New Mexico Small Business Innovation Research Matching Grant 2026

The New Mexico Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Grant is a state-level funding opportunity administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) through its Office of Strategy, Science & Technology. This program aims to provide supplementary funding to small businesses that have already secured competitive federal SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The overarching goal is to help these businesses commercialize their technologies and expand operations in a way that benefits the New Mexico economy. The primary objective of the grant is to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies developed with federal support, thereby promoting economic growth, job creation, and business expansion within New Mexico. Eligible applicants must be for-profit technology businesses headquartered in New Mexico and must currently hold or have recently completed a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II award. The grant places special emphasis on supporting businesses in strategic industry sectors including aerospace, biosciences, advanced computing, water technologies, and advanced energy. Technology-enabled service providers are specifically excluded from eligibility. Funding is structured as a cost-reimbursement grant and applicants may receive up to $100,000 for Phase II awards and up to $50,000 for Phase I or recently completed Phase I awards transitioning to Phase II. Awarded funds may be used for commercialization-related activities such as patent filings, outside lab testing, regulatory assessments, and limited travel for trade shows and customer engagement. However, the funds cannot be used for payroll, core R&D, or general business equipment. All funded work must be documented and performed largely within New Mexico. Applications must be submitted electronically and will be reviewed by EDD staff and the Technology Research Collaborative (TRC) Board. Qualified applicants will participate in a virtual presentation and Q&A session. Awards are finalized by the EDD Office of the Secretary. Key dates include the application open date on May 20, 2025, an informational webinar on May 27, 2025, and the submission deadline of June 10, 2025. Award notifications will be made in mid-July 2025. The application process requires documentation such as a Letter of Good Standing from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, verification of physical presence in the state, and detailed project plans. Applicants must also agree to reporting requirements, including interim milestone updates and a final project report due by June 30, 2026. Additional documentation for payment processing, such as a W-9 form and ACH setup, will be required upon award. For further assistance or questions regarding the application, interested businesses are directed to contact the EDD Office of Strategy, Science & Technology. Details such as contact names or phone numbers are not specified in the manual but assistance is available through the EDD website and its associated contact channels.