UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI) connects groundbreaking research with businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors through a collaborative, transparent, and business-friendly approach to commercialization. As the technology transfer and economic development arm of The University of New Mexico (UNM), we work to protect and commercialize technologies developed at UNM by filing patents and copyrights and transferring them to the marketplace.
Whether you are a UNM inventor seeking to protect your discoveries and explore commercialization, or a business, entrepreneur or investor looking for innovative technologies, UNM Rainforest Innovations provides the guidance, resources, and connections to help you succeed.
Supporting UNM Inventors at Every Stage
For UNM faculty, staff, and student inventors, we offer a collaborative and transparent commercialization process where your input is valued at every stage. From the moment your invention is disclosed, we work to evaluate market potential, protect intellectual property, and match your technology with companies, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Inventors also benefit from professional recognition, financial incentives, and a wide variety of entrepreneurial resources from startup support through the Cecchi VentureLab to funding opportunities such as the Wellborn Gap Fund and Rainforest Accelerator. Showcase events and ecosystem connections help UNM researchers gain visibility and build meaningful industry relationships.
Learn more about the resources available to inventors here: https://innovations.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Partnering-with-UNMRI-Support-for-UNM-Inventors-at-Every-Stage-updated-2025.08.pdf
Supporting Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Investors
The economic development function for UNM is organized under the management of UNM Rainforest Innovations, a structure that aligns economic development with UNM’s investment in intellectual property, technology commercialization, and the creation of startup companies. By connecting research with business needs, we play a central role in supporting regional and statewide economic growth.
We provide a flexible, business-friendly approach that makes it easy to explore and license UNM technologies. Our team offers responsive communication, streamlined negotiations, and personalized guidance from Innovation Managers who serve as single points of contact. We help partners connect directly with inventors, navigate intellectual property, and access the resources they need.
Through the Cecchi VentureLab and our broader innovation ecosystem, partners gain access to mentorship, hands-on startup support, investor introductions, and funding and investment opportunities through the UNMRI and UNM Foundation Co-Investment program.
Learn more about the resources available to businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors here: https://innovations.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Partnering-with-UNMRI-Connecting-Businesses-Entrepreneurs-and-Investors-with-UNM-Discoveries-updated-2025.08.pdf
Collaboration Drives Progress
We know that collaboration is key to advancing ideas and strengthening our local community. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to support innovation, foster startup creation, and grow New Mexico’s innovation economy. Whether you are exploring a new partnership, evaluating technologies, or seeking support on your entrepreneurial journey, UNMRI is here to help.
Connect with our team here: https://innovations.unm.edu/team/
