This Week's Latest Tech News in Albuquerque, NM - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

This week, Albuquerque's tech landscape saw significant developments, with city officials impounding 38 electric scooters and implementing stricter parking regulations.

Rental companies now face $100 relocation fees and $200 daily storage charges per scooter, marking a decisive shift in micromobility management. The tech scene is particularly energized by Tech Days 2025 at UNM, scheduled for April 17-18, which promises to showcase cutting-edge demonstrations and interactive sessions.

Adding to the momentum, New Mexico's leadership in quantum science and technology is gaining recognition during the International Year of Quantum Science.

The city's commitment to innovation extends to its infrastructure, with approximately 2,000 e-scooters and 105 docking stations now operating throughout Albuquerque.

Local tech companies are adapting to these changes, with vendors like Beam, Lime, and Spin working closely with city officials to enhance safety and accessibility.

The planning department emphasizes the importance of clear sidewalks and ADA compliance, while maintaining support for innovative transportation solutions. These developments showcase Albuquerque's evolution as a tech hub, balancing regulatory oversight with technological advancement.

In a significant crackdown on e-scooter regulations, Albuquerque has impounded 38 electric scooters found improperly parked on city sidewalks.

The enforcement action, which began in March 2025, marks the end of what city officials call the "honeymoon phase" for the shared mobility program. Under the new regulations, companies now face a $100 relocation fee and a $200 daily storage charge per impounded scooter, significantly higher than previously proposed rates.

The city's micromobility landscape, which includes approximately 2,000 e-scooters and 105 docking stations, has become a focal point for debates about urban transportation safety and accessibility.

Vendors like Spin, Lime, and Beam have expressed concerns about the timing of impounds, with some scooters being seized within minutes of ride completion.

The Planning Department maintains that removals are necessary to ensure ADA compliance and pedestrian safety, while companies are working to implement enhanced monitoring systems and rider education programs.

The city requires vendors to maintain at least four feet of pedestrian space on sidewalks and respond to distribution issues within 24 hours. This evolving situation highlights the challenge of balancing convenient urban mobility with public safety concerns, as Albuquerque works to establish a sustainable framework for shared transportation services.

Chrome Remote Desktop has evolved into an essential tool for remote work, offering secure cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. The setup process is straightforward: visit remotedesktop.google.com, install the extension, and create a PIN for secure access.

While the service excels in providing basic remote access functionality, some limitations exist, such as the lack of built-in chat features and drag-and-drop file transfers.

The platform uses standard SSL/TLS encryption for data security, though users should maintain strong PINs and enable two-factor authentication for optimal protection.

Remote workers particularly benefit from features like clipboard synchronization, keyboard mapping, and the ability to access their workstations from mobile devices.

The service works exceptionally well for basic tasks and occasional connections, though professionals requiring advanced features like multi-session handling or extensive file transfer capabilities might need to explore alternative solutions.

Chrome Remote Desktop's strength lies in its simplicity and integration with Google's ecosystem, making it an accessible choice for users who prioritize ease of use over advanced functionality.

Regular updates continue to improve the platform's performance and security features, ensuring it remains relevant in today's dynamic remote work environment.

The Roadrunner Technology Forum 2025, scheduled for October 15 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, is shaping up to be Albuquerque's most significant tech gathering yet.

Building on last year's success that drew 500 participants, RTF25 has secured major backing from industry leaders including Google, Morrison & Foerster, and Rho.

The event will highlight emerging technologies across quantum computing, synthetic biology, and AI, with demonstrations from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

A major focus will be on Symphora, led by Jessica Williams, which is developing breakthrough technology for sustainable fuel in aviation and transportation.

The forum will feature an interactive Community Showcase with over 30 emerging technologies through poster displays and live demos, creating what Joseph Anderson, Community and Studio Operations Manager, describes as a "hub for deep tech innovation." The event builds on Roadrunner Venture Studios' momentum, following their recent $10 million investment from America's Frontier Fund.

Attendees can expect:

• Direct interaction with inventors, offering unique insights and understanding.
• Insights into cutting-edge projects shaping future technologies.
• Networking opportunities with scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors from leading organizations like Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures.

With registration capped to ensure meaningful interactions, early sign-up is recommended for this landmark event that reinforces New Mexico's growing role in technological advancement.

As Microsoft marks its 50th anniversary, its origins in Albuquerque, New Mexico reflect a pivotal moment in tech history.

Bill Gates, a 19-year-old, and Paul Allen, 22, launched the company on April 4, 1975, developing BASIC for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. According to Microsoft's historical records, their first-year revenue reached $16,005, marking the beginning of what would become a global tech empire.

The company's initial workspace, now commemorated by a plaque at the corner of Central and California, housed the early innovations that would reshape computing.

