This year marks the 30th anniversary of UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI), founded in 1995 as a nonprofit to protect technologies developed at the University of New Mexico and facilitate the transfer of these innovations to the marketplace. Initially launched with just two staff members, it has grown into a highly successful technology-transfer and economic-development program. Today, UNMRI’s team of business, science, and legal professionals work together to commercialize technology, foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and protect intellectual property. Since 2012, UNMRI has spearheaded the University of New Mexico’s economic development initiatives, adopting the Rainforest model to build a sustainable innovation economy in New Mexico. This framework led to the creation of Innovate ABQ and the Lobo Rainforest Building, both of which are now cornerstones of Albuquerque’s research and innovation district.
To date, there have been 952 U.S. patents, and 175 start-ups launched from UNM. Currently, UNMRI is supporting 103 start-up companies, 51 of which are based in New Mexico. UNMRI has become an integral part of the state’s innovation ecosystem, actively advancing the commercialization of university research and fostering long-term economic growth.
As we look ahead to the next 30 years, we are excited to see how UNMRI will continue to support UNM inventions, fuel economic development, and create opportunities for generations to come.
View our anniversary video, including comments from leadership at UNMRI and pictures throughout the years: