Grant & Contract Funding Opportunities
Request for Proposals
BIO 2026 International Convention Travel Grants
To amplify New Mexico’s bioscience expertise onto the global stage, the NMBSA is offering $90,000 in travel grant support for the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego, CA from June 22 – 25.
This initiative ensures our state’s small businesses have a seat at the table with international partners and venture capitalists.
Grants are awarded through two strategic pathways:
Pitch Competition Track
The deadline to apply to the
Start-Up Stadium has passed — but not for New Mexico!
- Number of awards: Up to 6
- Maximum award per company: $9,000
- Participants supported: Up to two (2) representatives per company
This track is intended for companies selected to present in a BIO-affiliated pitch competition or investor forum during the 2026 convention.
Six spots are being held for New Mexico-based bioscience companies to pitch their innovations to an international audience — and the NMBSA will award up to $9,000 to cover the travel for each of these.
Eligible Start-Up Stadium applicants must have:
- Raised less than $10M since inception
- Previous business pitch or competition experience
- Fewer than 20 full-time employees
- Not previously been named a BIO Start-Up Stadium winner
Priority will be given to applicants whose work aligns with the judging panel’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF OF SUBMISSION FORM
Please note: this downloadable form is for informational use only. It cannot be submitted.
Pavilion Staffing Track
- Number of awards: Up to 8
- Maximum award per company: $4,500
- Participants supported: One (1) representative per company
This track supports companies that commit to staffing and representing the New Mexico Pavilion on the BIO exhibition floor for designated periods.
CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF OF SUBMISSION FORM
Please note: this downloadable form is for informational use only. It cannot be submitted.
Applications are due March 16 at 5 PM
Additional Funding Opportunities
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants
Known as, “America’s Seed Fund”, the SBIR is a federal program that provides over $1.4 billion annually to U.S.—based small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.
Learn More
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants
This competitive federal grant program funds R&D projects between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions (such as universities).
Learn More
Small Business Administration Grants
Offers limited number of grants for grants for scientific research, community promotion of entrepreneurship, and exporting.
Learn More
Opportunity Enterprise — Commercial Development
Provides financing for building or renovation projects to increase the inventory of commercial space that will attract businesses to New Mexico and achieve economic benefits for the state.
Learn More
Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP)
Operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM LEEP is looking for early-stage deep tech founders ready to accelerate the commercialization of their technology and tackle some of the nation’s most pressing energy, security, and economic challenges.