After establishing their foundation in Albuquerque, Microsoft relocated to Bellevue, Washington in 1979, setting the stage for unprecedented growth.

Key milestones followed: the 1980 IBM partnership, the 1985 launch of Windows, and the transformative release of Windows 95, which sold 7 million copies in just five weeks.

The company's expansion continued through strategic acquisitions, including ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in 2020 and Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in 2021.

Today, Microsoft's influence extends far beyond its original software focus, encompassing cloud services, AI technology, and gaming through Xbox. From its modest beginnings in Albuquerque to becoming the world's most valued publicly traded company in 2024, Microsoft's journey exemplifies how innovation and vision can transform a small startup into a global technology leader.

The company's evolution has created countless jobs and revolutionized how people work, communicate, and interact with technology worldwide.

At Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, researchers are revolutionizing electric vehicle battery safety through groundbreaking detection systems.

The lab's Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory (BATLab) is developing methods to identify battery failures before they become catastrophic, significantly improving driver safety.

Their research shows that EV battery fires require about 2,500 gallons of water to extinguish, compared to 500-1,500 gallons for conventional vehicle fires, making early detection crucial.

Led by Susan Anderson, the team is working on integrating early warning systems into vehicle dashboards, combining expertise in material science, electrochemistry, and battery failure analysis.

The research involves benchmarking commercial diagnostics for various battery failure conditions, as different battery chemistries and cell engineering require specific diagnostic approaches.

Recent findings published in the Journal of Electrochemical Society demonstrate promising results in detecting battery failure markers before they escalate into dangerous situations.

The team's current focus includes developing machine learning algorithms to analyze datasets and advance sensor technology, potentially enabling automatic activation of battery cooling systems when warnings are detected.

This research extends beyond personal vehicles to grid energy storage applications, positioning Sandia Labs at the forefront of energy storage safety innovation.

Peanut Tech, created by UNM engineering student Younes Slaoui, is revolutionizing stadium concessions with an innovative in-seat food delivery service that's already making waves.

The app's concept is straightforward: fans scan a QR code at their seat, browse the menu, and get their food delivered within 5-10 minutes. Testing at Los Alamos High School's football stadium has shown impressive results, with initial games generating over $1,500 in sales across 120 orders.

This success aligns with industry trends, as research shows 75% of fans believe in-seat delivery would improve their game experience.

The service eliminates the typical 20-minute wait times at concession stands and solves the hassle of carrying large orders through crowded venues. While currently focused on local expansion across New Mexico schools and colleges, Peanut Tech faces staffing challenges as it grows beyond its initial reliance on friends and family for deliveries.

The platform's simplicity - requiring no login or pre-stored payment information - makes it accessible to all fans. What started as a simple idea in November 2023 has quickly evolved into a promising venture that's increasing concession sales by 13% even with partial stadium coverage.

As venues seek to enhance fan experiences, Peanut Tech's solution meets a clear market demand while keeping sports fans connected to the action they came to see.

New Mexico's STEM landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with Explora's STEM Scholars Program leading the charge by offering $2,500 scholarships to promising seniors pursuing STEM studies at New Mexico institutions.

This initiative addresses a critical gap, as the state currently produces only 2,600 STEM graduates annually for 4,600 high-tech job openings.

The much-anticipated STEM Signing Day 2025 is now accepting registrations, offering graduating seniors the chance to win $1,000 scholarships and connect with industry leaders.

Students must submit their applications by April 25, demonstrating their vision for STEM and explaining how they'll inspire future generations. The event builds upon recent successes, including four scholarships awarded in 2024, and aims to expand its impact this year.

For additional support, New Mexico MESA's comprehensive scholarship database provides resources for students seeking financial assistance in STEM fields.

Requirements typically include a minimum 2.5 GPA, New Mexico residency, and commitment to pursuing STEM at a state institution. The program's emphasis on local talent development aims to address the challenge of retention, as out-of-state STEM graduates are significantly less likely to remain employed in New Mexico.

This coordinated effort between educational institutions and industry partners represents a strategic investment in the state's technological future, creating pathways for students while strengthening New Mexico's position in the high-tech economy.

The e-scooter scene in Albuquerque just got real with the city's latest crackdown on improperly parked rides. The Planning Department has impounded 38 e-scooters, hitting rental companies with steep fines - $100 for relocation and $200 daily storage fees per scooter.

With approximately 2,000 e-scooters and 105 docking stations across the city, this move signals a serious shift in enforcement. The city's updated guidelines now require riders to follow specific rules: helmets for those under 18, riding with traffic flow, and strict parking protocols to keep sidewalks clear.

• Helmet Rules: The city's updated guidelines mandate that helmets must be worn by all riders under 18.
• Traffic Compliance: Riders are required to ride with traffic flow to ensure safety.
• Parking Protocols: Strict parking protocols aim to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrian access.

