On September 15, UNM Rainforest Innovations hosted a Rainforest Forum featuring three newly emerging start-ups from The University of New Mexico. The forum brought together entrepreneurs developing their technologies ranging from water quality and photonics to health care and home accessibility.
The panelists included Suzanne Burns, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of myAccessibleHome; Tybur Casuse-Driovínto, PhD, Founder of Elemental Sensing; and Denis Seletskiy, PhD, CEO of SELA Photonics, LLC. The discussion was moderated by Lisa Kuuttila, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of UNM Rainforest Innovations.
The panelists provided updates on their respective start-ups, delved into recent challenges and successes, the support they have received from UNM Rainforest Innovations, and their plans for the future.
Elemental Sensing
Tybur Casuse-Driovínto, PhD, co-founder of Elemental Sensing, discussed the start-up’s work developing a technology that can analyze and measure toxic metals in water, such as arsenic, copper, lead and mercury.
Elemental Sensing received support through the Spring 2026 Rainforest Accelerator and is currently seeking funding to develop a laser. UNM Rainforest Innovations has supported the start-up through guidance during the patent process, Rainforest Accelerator, and option and licensing support.
Over the next six to 12 months, the Elemental Sensing team plans to develop a laser in-house while collaborating with the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM).
SELA Photonics, LLC
Denis Seletskiy, PhD, CEO of SELA Photonics, LLC, discussed the company’s development of high-power semiconductor lasers to power quantum computers. Seletskiy completed the Spring 2026 Rainforest Accelerator, where he also connected with two of the start-ups’ current business advisors.
UNM Rainforest Innovations has supported SELA’s growth through the Rainforest Accelerator, secured the start-ups’ intellectual property portfolio and exclusive option agreement, and provided valuable connections.
Seletskiy also discussed the challenge of the “valley of death,” a funding gap that can make it difficult for high-tech startups to transition from research and development to commercialization. Looking ahead, SELA is focused on developing a prototype and Seletskiy also plans to apply in the national I-Corps program.
myAccessibleHome
Suzanne Burns, PhD, co-founder and CEO of myAccessibleHome, discussed the company’s AI-powered platform, which is designed to help occupational therapists and care teams identify home safety risks, recommend modifications, and track outcomes.
myAccessibleHome has received introductions and networking opportunities through UNM Rainforest Innovations and participated in the Innosphere Ventures Incubator program.
The company is officially launching its platform in New Mexico in October with plans to expand to Wisconsin and New York. As the start-up looks ahead, Burns said the team is focused on protecting its technology and growing responsibly while maintaining its commitment to integrity.
Join us for more events this Fall showcasing technologies and start-ups from The University of New Mexico: https://innovations.unm.edu/events/