COMMUNITY

Voucher program aims to encourage science and tech startups

State shows commitment with voucher dollars

Ruidoso News Report
  • Entrepreneurs welcomed

Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel and the Technology Research Collaborative Tuesday announced the launch of the Innovation Voucher Program in New Mexico.

Matt Geisel, New Mexico Economic Development, Secretary, announced the Innovation Voucher Program.

The competitive grant is designed to enable early stage science and technology companies in the state to receive small amounts of funding to help offset costs during critical moments of company growth.

"This program continues to move New Mexico forward as a leader in technology ventures," said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. "This investment strengthens our commitment to building a healthier economy and helping our homegrown companies succeed."

The Innovation Voucher Program will provide small amounts of funding at critical moments during company growth.The funds can be used to offset costs for services offered by New Mexico's entrepreneurial assets, allowing companies to focus on and achieve strategic business development goals. The voucher program leverages New Mexico's growing science and technology entrepreneurial ecosystem to diversify New Mexico's economy. 

The program is available to science and technology startups affiliated with a New Mexico incubator or accelerator program. Each company can receive one award per year and no more than three awards over five years. Awards are capped at $2,000. Applications should be submitted to the manager of the Office of Science and Technology, Julia Wise.

To find out more, attend the Innovation Voucher town hall at 11 a.m., Sept. 28, at Team Technologies in Albuquerque.