The situation's gotten heated, with vendors like Beam, Lime, and Spin pushing back on the timing of seizures.

Beam's VP, Barbara Rodriguez, claims they weren't given enough time to collect their scooters, while Lime acknowledges some communication issues.

The most interesting part? Code enforcement hasn't slowed down - they've picked up 52 scooters in just two weeks around hotspots like Nob Hill, the University Area, and Downtown.

Local business owners are split on the impact, with some seeing benefits while others deal with scooters cluttering their storefronts.

The city's message is clear: the honeymoon phase is over for e-scooter companies. This shift isn't just about cleaning up sidewalks - it's about finding the sweet spot between convenient micro-mobility and public safety.

While e-scooters offer a solid last-mile solution and environmental benefits, the city's crackdown shows that tech innovation needs to play by the rules. With impounded scooters held for 30 days and weekly patrols continuing, companies are under pressure to step up their game in managing their fleets responsibly.

In 2025, Chrome Remote Desktop stands as a game-changer for remote work in Albuquerque. This cross-platform solution works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, making it a versatile choice for the city's diverse workforce.

The platform's straightforward setup process and encryption-based security have made it particularly popular among local businesses transitioning to hybrid work models.

Recent case studies show significant productivity gains when teams use Chrome Remote Desktop for accessing work computers, with some organizations reporting efficiency improvements of up to 25%.

• Basic remote access features: The tool excels in providing basic remote access features.
• Lack of built-in chat features: Users should note some limitations, such as the lack of built-in chat features.
• Session permission renewal: The requirement for session permission renewal every 30 minutes.
• Zero-cost structure: Despite these constraints, the platform's zero-cost structure and robust security measures, including PIN-based authentication and data encryption, make it an attractive option for both individuals and businesses.
• Optimal performance: For optimal performance, users are advised to maintain stable internet connections and consider supplementary tools for specialized needs like multi-monitor support or file transfers.

The platform continues to evolve, with recent updates focusing on improving connection stability and user interface responsiveness, cementing its position as a reliable solution for remote work needs.

The Roadrunner Technology Forum 2025 (RTF25), scheduled for October 15 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, is shaping up to be a game-changing event for Albuquerque's tech scene.

Following last year's success with 500 participants, RTF25 is expanding its reach with backing from major players like Google, Morrison & Foerster, and Rho.

The event will feature over 30 emerging technologies through engaging poster displays and live demonstrations, covering everything from synthetic biology to quantum computing.

A highlight of this year's forum is Symphora, led by Thomas Harris, which is developing groundbreaking technology for sustainable fuel in aviation, shipping, and long-haul transportation.

The forum is expected to draw influential investors and founders from across the technology and venture capital sectors, building on last year's impressive roster that included representatives from Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and various government agencies.

Symphora's presence at RTF25 represents a significant milestone in New Mexico's push toward sustainable technology solutions, supported by strategic investments including a $100 million commitment from the State Investment Council to America's Frontier Fund.

This convergence of innovation, investment, and industry expertise positions Albuquerque as an emerging hub for deep tech development, particularly in sustainable transportation solutions that could reshape the future of mobility.

Albuquerque's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, marked by major investments from Intel's $3.5 billion facility upgrade and Maxeon Solar's $4 billion investment, collectively creating 2,500 new jobs.

The city's tech evolution is further evidenced by Tech Days 2025 at UNM, featuring cutting-edge AI demonstrations and hands-on technology workshops.

The transformation extends beyond corporate investments, with the New Mexico AI Consortium's Industry Collaboration Day fostering partnerships between academic institutions and industry leaders.

Notable developments include Sandia Labs' innovations in EV battery safety diagnostics and the emergence of local startups like Peanut Tech, revolutionizing sports venue experiences.

With the state leading the nation in software job growth at 18.7% and unemployment at a record-low 3.5%, Albuquerque's tech sector demonstrates robust health.

The upcoming Roadrunner Technology Forum and STEM Signing Day events further reinforce the city's commitment to nurturing tech talent, while practical innovations like Chrome Remote Desktop's widespread adoption by 75% of local small businesses showcase the practical implementation of technology solutions.

As e-mobility evolves, new regulations for e-scooters and Beam Mobility's expansion with 1,000 new vehicles reflect the city's adaptation to modern urban transit needs.

• Economic growth: Albuquerque's economic landscape is improving with major investments from Intel and Maxeon Solar.
• Tech evolution: Events like Tech Days 2025 demonstrate the city's cutting-edge technology focus.
• Collaboration: Industry Collaboration Day fosters partnerships between academia and industry.
• Local innovations: Sandia Labs and Peanut Tech contribute to innovative solutions.
• Talent nurturing: Forums and signing days signify commitment to tech talent development.

Furthermore, we see a significant involvement from individuals who are spearheading various aspects of these advancements: