UNM Rainforest Innovations, the University of New Mexico’s technology-transfer and economic development organization, has seen increased financial growth in fiscal year 2021 and has continued to diversity its income and matched or exceeded goals in many metrics. UNM Rainforest Innovations also saw decreased numbers in a few areas, partly due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metrics for technology-transfer and commercialization activities from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, saw increases in U.S. issued patents (54) and comparable metrics to last year in number of startup companies (6) and number of license agreements (43) signed with startups and companies for UNM technologies. Of the 6 startup companies spun out from UNM technologies in 2021, 1 is located in New Mexico and 5 are headquartered out of state. UNM Rainforest Innovations saw decreased numbers in disclosed inventions (81) and U.S. patents filed (64) compared to last year.
Total income (approximately $55.1 million) is diversified to include license income and other income. In particular, UNM Rainforest Innovations has received several grants, including the most recent CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant received in August 2020. Other grants include the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Site and EDA New Mexico Rainforest University Center. Other incomes include patent cost reimbursement, funding from the University of New Mexico, the Cecchi VentureLab program, and others.
2021 UNM Rainforest Innovations Startup Companies:
| Advanced Concepts in Biology, LLC | New York | Developing novel cancer therapeutics |
| Troy Sensor Company | New York | Innovative sensor technology company |
| Company name undisclosed | Canada | Two-dimensional silicon carbide materials |
| Flagship Labs 72, Inc. | Massachusetts | VLP-based vaccines |
| Nanoplasmonics, LLC | Colorado | Rapid, culture-free diagnostics for infectious disease |
| VIC Foundry, Inc. | New Mexico | Non-opioid therapeutics for pain management |