Region's Technology and Research Assets Poised to Lead Economic Development and Growth
Alamogordo - Governor Susana Martinez announced that Southeastern New Mexico's Emerging Technology Ventures, (ETV) Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Regional Innovation Cluster for autonomous and unmanned systems.

"Spurring innovation helps our economy continue to succeed," said Governor Martinez. "New Mexico has a strong heritage of innovation in science and technology stemming from our laboratories and research universities. I am proud of Southeastern New Mexico's designation as a Regional Innovation Cluster, and look forward to continuing to support innovation in science and technology in our state."

ETV has been selected by the SBA to be awarded a Regional Innovation Cluster contract for autonomous and unmanned systems to provide specialized technology transfer assistance, targeted business counseling, and teaming assistance programs.

These Clusters consist of public-private partnerships that drive innovation and job creation. Southeastern New Mexico is well positioned as a leader in autonomous and unmanned systems, with organizations such as NMSU's Arrowhead Innovation Center and Physical Science Laboratory. Selection as a Regional Innovation Cluster will help to further grow these important fields in New Mexico.

Under ETV's proposal, the cluster initiative will be expanded from Alamogordo to include all five counties served by the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District (SNMEDD): Lincoln, Otero, Chaves, Eddy, and Lea Counties. The New Mexico Economic Development Department will contribute $250,000 for ETV to develop their facility in Alamogordo. With over 47 acres and 85,000 square feet of flexible engineering and manufacturing space, it will serve as the hub for the initiative while regional infrastructure initiatives will be developed across the remaining counties of the SNMEDD region.