SOCORRO, N.M. – Nusenda Credit Union and New Mexico Tech have signed an agreement aimed at bolstering the university’s mission to support the development and commercialization of intellectual property developed by faculty, staff, and students.
“This collaboration builds upon Nusenda Credit Union’s reputation as a longstanding supporter of higher education institutions by providing workspace to the New Mexico Tech Office of Innovation Commercialization – a visible sign of a strong commitment to higher education, innovation, learning, and invention,” the credit union said. The Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA), a program directed by the New Mexico Tech Office of Innovation Commercialization through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Development Center Network, will co-occupy space with NMT startups adjacent to Nusenda Credit Union, located at 1019 North California Street in Socorro.
Celebration Held
A celebration of the partnership and agreement signing was held at the facility, with remarks from New Mexico Tech President Stephen Wells and Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian.
“Nusenda Credit Union is committed to helping transform New Mexico into a place where everyone can thrive,” said Christian. “We believe that innovation is crucial to transformation and are pleased to support of NM Tech and the Office of Innovation, and the great work that they do.”
The OIC was created in 2017 to promote an entrepreneurial culture on the NMT campus, focusing on commercializing technology created and developed by NMT.
Raising the Profile
“This joint partnership with Nusenda Credit Union helps raise the profile and establish greater credibility of the OIC’s efforts by providing a physical space for NMT-derived startups and the TCA in the city of Socorro,” Wells said.
Wells said Tech’s partnership with Nusenda Credit Union is an example of how industry and academia can work together to prompt economic development. Being on California Street, the main street of Socorro, allows New Mexico Tech’s Office of Innovation Commercialization to be a robust, visible entity, emphasizing the strong connection between New Mexico Tech and the Socorro community, the credit union added.