In April, UNM Rainforest Innovations held an in-person Rainforest Forum bringing together the University of New Mexico (UNM) and business community members to exchange ideas and open dialogue on the mission and goals of UNM’s corporate engagement. The forum was led by UNM Rainforest Innovations Board Members Robert Nath and David Foster.
The vision of the new corporate engagement initiatives is to situate the University of New Mexico at the top of global corporate call lists for engaging talent, advancing research, establishing collaboration, and developing workforce. As the Director of Corporate Engagement, Mathis Shinnick plans, develops, and manages external outreach initiatives and partnerships on behalf of UNM Rainforest Innovations and the University of New Mexico. This collaborative initiative embodied in the Corporate Engagement Network led by Mathis, includes members from across campus, including UNM’s schools, offices, centers, and branches, in order to align strategic goals within the university and create an integrated network of members.
During the Rainforest Forum, there was a panel discussion that included two companies: Thorlabs and Shimadzu. Thorlabs is a vertically integrated photonics products manufacturer that serves the laser and electro-optics research market. The company is constantly evolving in order to serve the the Photonics Industry at the research end, as well as the industrial, life science, medical, and defense segments. The organization’s manufacturing assets include semiconductor fabrication of Fabry-Perot, DFB, and VCSEL lasers; fiber towers for drawing both silica and fluoride glass optical fibers; MBE/MOCVD epitaxial wafer growth reactors; extensive glass and metal fabrication facilities; advanced thin film deposition capabilities; and optomechanical and optoelectronic shops. To learn more, visit their website at: https://www.thorlabs.com/
Shimadzu Corporation is a Japanese public KK company (kabushiki kaisha, or “stock company”), manufacturing precision instruments, measuring instruments, and medical equipment based in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1875, they provide analytical and measuring instruments, industrial machinery, and aircraft equipment that are used in a wide range of industries. They also play a role in protecting the safety and security of society and improving convenience of life through their customers’ businesses. In addition, the Shimadzu products used at healthcare facilities support public health and well-being through diagnosis, treatment, and measuring health. To learn more, visit their website at: https://www.shimadzu.com/
At the next Rainforest Forums, UNM Rainforest Innovations plans to feature additional companies and discuss other UNM capabilities. Keep up to date on all current UNMRI events here: https://innovations.unm.edu/events/
To learn more about corporate engagement information and opportunities, contact Mathis Shinnick at mshinnick@innovations.unm.edu.