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Gov. Lujan Grisham announces business accelerator in NM – NMexus Center in Albuquerque attracts new foreign investment
Source: The Office of the Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham
Photo: Courtesy Foreign Relations Japan
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and NMexus announced a first-of-its-kind global business accelerator and commercialization center to boost foreign direct investment in the state.
The governor announced the NMexus (MEK-sus) Center at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The NMexus Center will equip companies from India, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to successfully expand operations into New Mexico and succeed in the U.S. market.
“Today’s exciting announcement is the result of my administration’s strategic efforts to recruit and retain new businesses in New Mexico, which has a longstanding reputation as a leader in innovation,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “The NMexus Center sends an unmistakable message to the rest of the world: New Mexico is open for business.”
Companies from India and Oman comprise the first cohort locating in the NMexus Center in the Mesa del Sol innovation district in Albuquerque. They include Zonap Engineering India, Alligator Automations, DCirrus, Inc., Supreme Technology, American Grain Corporation, Oliver Merino LLC, and Ardic.
The NMexus Center is equipped to serve up to 40 companies each year. It is expected to generate nearly 100 jobs in its first year and as many as 1,500 jobs within five years. The combined economic impact of the NMexus Center over five years is estimated to be more than $400 million.
The announcement reinforces New Mexico’s status as a global science and technology leader and growing FDI destination. India is the 15th foreign country investing in the state. Under Governor Lujan Grisham, New Mexico has attracted $2.57 billion in foreign investment, demonstrating the effectiveness of engaging with companies in their home countries.
“Today marks a new chapter for New Mexico, as we’re seeing the tangible results of our efforts in global trade bear fruit,” said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Through NMexus and our international partner organizations, we have created an economic super-highway for companies to start and grow their presence in the US – creating jobs and manufacturing opportunities.”
NMexus Executive Director Amar Vakil said Mesa del Sol offers tremendous resources for the new business incubator.
“We chose to invest in New Mexico, specifically in the Mesa del Sol innovation district of Albuquerque, because of its unmatched combination of affordability, connectivity, and access to a thriving ecosystem of research institutions, national laboratories, and a highly skilled workforce,” Vakil said.
“This project is a launchpad for international companies ready to scale in North America,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “The NMexus Center reflects our commitment to helping companies transition from entry to expansion, right here in Albuquerque. We’re not waiting for opportunity—we’re creating it.”
As part of the introductory news conference, Lujan Grisham announced historic partnerships with IIT Kanpur, the Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Oman Business Network, and Traders Advocacy Group of Ghana. These new partnerships will further establish New Mexico as the commercialization gateway for foreign companies to establish a presence in North America.
Additionally, these partnerships will encourage the joint research and development between NM-based and foreign universities to address cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, the development of green and sustainable energy technologies for the global energy transition, and the ability for foreign companies to near shore operations to solve supply chain issues.
“New Mexico offers a valuable opportunity to explore business expansion in one of the United States’ most strategically positioned and collaborative states,” said Karthik Maheshwaran, President of the Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Following the state’s participation in the Investment Summit in Maryland, a delegation of companies from India and Ghana travelled to New Mexico to celebrate the official opening of the Center and participate in an ecosystem tour of the state.
“We are excited for the opening of the NMexus Center,” said Melinda Allen, President & CEO of the New Mexico Partnership. “This innovative program will be a catalyst to attract additional foreign direct investment across multiple industry sectors. We look forward to welcoming the foreign delegation and showcasing the benefits of locating in New Mexico.”
Announcement of Ribbon Cutting
ALBUQUERQUE — The NMexus business accelerator is a direct result of global relationships forged through trade missions. The first cohort of seven companies was announced last Tuesday and significant new investments will be announced at today’s event. The center is poised to create over 1,500 jobs and have an economic impact exceeding $400 million in the next five years.
Those in attendance included:
- Senator Michael Padilla
- EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black on behalf of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
- City of Albuquerque Economic Development Director Max Gruner on behalf of Mayor Tim Keller
- Telagana Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Karthik Maheshwaram
- NMexus Executive Director Amar Vakil
- Mr. Elisha O’Neil Akologo of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG)
A Development for All of New Mexico
While the emphasis at launch is focused on the inaugural landing space in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol Business Park, the NMexus initiative is intended to promote foreign investment throughout New Mexico. The initial NMexus Center is envisioned as providing a “soft landing” for foreign companies to enter into development throughout the state. “It’s a launchpad to promote development throughout New Mexico,” President & CEO of the New Mexico Partnership Melinda Allen explained. NMexus promotes and facilitates “ecosystem tours” throughout New Mexico, both before and after they locate in the center.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has expressed great interest in the project, as he should. Having the NMexus Center in Albuquerque gives Burqueños first bite at the apple; however, it is not intended to be a project limited to the state’s northern metro. After filling Phase 1 of the project, an open house event is expected to be announced. This event will host dignitaries and economic development organizations from all corners of the state.
