Economic Development New Mexico approved over $12 million in job-training funds during the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, backing more than 500 new trainee positions across the state. More than half of the 33 Job Training Incentive Program awardees are focused on quantum technologies, advanced energy technologies and aerospace and defense systems, signaling a deliberate investment in these future industries.
“New Mexico is becoming the ‘next frontier’ for advanced technology and innovation,” said EDNM Cabinet Secretary Rob Black, “particularly in future-forward sectors like quantum, fusion, space tech, aerospace and defense.” The program reimburses a minimum of 50% of trainee wages for up to six months, with increased rates for hires in rural areas and recent New Mexico graduates.
EDNM Allocates $12 Million in FY27 Job Training Funds
The Economic Development New Mexico (EDNM) Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) is directing financial support toward specific workforce development strategies, as evidenced by recent awards to Securin Inc. of Albuquerque. The cybersecurity firm received $35,064 in August to train one new employee at an hourly wage of $61, alongside a $101,500 Step Up grant to upskill 20 existing staff members.
This dual approach, investing in both new hires and current employee development, highlights a deliberate effort to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the state’s growing technology sectors. Beyond this blended training approach, JTIP’s reimbursement rates are tiered to address specific economic goals, demonstrating a targeted incentive structure designed to address regional disparities and retain local talent within the state.
Particle Labs USA, also based in Albuquerque, received $441,618 in July to train eight employees at an average hourly wage of $96, representing a substantial investment in a company focused on compact electron accelerator systems. The concentration of JTIP funding within advanced technology sectors is particularly noteworthy. This allocation reflects a strategic alignment with industries where New Mexico aims to establish a competitive advantage.
“Today’s announcement is a snapshot of the companies building the economy of the future here in New Mexico,” said EDNM Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. Paradise Power Company Inc., specializing in solar energy solutions, also benefited from the Step Up initiative, receiving $12,277 to upskill 18 employees in Taos.
These JTIP awards collectively support the creation of over 500 new trainee and intern positions across the state, signaling a robust demand for skilled labor in these key sectors. The program’s emphasis on both new hires and upskilling initiatives, coupled with targeted incentives for rural employment and recent graduates, positions New Mexico to capitalize on the expanding opportunities within advanced technologies and solidify its position as a hub for innovation.
JTIP Supports Expansion of Quantum, Fusion, and Space Technologies
Bandelier Technologies, Inc., for example, received $117,616 in August to train three employees, with an average hourly wage of $68, to develop quantum sensing hardware for defense applications. Beyond initial hires, JTIP’s Step Up initiative provides funding to upskill existing employees, broadening the program’s impact beyond simply filling new roles. BlackVe, Inc., secured $637,286 for 17 trainees, reflecting the program’s support for companies engaged in multi-mission spacecraft development and advanced manufacturing.
Several companies are receiving JTIP funds for their first time, indicating a broadening appeal of the program to emerging technologies. Discovery 2 Scale and Fuse Federal Enterprise LLC both submitted successful applications this quarter.
IDEAS-TEK, a minority-owned small business focused on advanced computing for space applications, received a combined $274,700 in July and September to train eight employees. Tumbleroot Brewing LLC, a craft beverage manufacturer was awarded $18,830 for two trainees.
Step Up Initiative & JTIP Incentives for New Mexico Trainees
This concentrated investment reflects a proactive approach to workforce development, aligning training programs with industries poised for future growth. Securin Inc., a cybersecurity company, exemplifies this dual approach, receiving both JTIP funds for a single trainee at an hourly wage of $61 and additional Step Up funding to train 20 current employees. This combined investment emphasises a commitment to both expanding the workforce and enhancing the skills of those already employed in critical technology areas.
The program’s design incentivizes companies to prioritize New Mexican hires, with increased reimbursement rates offered for positions located in rural areas and for recent graduates of in-state higher education institutions. Similarly, Kytyra, developing laser sensing systems for counter-UAS applications, and Growvera Inc., designing plant moisture sensors for wildfire mitigation, both received their first JTIP awards this quarter.
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
