New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP)

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The New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP) is a two-year fellowship program designed to support and accelerate deep tech entrepreneurs.
What are the main aims and objectives?

NM LEEP is designed to foster innovation and accelerate the development of deep tech startups. Its primary aim is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and commercial viability by providing entrepreneurs with unique access to the resources and expertise of Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories. The program's objectives include nurturing breakthrough technologies that address critical national security challenges across various sectors such as advanced computing, AI, advanced materials, space systems, clean energy transition, and biotechnology. The program also aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in New Mexico, attracting talent to the region and potentially creating new high-tech jobs. Ultimately, NM LEEP strives to accelerate the commercialization of technologies that have the potential to make significant impacts on both national security and the broader economy, while fostering a new generation of tech entrepreneurs equipped to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and business.

How does the program work?

The New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP) operates as a two-year fellowship designed to accelerate the development of deep tech startups by leveraging the resources of national laboratories. The program works by carefully selecting a cohort of entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in critical technology areas such as advanced computing, AI, advanced materials, space systems, clean energy transition, and biotechnology.

Once selected, entrepreneurs are embedded within the Los Alamos National Laboratory research ecosystem. This unique arrangement allows fellows to work closely with world-class scientists and engineers, gaining access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment that would otherwise be out of reach for most startups. The program provides a comprehensive support system that includes both financial and professional resources to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into viable commercial products.

Financially, NM LEEP offers substantial support to its fellows. This includes seed capital to kickstart their ventures and annual stipends ranging from $54,000 to $120,000, depending on the entrepreneur's experience and qualifications. Additionally, the program provides health insurance and other benefits, ensuring that participants can focus fully on developing their technologies without financial stress.

The professional development aspect of NM LEEP is equally robust. Entrepreneurs receive customized training tailored to their specific needs and the requirements of their projects. This includes intensive mentorship from experienced industry professionals and laboratory experts who guide the fellows through the complexities of technology development and commercialization. The program also offers a tailored curriculum covering various aspects of business development, including market analysis, intellectual property strategies, and fundraising techniques.

Throughout the two-year fellowship, participants engage in a structured process of business model development. They work on refining their value propositions, identifying potential customers, and developing go-to-market strategies. The program facilitates connections with potential customers, investors, and partners, helping entrepreneurs build a network that will be crucial for their future success.

A key aspect of how NM LEEP works is its focus on national security challenges. By aligning entrepreneurial efforts with critical needs in this sector, the program ensures that the technologies being developed have significant potential for both commercial success and national impact. This alignment also opens up opportunities for collaborations and potential contracts with government agencies and related industries.

As the fellowship progresses, entrepreneurs work towards specific milestones, moving their technologies from concept to prototype and eventually to a first commercial product. The program provides ongoing support and guidance throughout this journey, helping participants navigate technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and market dynamics.

What is the overall cost?

There is no available information on the cost of running NM Leep. 

How was it implemented?

The New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP) was launched in January 2022 as a collaborative initiative between Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC). The program was created to address the need for supporting deep-tech innovators and entrepreneurs by providing them with access to world-class expertise and resources at the national laboratory.

The inception of NM LEEP was driven by the recognition of the potential for deep-tech startups to develop solutions for critical national security challenges and enhance economic competitiveness. Deep tech refers to technological solutions addressing major societal issues such as chronic disease, climate change, clean energy, and food production. Often, these innovations are pioneered by startup companies that have the freedom to be innovative but lack the resources to fully develop their technologies. NM LEEP was designed to bridge this gap by partnering these startups with a national laboratory.

The program's structure, offering a two-year fellowship, was carefully crafted to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs. It focuses on key areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, and space systems. The creation of NM LEEP reflects a strategic effort to foster innovation, support high-tech business growth, and potentially strengthen the economic landscape of New Mexico by attracting and retaining talented entrepreneurs in the region.

To launch the program, a national solicitation was conducted, attracting 35 innovators who applied for the inaugural cohort. The selection process involved rigorous evaluations from industry experts, investors, and scientists. This thorough vetting process ensured that the selected fellows had the potential to develop scalable commercial products addressing pressing national security and economic competitiveness needs.

The program operates with the support of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation, which assists the fellows in relocating to northern New Mexico for the duration of the two-year experience. This relocation aspect is crucial as it embeds the entrepreneurs within the local ecosystem, fostering connections and potentially leading to long-term economic benefits for the region.

What impact has been measured?

There is currently no available information about the impact of the program. 

What lessons can be learned?
  1. Bridging the gap between research and commercialization: NM LEEP demonstrates the importance of connecting deep tech entrepreneurs with national laboratory resources. This model helps accelerate the development of innovative technologies by providing access to world-class expertise and facilities that startups typically couldn't afford.
  2. Long-term commitment yields results: The two-year fellowship duration shows that significant technological advancements and successful commercialization require sustained support and resources. This extended timeframe allows for thorough development, testing, and validation of complex deep tech innovations.
  3. Targeted focus on critical sectors: NM LEEP's emphasis on specific areas such as advanced computing, AI, advanced materials, space systems, clean energy transition, and biotechnology aligns with national security and economic competitiveness needs. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed towards high-impact innovations.
  4. Importance of location-based programs: By requiring fellows to relocate to New Mexico, the program fosters a local innovation ecosystem and potentially contributes to regional economic development. This model could be replicated in other areas to boost local tech economies.
Notes + Additional Context

September 2020: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) selected the program for grant funding under its Build-to-Scale Venture Challenge. The EDA grant of $600,000 matched the locally pooled $903,265. 

CURATED BY

Cristina Fernandez

Director for Knowledge + Programming
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United States