New Mexico Partnership is the 501(c)(6) non-profit who is contracted with New Mexico to help facilitate broader promotion of foreign companies initially housed at the NMexus Center. They arrange and host “ecosystem tours” all across New Mexico, and through their network of economic development organizations (EDOs), they conduct matchmaking events. As NMexus develops, potential recruitment opportunities will be promoted through these EDOs.
The economic development organization (EDO) in our broader community is the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA):
From the MVEDA website: Founded in 1994, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) is a 501 (c3) public/private economic development partnership that provides local businesses and those considering relocating and expanding with the information, tools, and resources for success in the New Mexico Borderplex Region. MVEDA is the first economic development effort in Southern New Mexico to bring together diverse, regional input from broad-based participation of public and private leadership, creating a vibrant local economy by attracting and expanding basic employers within targeted industries while elevating job quality and investment within the NMBorderplex region.
In short, NMexus Center is slated to raise the profile of entire state.
Notes From the Ribbon Cutting
New center in Mesa del Sol offers a one-stop shop for foreign companies entering U.S. market
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black hosted local and international business leaders today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the NMexus Center, a new business accelerator established to boost foreign direct investment in the state.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham first announced NMexus (MEK-sus) last week at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland. Located in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol innovation district, the accelerator is a first-of-its-kind commercialization center for companies from India, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, equipping them with the tools necessary to successfully expand operations in New Mexico and succeed in the U.S. market.
“By creating global partnerships that transcend borders, New Mexico has strategically positioned itself to lead the reshoring movement,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Today’s milestone is the outcome of our bold efforts to attract and grow businesses who choose to call our state their home.”
Last week’s announcement included news that seven companies from India and Oman would comprise the first cohort moving into the center. There was further investment news at today’s ribbon-cutting, as members of India’s Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TECCI) announced a landmark commitment of $100 million in planned investments over the next five years.
“New Mexico now has a permanent pipeline for foreign investment in NMexus, a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and job creation for generations to come,” Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Rob Black said. “Our efforts in forging international partnerships have now opened the lanes for overseas companies to hit the ground running and begin serving U.S. markets; this is only the beginning.”
TECCI, an organization representing over 3,500 Indian businesses, outlined that their initial planned projects in New Mexico include the manufacturing of confections, vending machines, steel appliances, medical devices, LED lighting, and plastics, as well as IT services.
“This $100 million is not just an investment in land or buildings — it’s an investment in long-term collaboration, mutual growth, and the deepening of India-U.S. commercial ties,” President of TECCI Karthik Maheshwaram said. “We are proud to contribute to New Mexico’s vibrant economy and thank the state leadership for their support.”
Members of Ghana’s Traders Advocacy Group (TAGG) were also present at the ribbon-cutting, expressing a deep interest in exploring the NMexus Center as a means to help position Ghanaian businesses prominently in the U.S. market.
“This is more than market access, it’s a chance to transform Ghanaian companies into true investors and job creators on American soil,” TAGG’s leader, General Secretary Emmanuel Nana Opoku Acheampong said.
“Creating a pathway for international businesses to take root and flourish in our city — where they’re incorporated into and contributing to our community — is a win-win for all of us,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “And when they’re ready, we’ll help them scale up and become established and embraced as true partners in our local marketplace.”
The NMexus Center is equipped to serve up to 40 companies each year. It is expected to generate nearly 100 jobs in its first year and as many as 1,500 jobs within five years. The combined economic impact of the center over five years is estimated at over $400 million.
“We set out to transform and diversify our economy in a bold way — and this project is a giant leap forward,” New Mexico State Senator Michael Padilla said. “New Mexico is on the fast track to becoming a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and economic development.”
“The opening of the NMexus Center gives New Mexico another powerful tool to attract foreign direct investment into the state,” President & CEO of the New Mexico Partnership Melinda Allen said. “We are excited for the companies that will be coming now and in the future, and the quality jobs that will be created for the residents of New Mexico.”
“During the governor’s trade mission to India, which I had the privilege of joining, she emphasized the need for a well-guided path for companies aiming to succeed in the U.S.,” NMexus Executive Director Amar Vakil said. “NMexus brings this vision to life through strong partnerships in India, Oman, and Ghana, with plans to expand globally. This model is built to sustain investment and drive job creation for decades to come.”
The NMexus Center is located on the second floor of the Aperture Center at Mesa del Sol, 5700 University Blvd SE, in Albuquerque. The lease begins June 1, 2025.
