In other news
UbiQD received VAF funding in 2015. This Los Alamos-based startup commercialized low-toxicity and inexpensive quantum dot technology developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for application in research, security, safety, design, energy, and more.
Venture Acceleration Fund Request for Proposals Opening Soon
The proposal process for the Laboratory’s Venture Acceleration Fund (VAF) will be opening soon. The VAF helps companies reach the next level of success by providing funding for prototyping, securing initial customers, and helping prove concept. The median award amount has averaged $45,000. Businesses located in the counties of Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval, Rio Arriba, Taos, San Miguel, and Mora are eligible to apply.
Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) launched the VAF in 2006. Since then, the VAF program has assisted 53 New Mexico companies through marketing and technology development activities.
Check the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) or www.vafnm.org for more information on the application process.
Engineers: Making a World of Difference
National Engineers Week was held February 21–27. To mark the occasion, Laboratory personnel participated in the Discover E event held at Los Alamos High School. Discover E (E stands for Engineering) provides an opportunity for students to meet with professional engineers, engage in hands-on activities, and learn about engineering careers. The Lab is a co-sponsor of the event with ASM International and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This year’s theme for National Engineers Week was “Engineers Make a World of Difference,” with a focus on the myriad skills of engineers, including designers, inventors, developers, problem solvers, and creators.
Earth and Environmental Science Scholarships Available for Northern New Mexico Students
Los Alamos National Laboratory and The Climate Change Leadership Institute (CCLI) are partnering to provide scholarships to support students pursuing Earth and Environmental Science degrees. This scholarship was started in 2014 when Dr. Jeri Sullivan Graham, a Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist, received the Conservation Leadership Seed Grant Award from the Climate Change Leadership Institute. The 2016 scholarship will be awarded to two students attending colleges or universities in northern New Mexico. The amount of each scholarship is $1,000. Students selected must attend a college or university within the seven Northern New Mexico counties (Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos). The application deadline is March 18.
For more information, contact Carole Rutten in the Laboratory’s Community Relations and Partnerships Office at 505-664-0275 or crutten@lanl.gov
Business Registration Is Required to Conduct Business with the Laboratory
The Laboratory has updated its business practices, requiring businesses to register in The System for Award Management (SAM). The SAM system—the primary supplier database for the federal government—enables secure registration as a potential supplier of products or services to Los Alamos National Laboratory and other government agencies and contractors. If you intend to continue conducting business with LANS and your company is not already registered in the SAM system, register at www.sam.gov as soon as possible to be considered for future procurement opportunities.
Community Connections features news and opportunities that grow out of the Laboratory’s Good Neighbor Pledge: “To partner with our neighbors on strengthening math and science learning, diversifying the economy and expanding community giving in northern New Mexico.”
