UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI) is proud to announce the renaming of its Gap Fund @ UNM to the Wellborn Gap Fund in recognition of Chuck and JD Wellborn’s generous support. Mr. Wellborn, the first president of UNMRI, played a pivotal role in the organization’s development and success, helping shape its efforts in technology commercialization.
After nearly 30 years in corporate law and working with technology companies and promoting technology-based economic development, Mr. Wellborn took on the challenge of technology commercialization, becoming the first full-time President of UNMRI (formerly the Science & Technology Corporation @ UNM) in May of 1995. From 1991-1998, he served on the New Mexico Venture Capital Advisory Committee that has been instrumental in bringing five venture capital firms to New Mexico.
The Wellborn Gap Fund bridges the funding gap many university technologies face as they transition from research to commercialization. It addresses the critical phase when inventions are too advanced for federal funding but not yet market-ready, helping inventors advance their work to proof-of-concept, improve patent applications, or attract investor interest.
“We are honored to rename the gap fund in recognition of Mr. Wellborn’s significant contributions to UNMRI,” said Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of UNMRI. “This new name serves as a lasting tribute to his pioneering efforts and commitment to fostering innovation and economic development in New Mexico.”
Learn more about the Wellborn Gap Fund here: https://innovations.unm.edu/wellborn-gap-fund/