This Week's Latest Tech News in Albuquerque, NM - Sunday April 6th 2025 Edition

Albuquerque's tech scene is hitting major milestones in 2025, with record-low unemployment at 3.5% and massive investments reshaping the city's digital landscape.

The tech transformation is led by powerhouse moves like Intel's $3.5 billion facility upgrade, creating 700 new jobs, and Maxeon Solar Technologies' game-changing $4 billion investment bringing 1,800 positions to the area.

Local startups are thriving in sectors like biotech, renewable energy, and space tech, with companies like T-Neuro Pharma and Osazda Energy leading the charge.

This week's spotlight includes the Roadrunner Technology Forum at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, where New Mexico's impressive 18.7% growth in software jobs - the fastest in the nation - took center stage.

Mayor Tim Keller's tech speech highlighted the city's strategic focus on emerging technologies, from quantum computing to climate tech solutions. The bustling ecosystem includes innovative events like STEM Signing Day and new developments in e-mobility solutions, positioning Albuquerque as a serious contender in the national tech landscape.

Watch this space for updates on Microsoft's historic ties to the city and groundbreaking developments in remote tech access initiatives.

Albuquerque's e-scooter scene is getting a major reality check this spring. The city's crackdown on improperly parked e-scooters has resulted in 38 impounded vehicles, with companies facing hefty fines - $100 for pickup and an extra $200 per day in storage fees.

The situation got real when new safety regulations kicked in, requiring riders to follow traffic signals, stay off sidewalks when bike lanes are available, and park responsibly at designated stations or near bike racks.

Beam Mobility is joining the mix on March 3, 2025, bringing 1,000 purple scooters and 65 new stations to complement existing vendors Lime and Spin. The expanded service aims to replace car trips for short distances while maintaining strict safety standards.

The city isn't playing around anymore - enforcement has intensified with regular patrols checking for violations, especially in high-traffic areas like Nob Hill, the University district, and downtown.

Users must be 18 or older, wear helmets if under 18, and ride on the right side of the street with traffic flow. While some local businesses appreciate the increased foot traffic from scooter users, the city's focus remains firmly on maintaining clear pedestrian pathways and ensuring ADA compliance.

Companies like Lime and Beam are stepping up their game, promising better response times to parking issues and increased foot patrols throughout the city. Despite some growing pains, this new approach aims to balance convenient micro-mobility with public safety and accessibility needs.

Chrome Remote Desktop has become a game-changer for remote access, offering a simple and secure solution that won't cost you a dime.

This free service lets you connect to your computer from anywhere using the Chrome browser, and getting started takes just a few minutes. The platform shines through its comprehensive feature set, including screen sharing, remote support, and multiple display modes that adapt to your needs.

What's really cool is that it works across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS, making it super versatile for different setups. For Albuquerque's growing tech community, Chrome Remote Desktop has become essential, with 75% of local small businesses relying on remote access solutions for their day-to-day operations.

The platform's standout features include real-time access with minimal lag, secure PIN protection, and robust encryption to keep your data safe. Recent updates have made it even better - performance improvements ensure smooth operation across devices, though some limitations exist with file transfers and remote printing.

Tech consultant Thomas Lee's latest review highlights how the platform has transformed his ability to support clients remotely, eliminating the need for on-site visits.

As Albuquerque continues its evolution into a tech hub, Chrome Remote Desktop serves as a crucial tool for professionals and businesses looking to stay connected and productive, regardless of their physical location.

While it may lack some advanced features found in paid solutions, its reliability and straightforward approach make it a go-to choice for remote access needs.

The Roadrunner Technology Forum (RTF25) is coming to the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque on October 15, 2025, and it's shaping up to be huge.

The event's got some serious backing from Google, Morrison & Foerster, and Rho, which means we're in for something special. Last year's forum pulled in nearly 500 people, with big names dropping by from Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and even the Department of Energy.

This year's showcase will feature over 30 emerging technologies, and if it's anything like last time, we'll see some wild stuff from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Labs, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

They're diving deep into synthetic biology, AI, and quantum computing - basically all the cool stuff that's changing the world right now. The forum's newest portfolio company, Symphora, led by Richard White, is working on sustainable fuel tech for aviation and long-haul transportation.

Plus, last year's speaker lineup was stacked with venture capital heavyweights like Patricia Taylor from Founders Fund and Nancy Brown from Airbus Ventures.

If you're into deep tech or looking to network with industry leaders, this is definitely the place to be - but heads up, registration is capped, so you'll want to grab your spot fast.

