UNM Rainforest Innovations recently hosted its annual showcase, “Calling All Science & Engineering Entrepreneurs and Investors.” The event connects university research with the business community, providing investors with a first look at some of the latest innovations emerging from the University of New Mexico.
The featured presentations included:
Probing quantum dots with photonic nano jets
- Presented by Ganesh “Gunny” Balakrishnan, Ph.D.; NMEPSCoR Director & Principal Investigator, NM SMART Grid Center; Professor, The University of New Mexico Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- The team at Quantum Epi, LLC is developing a fully integrated quantum photonic circuit designed to enable a scalable, efficient, and silicon-photonics compatible light source layer. By probing quantum dots with photonic nano jets, the team aims to overcome the tradeoffs found in today’s existing approaches. Learn more about the startup developing this technology here: https://www.quantumepi.com/
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Cancer Prevention: Topical Treatment for HPV-Induced Pre-Cancers
- Presented by Michelle Ozbun, Ph.D.; The Maralyn S. Budke Endowed Professor in Viral Oncology, The University of New Mexico; Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology
- This research addresses the urgent need for non-invasive treatment for HPV-induced pre-cancers. The team is developing a novel, topically formulated MEK inhibitor designed as a first-of-its-kind antiviral gel. Read more about the technologies here: https://unm.flintbox.com/members/be6f80fe-9594-4ead-aab5-7b2832a0032b
Cancer immune therapy
- Presented by Rita Serda, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, The University of New Mexico Department of Internal Medicine; Member, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
- This research introduces a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy called cancer cell silicification. This innovation coats cancer cells in silica to better preserve their anitgens and allow for shelf-storage. This essentially tricks the body into treating the cancer cells like microbes, which trigger a powerful immune response. See Dr. Serda’s full research portfolio here: https://unm.flintbox.com/members/ed7d7141-c6d8-4137-baa0-1563162f782a
A machine for flushing out brain waste
- Presented by Henry C. Lin, M.D.; Chief of Medicine, New Mexico VA Health Care System; Professor, The University of New Mexico Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- This research explores a breakthrough method for treating neurodegenerative disorders by artificially triggering the brain’s natural cleaning system. The researchers discovered they could trigger glymphatic clearance to flush out unwanted proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, with pulses of carbon dioxide. This process, known as intermittent hypercapnia, mimics the brain’s sleep-state pumping action. Read more about the technology here: https://unm.flintbox.com/technologies/04fb7e6d-d4a7-47ac-bb50-2d31842f81ec
Acoustic trapping of microparticles and nanoparticles
- Presented by Ruben Trujillo, Ph.D.; Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of New Mexico Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
- Developing an innovative acoustic particle isolation and removal method designed to improve the isolation and analysis of extremely small particles. This addresses the environmental and biological challenges posed by nano- and microplastics. Read more about the technology here: https://unm.flintbox.com/technologies/ee2ac435-5537-49b1-bb30-934d026c561a
Faster Randomized Dynamical Decoupling
- Presented by Leeseok Kim; Graduate Student, The University of New Mexico Center for Quantum Information and Control
- This research addresses a major issue of noise in the development of quantum computers. Quantum devices have the potential to revolutionize fields like drug discovery and cryptography, but the noise severely limits their performance and ability to scale. This innovation uses randomization to update existing noise-suppression methods and drastically improve noise with minimal extra computing power. Read more about the technology here: https://unm.flintbox.com/technologies/41e34941-b5f4-496a-91b8-f1c858e61d20
Learn more
Whether you’re seeking innovative technologies, investment opportunities, or startup support, learn more about how you can partner with us 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
