NM FAST Opens Applications for Three Federal Funding Accelerator Programs

According to NM FAST, more than 470 New Mexico startups have participated in the program over the past decade, helping companies secure nearly $28 million in federal SBIR funding.

Source: NMSU Newsroom
Based on Original Articles by Alejandro Najera-Acosta
Photos: Courtesy

New Mexico startups and researchers seeking federal innovation funding will have three opportunities during the second half of 2026 to receive specialized training and commercialization support through programs offered by NM FAST at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center.

The programs focus on helping companies compete for and commercialize federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, which provide research and development funding for emerging technologies.

According to NM FAST, more than 470 New Mexico startups have participated in the program over the past decade, helping companies secure nearly $28 million in federal SBIR funding.

Space Sector Accelerator

The first cohort begins July 21 and focuses on companies pursuing opportunities with NASA, the U.S. Space Force and related federal agencies.

The 10- to 12-week program is designed primarily for early-stage companies preparing their first Phase I SBIR/STTR applications, though a limited number of seats are available for companies already holding Phase I awards.

Applications are due July 14.

Subscribe to the Daily Las Cruces Digest

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *How would you like to be addressed in personalized emails?

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Commercialization Bridge Pilot

A second program, the SBIR/STTR Commercialization Bridge Pilot, begins Aug. 18 and targets companies that have already received Phase II awards and are preparing to transition into commercial markets, procurement contracts and revenue generation.

Selected companies will receive a minimum of 20 hours of one-on-one advising and guidance on federal procurement pathways, capital strategy, commercialization planning and export readiness over the course of the five-week pilot.

Applications are due Aug. 5.

Department of Energy Accelerator

A third accelerator cohort begins Sept. 22 and focuses on companies seeking Department of Energy SBIR/STTR funding.

Participants will receive proposal-development training, individualized coaching and assistance with technical narratives, budgets and commercialization plans.

Applications are due Sept. 10.

Supporting Innovation Across New Mexico

NM FAST is administered by Arrowhead Center at NMSU and operates statewide, serving companies in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Santa Fe and rural communities throughout New Mexico.

The programs are supported through the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Technology and Innovation Office and include outreach to rural, women, veteran and minority entrepreneurs.

Carlos Murguia, director of the Technology and Innovation Gateway at Arrowhead Center, said the programs are designed to help New Mexico founders move research and technical innovation into competitive federal funding opportunities and commercial markets.