STEM Signing Day in Albuquerque is transforming into a major virtual celebration this year, with five students set to win $1,000 scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

The event, scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 6 PM, is being hosted by the AFRL Tech Engagement Office in partnership with Q Station. High school seniors planning to pursue STEM degrees can now register until April 25, 2025.

The Explora STEM Scholars Program is also offering additional $2,500 scholarships to promising seniors continuing their STEM education at New Mexico institutions, addressing the state's current challenge of underproducing STEM graduates for its growing tech economy.

Applicants must maintain a 2.5 GPA and submit a recommendation letter from a STEM teacher or mentor.

This year's virtual format makes the event more accessible than ever, carrying forward the tradition of celebrating students' commitment to STEM fields, much like athletic signing days.

AFRL's STEM Academy in New Mexico continues to support these initiatives with hands-on activities and practical applications of STEM content.

During the ceremony, seniors will sign letters of intent for their chosen schools and fields of study, automatically entering them into the scholarship drawing.

The event aims to address New Mexico's STEM workforce gap, where approximately 2,600 STEM students graduate annually for 4,600 high-tech job openings.

STEM Signing Day represents more than just a ceremony - it's a strategic initiative to strengthen New Mexico's tech workforce and create opportunities for local talent.

As Lisa Lopez, Director of the AFRL New Mexico Tech Engagement Office notes, "From medical to space, from environmental to AI and everything in between, STEM careers have never been more in demand." The event continues to evolve as a crucial platform for recognizing and supporting tomorrow's innovation leaders.

Celebrating Microsoft's remarkable 50-year journey, let's rewind to April 4, 1975, when Bill Gates and Paul Allen launched their tech venture in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The choice of location wasn't random - Albuquerque was home to Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), where Gates and Allen developed BASIC for the revolutionary Altair 8800 computer.

The company's early success led to rapid growth, with their first eleven employees working from a modest office space.

Among these pioneers was Susan Anderson, the only local Albuquerque hire, who served as Microsoft's technical writer. By 1979, the company relocated to Bellevue, Washington, marking the end of its New Mexico chapter.

Today, a historic plaque in Albuquerque commemorates the birthplace of what would become a global tech giant.

Microsoft's evolution has been remarkable - from its first product, MS-DOS, to Windows 95 selling seven million copies in its first five weeks, to becoming the world's most valued publicly traded company in January 2024.

The company's journey from an Albuquerque startup to a multinational corporation with over 128,000 employees and annual revenue exceeding $109 billion demonstrates the transformative power of innovation and perseverance.

As Microsoft celebrates its golden anniversary, the company's Albuquerque origins remain a testament to how great achievements can spring from unexpected places.

At Sandia Labs' Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory (BATLab), researchers are revolutionizing EV battery safety through advanced failure detection systems.

Led by Susan Garcia and Alex Bates, the team is tackling a critical challenge: EV batteries can fail rapidly and catch fire with minimal warning. Their work at the Battery Safety Testing facility focuses on developing diagnostic systems that provide drivers enough time to safely exit their vehicles during potential battery failures.

The research is particularly crucial since EV battery fires require approximately 2,500 gallons of water to extinguish - significantly more than conventional vehicle fires.

The team is testing various commercial diagnostic solutions, recognizing that different battery chemistries and failure conditions need tailored detection approaches.

According to findings published in the Journal of Electrochemical Society, their innovative diagnostic systems monitor crucial indicators like temperature and voltage patterns to identify early warning signs of failure.

The research extends beyond personal vehicles to grid energy storage systems, with future developments aimed at implementing machine learning algorithms and automatic mitigation measures like cooling systems.

This work represents a significant step forward in addressing safety concerns that could otherwise hinder wider EV adoption.

The innovative Peanut Tech app, created by UNM computer science student Younes Slaoui, is transforming how fans experience sports events.

The concept, which started at Los Alamos High School's football stadium in late 2023, lets fans order food without missing any game action. Using QR codes placed at their seats, spectators can quickly place orders that arrive within 5-10 minutes.

• Successful trial run: The initial trial run proved successful, with just one-third of the stadium mapped generating $1,000 in sales and boosting overall venue sales by 13%.
• Pilot program expansion: The pilot program expanded to cover nearly 900 seats, processing 120 orders and generating more than $1,500 in sales across three games.
• Addressing venue pain points: Slaoui's implementation addresses common venue pain points like long concession lines that can stretch beyond 20 minutes and the hassle of carrying multiple food items through crowded stands.
• System's simplicity: The system's simplicity is key - no login or pre-stored payment information is required, and customers can pay by card or cash upon delivery.

