SlideshowAdvent Solar Leverages Sandia Tech Transfer ProgramAlbuquerque-based Advent Solar makes advanced photovoltaic cells and solar panels that promise to be lower cost than conventional solar panels. A groundbreaker in many ways, Advent is the first company to locate at the new Mesa del Sol development. Advent started four years ago when Rusty Schmit’s partner James Gee took advantage of the Sandia National Laboratory's Entrepreneurial Separation to Technology Transfer (ESTT) program, which allows scientists to leave the lab to launch a technology-based business, but also allows them to return if the venture fails. The company flourished, and recently began building its 25 megawatt solar cell plant, with plans to be operational by 2007. Advent has not only created a great product, it has adopted lean manufacturing processes—a streamlined, no-waste approach that reduces costs and increases productivity. The company plans to employ up to 1,000 employees (up from 2), the training of whom will be partially funded by the New Mexico Job Training Incentive Program in the next five years.The Albuquerque area also has the third highest concentration of high-tech activities among the 200 largest cities surveyed. - The Milken Institute |
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Energy AdvantagesIn today's economic climate, it's critical to improve energy efficiency and find better ways to utilize our natural resources. New Mexico is an 'energy state,' with programs relating to the development and use of hydrogen power, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass resources. The state offers a host of opportunities and incentives to energy-related companies, including commercialization programs between our two national labs and private industry that facilitate technology transfer, and a growing number of research parks and incubators. The state offers:
Research Affiliations
Trade Associations
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