The University of New Mexico led Energized Watershed coalition has been named one of 29 semifinalists in the second National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines competition. The project, led by Assistant Vice President for Research and Biology Professor Dave Hanson, focuses on innovating new technologies to efficiently capture, recycle, treat and reuse water; produce and distribute clean energy; and generate predictive hydrological process models.
Innovations are needed across the San Juan and Rio Grande watersheds, which extend from the Navajo Nation to the western boundary of the Permian Basin, encompassing regions in both New Mexico and Texas. These watersheds play a critical role in the ecological and economic health of the area, and addressing their challenges through effective innovation will foster resilience and ensure the continued availability of vital resources for the communities that depend on them. Watersheds are geographically large but highly connected through visible branching rivers and invisible deep aquifers that organize and sustain the entire ecosystem.
The team of 50 organizations aims to:
- Co-develop products and services for water and energy security.
- Incubate regional start-ups marketed through a new venture studio led by the Native American Capital and Investment Alliance.
- Harness the power of strategic partnerships, both in rural and urban communities as well as with sovereign nations, to create a dynamic modular workforce development framework.
"This effort showcases UNM's dedication to being the University FOR New Mexico," Hanson said. "What we're doing is supporting our great regional institutions and communities to foster sustainable solutions that combine the best ideas from science and traditional knowledge for responsible economic development."
The semifinalist teams, some of whom have already received NSF Engine Development Awards, are led by universities, nonprofits, private industry and other organizations from across the country.
"The NSF Engines program has truly elevated the landscape of scientific discovery, but more importantly, it is fostering collaboration that resonates far beyond the borders of New Mexico," said Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher. "The researchers here at UNM come to work every day with the dedication that inspires a collective vision for a brighter future. Their tireless efforts not only propel scientific advancement but also weave a stronger fabric of community, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences."
Launched in 2023, the NSF Engines program seeks to establish regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. By uniting public and private scientific leaders, this program is designed to inspire collaboration and harness collective expertise, ultimately driving groundbreaking advancements and economic growth within communities.
NSF will now conduct virtual assessments of each semifinalist to gain further understanding of the project, the team's core partners, and its vision for research and development. NSF will select the finalists this fall for in-person reviews.
Two for New Mexico!
A second New Mexico team also received an NSF Engines semifinalist spot, Elevate Quantum, for its Quantum Moonshot coalition. UNM is also a partner in this project that focuses on developing quantum technologies with both civilian and military applications.
