Have you ever had an interest in becoming an entrepreneur, but didn’t have an invention or business idea already formulated? Through its TechMatch program, an initiative funded by a U.S. Economic Development Administration i6 grant, Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University is working to match aspiring entrepreneurs with technologies and creative works that are available to take to market. There are close to 500 technologies available, waiting for the right person to build businesses around or commercialize these innovations.
The industry-defined technology categories include Agriculture, Biotechnology, Health/Devices, Information Technology, Engineering, Energy and Water Technology. Innovations developed from NMSU intellectual property, as well as technologies from partners such as national labs, can be found on the Technologies Available for Licensing page. Arrowhead is also working with the NMSU Learning Games Lab and Creative Media Institute to bring creative works into TechMatch for licensing and sales. Though creative works are not yet available, look for developments on the project in the coming months. Anyone can browse available technologies, located at arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/technologies with no obligation or commitment.
“This opportunity allows entrepreneurs and teams to explore these technologies with a research-only license or with an option and/or licensing of NMSU developed and IP-protected innovation,” said Terry Lombard, director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer office at Arrowhead. “If they find success, Arrowhead Center offers support through a number of acceleration programs for individuals and teams, NMSU-affiliated and not, to bring the innovations to market.”
Arrowhead programs are designed to assist New Mexico entrepreneurs in every facet of business development and acceleration through mentorship, curriculum, connections in a statewide network of experts, and the potential for additional leveraging for funding sources.
Leonard Casaus has experience with adopting an available TechMatch technology through the Aggie I-Corps program at Arrowhead Center. Though he didn’t reach a “go” decision to move forward to market, it was a low-risk venture and he gained experience with the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps process for evaluating technologies.
“I picked up the Pulse Tube Refrigeration technology, which was from the Air Force Research Lab,” Casaus said. “My team and I learned so much through the process. The fact-paced accelerator also skyrocketed my learning curve with regard to value proposition, customer discovery and the interview process. I learned skills that will be applicable to future projects as well. I highly recommend the TechMatch program to entrepreneurs who are interested in building a team around one of these technologies.”
Kramer Winingham, program director at Arrowhead Center, said TechMatch provides access to inventions and technologies developed in New Mexico.
“If you are interested in starting a business, check out the available technologies. There are some great opportunities and substantial resources to help you start a technology business,” Winingham said.
To join Arrowhead’s monthly TechMatch newsletter, visit bit.ly/tech-match
Information from NMSU