Albuquerque, NM—October 13, 2015. It has been three years since the first UNM Economic Development Summit in September, 2012. UNM has been an active partner in revitalizing the local economy and substantial progress has been made. STC.UNM has led economic development efforts at UNM during the past three years, gathering input and taking action through external and internal advisory groups and the STC.UNM Board of Directors.
Much has changed in three years. Only a concept three years ago, Innovate ABQ is now a thriving collaboration with city, county, business, and education partners. Its site at Broadway and Central is being developed by a national/local partnership, and we are thinking about ways to expand the concept statewide. The Innovation Academy, UNM’s new curriculum for hands-on entrepreneurial learning, is well underway with more than 100 Innovation Scholars in its inaugural semester.
At the 2012 Summit, the “rainforest” approach was considered as a new way for UNM and the community to spur economic growth by creating a concentrated entrepreneurial environment. Now is the time to reflect on what has worked for UNM, and plan for what should happen next.
STC.UNM and The University of New Mexico will be hosting the second Economic Development Summit.
Rainforest 2: The University of New Mexico Economic Development Summit 2015 will take place on Monday, October 26, 2015, from 8:30AM-3:30PM, at the University of New Mexico in the Student Union Building (SUB) Ballrooms B & C.
The summit will feature UNM President Robert Frank and several special guests, including representatives from local and state government who will discuss their views on the role of research universities and the future of the state’s economic development. One of the authors of The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley, Gregg Horowitt, will be the keynote luncheon speaker. Mr. Horowitt, an experienced entrepreneur and investor, is the co-creator of the Rainforest concept, which explains how innovation ecosystems work and how to grow them.
For more information and to register, please go to the Rainforest 2 website at www.rainforest2.eventbrite.com.