saw decreased numbers in U.S. issued patents (45) and new U.S. patent applications filed (56) compared to last year.
Total income (approximately $6.3 million) is diversified to include license income and other income. In particular, UNM Rainforest Innovations has received several grants, including the most recent EDA American Rescue Plan Grant for the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program received in April 2022. Other incomes include patent cost reimbursement, funding from the University of New Mexico, the Cecchi VentureLab program, and others.
2022 UNM Rainforest Innovations Startup Companies:
| Integrated Deposition Solutions, Inc. | New Mexico | Utilizing vibrating mesh atomizer to advance manufacturing methods for spin-spray technology. |
| MycoBiotix, Inc. | Colorado | Developing novel therapies for treating dysbiosis, specifically small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). |
| Circular Genomics, Inc. | New Mexico | Developing circular RNAs as novel and improved biomarkers for the diagnosis and improved treatment of psychiatric and neurological diseases. |
| Lunano, Inc. | Virginia | Developing long-lasting disinfection platform technologies. |
| Neurochronix, Inc. | Massachusetts | Developing novel, non-opioid therapeutics for the management of chronic pain. |
| Chiima Therapeutics, LLC | Maryland | Pre-clinical stage biotech company committed to revolutionizing the treatment landscape of chronic and acute pain. |
| LoJo Engineering, LLC | New Mexico | Developing nanotechnology and cyber-physical systems. |
| MNT SmartSolutions, LLC | New Mexico | Biotech company that is engineering sustainable and modern “smart” materials with unique electronic and magnetic properties. |