UNM–Taos tech, start-up program awarded $1.4 million

University of New Mexico– Taos HIVE, a co-working space and small business development center at the university’s Taos branch, was recently awarded a $1.4-million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale program. Program leaders plan to use the funds to develop a new initiative to “invite and engage historically underrepresented members of the U.S. tech community,” according to a press release.

To apply for the funds — which were officially announced on Oct. 5 — the UNM program worked with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), a nonprofit established in 2017 to partner with rural communities to develop the tech industry in their local economies. The university’s application was part of CORI’s “2022 Rural Innovation Initiative,” which has helped 29 other community and rural organizations “secure more than $29.9 million to develop strategies and build out programs that can accelerate their local digital economic development efforts.”

“The work that goes into the Rural Innovation Initiative process requires intense focus, unwavering optimism and a clear vision for the future — which is why it’s been so exciting to watch these communities receive Build to Scale funding,” said Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of CORI. “This is the fourth year we’ve run this program, and each year we grow more inspired by the commitment these rural leaders have to transform their local economies with new tech pathways that serve their community. We look forward to seeing what is next for them as our network continues to grow.”

Rose Reza, executive director of UNM–Taos HIVE, said she plans to use the funds to launch the “HIVE Pollinator, an initiative that will invite and engage historically underrepresented members of the U.S. tech community. The HIVE Pollinator will support scalable tech startups in Northern New Mexico through narrative building, innovative mentorship programming and tech entrepreneur incubation and acceleration.”

“There is incredible talent and potential in our community, and we are thrilled to use this funding to unlock additional tech entrepreneurial opportunities here in Northern New Mexico. Applying for a Build to Scale grant was always a goal — but this year, we were ready. This process would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our core partners, UNM–Taos, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, Taos Community Foundation and, most importantly, our community members and stakeholders. We are excited to see what the future holds,” Reza said.