Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 8, 2022
LACDC News:
The Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC), in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, has opened applications for the second cohort of the New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (New Mexico LEEP).
The program is a two-year Fellowship aimed at attracting deep-tech startup entrepreneurs to Northern New Mexico for in-depth, hands-on development in partnership with Lab experts to bring their product to market.
“New Mexico LEEP is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs addressing national security challenges to draw from national laboratory expertise, mentorship, access to seed capital, and a tailored curriculum designed to set them up for success,” said Lauren McDaniel, interim director of LACDC. “Selected fellows are connected with an experienced network of mentors and business resources to ensure they feel confident growing their high-tech companies right here in Northern New Mexico.”
New Mexico LEEP supports a new generation of visionary innovators solving complex challenges in advanced materials, artificial intelligence and advanced computing, biotech, energy transition, and space technology, and moves them into the market.
The program requires relocation to Northern New Mexico, which has a rich history as a hotbed of scientific innovation due to the presence of three federal R&D laboratories. New Mexico is known for its beautiful landscapes, a laid-back culture, an exceptional quality of life, and a unique blend of cultures, outdoor recreation, and events.
Over the two-year program, selected New Mexico LEEP Fellows for the second cohort receive an annual stipend up to $120,000, plus health insurance, a travel allowance, and relocation reimbursement. Each fellow also receives technology advancement support in collaboration with a New Mexico national laboratory, equivalent to $100,000 per year.
Providing immersive training and intensive technology validation, New Mexico LEEP helps innovators rapidly advance their technology to meet early customer expectations focused on national security-related applications and products. The program also matches selected fellows with a national network of mentors, customers, and investors.
