Startup NASA Feature Series: New Mexico Start-Up Factory and ORC Tech
When: Wed, 07/24/2024 - 2:00 PM (Eastern Time)
The Startup NASA Feature Series provides an opportunity for you to hear about companies that have licensed NASA technologies and are working to commercialize them.
In our next webinar, New Mexico Start-Up Factory™ will share their groundbreaking approach to bringing laboratory technologies to market. Their innovative model guides scientists through technology validation and market readiness, forming commercialization strategies that cultivate promising new ventures.
ORC Tech, a standout company in their portfolio, harnesses NASA technology from Johnson Space center that was originally designed to improve communications for lunar missions. This lightweight portable device can boost incoming signals to improve local reception for cell phones, laptops, satellite and Wi-Fi internet receivers without the need for power plugs, cables or batteries.
Explore how these advancements are shaping the future of wireless technology. We look forward to seeing you there!
John Chavez served as the President of New Mexico Angels, a local Angel investment group of over 60 accredited investors, for 11 years (2009 -2020). While serving as President, the NM Angels saw an increase of over 100% funding of investment deals in new companies. John is currently the Managing Partner of Phase One Ventures, Partner of NMA Ventures and the Managing Director of the New Mexico Startup Factory Funds I, II and III.
Mr. Chavez has been an integral part of New Mexico’s economic development ecosystem. He is responsible for creating technology showcase forums that have allowed Angel technology partners like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University to have the opportunity of presenting technologies available for licensing to Angel members, Venture Capitalists and guests.
In addition to funding new companies, John is an avid entrepreneur. In 2012, he co-founded the New Mexico Start-Up Factory, a company that spins out technology start-ups based on innovations developed by New Mexico Scientists and Entrepreneurs. The New Mexico Start-Up Factory Portfolio includes: Enthentica, Osazda Energy, TNeuroPharma, GPER G-1 Development Group, Orc Tech, Green Charge and MNT SmartSolutions.
Mr. Chavez is also the President of Tafoya & Brainerd Consultants where he helps companies, organizations and entrepreneurs with business development, financial management, operational structure, investment opportunity and progressive execution. He serves on several Boards as a member and leads several organizations as the Chair.
Prior to his involvement with the New Mexico Angels, Mr. Chavez was appointed to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of the Taxation and Revenue Department for the State of New Mexico by Governor Gary Johnson. Mr. Chavez held the role of Cabinet Secretary for six years and was also named the President of the Federation of Taxation Administrators for one year. John has a BA in Economics, BBA in Finance and MBA in Regulatory Economics from New Mexico State University.
Melissa Firestone joined the New Mexico Start-Up Factory in the summer of 2021 and currently holds the position of Company Creation Specialist. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in fostering the development of investible companies and driving the commercialization of promising innovations.
With a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and local enterprise, Firestone champions the building of a sustainable economy. Drawing from her experience as a former small business owner and public education teacher, she brings an understanding of strategic business development, effective marketing strategies, community engagement, educational outreach, and the importance of personal dedication.
As a native of New Mexico, Melissa Firestone is passionate about giving back to her community and recognizes the dedication required to nurture entrepreneurship. Joining The New Mexico Start-Up Factory presented her with an ideal opportunity to leverage her expertise in marketing and business development to foster local job creation and economic growth.
Within the organization, Firestone excels in guiding technologies from conceptualization to commercial success under the framework of the NIH-funded Ascend2.0 Program, where she serves as a Program Manager. She has also actively participated in the National and Regional I-Corps programs and is currently undergoing training to become an I-Corps West Hub Instructor. Her leadership is instrumental in cultivating a robust internal team and spearheading impactful marketing initiatives.