While currently managing delivery logistics through family and friends, Slaoui is working on scaling the operation for expansion to other high school and college sports stadiums across New Mexico.

Beyond Peanut Tech, Younes Slaoui runs Hima Tech Consulting, helping startups develop websites, mobile apps, and AI tools, and has completed internships with prestigious organizations including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

The Daiso store opening in Albuquerque on April 5th, 2025, marks an exciting addition to Cottonwood Commons at 3601 Old Airport Rd NW. The 9,268-square-foot store will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.

to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering Japanese-inspired home decor, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, and snacks. This expansion follows Daiso's successful January 2025 launch in Santa Fe, demonstrating the brand's growing presence in New Mexico.

As part of a larger expansion strategy, Daiso now operates 185 stores across the United States, far exceeding previous estimates.

The company is simultaneously introducing its premium Threeppy line, featuring high-quality kitchenware with distinctive cracked glaze patterns and pastel aesthetics.

To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 customers spending $30 or more will receive a special gift.

This retail addition is expected to enhance the local shopping experience, bringing affordable Japanese-inspired products to Albuquerque's diverse community. The store's arrival represents a significant step in Daiso's strategic expansion across the American Southwest, joining a wave of new locations opening in Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas during spring 2025.

Albuquerque's tech landscape continues to evolve with major developments this week. The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is representing the city at the 40th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, highlighting the region's growing aerospace sector which now employs over 20,000 professionals.

The city's commitment to digital infrastructure expansion is evident through the ongoing fiber internet construction project, aimed at providing faster and more affordable connectivity across neighborhoods.

The tech community is particularly excited about UNM's Tech Days 2025, scheduled for April 17th and 18th at the Student Union Building, which will showcase cutting-edge AI and quantum computing innovations.

The Microsoft 50th anniversary celebration ties in perfectly with these advancements, reminding us of Albuquerque's historic role in tech innovation. Local initiatives continue to thrive, with Daniel Davis's AI integration project in renewable energy gaining traction and Mary Thompson's Peanut Tech expanding its reach in sports venues.

The STEM Signing Day on April 10th remains a cornerstone event for nurturing future tech talent, while the Roadrunner Technology Forum 2025 is set to gather over 5,000 attendees to discuss emerging technologies.

These developments, combined with the aerospace industry achievements making Albuquerque the second most concentrated metro in the Southwest for aerospace jobs, demonstrate the city's growing influence in the national tech landscape.

In Albuquerque's evolving tech landscape, Alan Varela and Younes Slaoui are driving transformative change.

As Director of Planning, Varela has implemented strategic initiatives to streamline city operations and foster tech growth. His department oversees crucial developments including the Albuquerque Geographic Information System and Building & Construction Services, while actively supporting the emerging cannabis retail sector with 55 approved locations.

Under his leadership, the planning department has introduced "navigators" to assist developers through permitting processes, demonstrating a commitment to reducing bureaucratic barriers for tech startups.

Varela's extensive experience as both an executive and attorney, combined with his leadership roles in organizations like Quality New Mexico, has positioned him as a key figure in Albuquerque's tech evolution.

Complementing Varela's institutional impact, Younes Slaoui represents the next generation of tech innovators.

As a computer science major at The University of New Mexico, his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial approach have brought fresh perspectives to the city's tech ecosystem.

His work demonstrates how emerging talent can leverage local resources to create practical solutions for real-world challenges. Together, these leaders exemplify the dynamic partnership between established governance and emerging innovation that's reshaping Albuquerque's future.

Their collaborative efforts have established a framework for sustainable tech growth, combining Varela's systematic approach to urban development with Slaoui's innovative spirit.

This synergy has created an environment where both established companies and startups can thrive, positioning Albuquerque as an emerging tech hub in the Southwest.

The city's focus on streamlined processes and support for new ventures continues to attract diverse tech talent and investment, setting the stage for continued growth through 2025 and beyond.

Albuquerque's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth, with market growth hitting 15% since 2023 and average tech salaries reaching $85,000.

Major investments are reshaping the city's future, including Intel's $3.5 billion expansion creating 700 new jobs and Maxeon Solar Technologies' $4 billion investment bringing 1,800 positions.

The tech sector shows particular strength in AI development, with job postings up 37%, while cloud architects command salaries ranging from $88,000 to $174,000.

High-demand roles span cybersecurity, data science, and full-stack development, with opportunities at major employers like Sandia National Laboratories and the FBI.

The city's startup ecosystem is thriving, with significant growth in biotech, renewable energy, and technological advancement sectors.

Strategic initiatives like the New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program are pairing innovators with resources from national laboratories, fostering a robust innovation pipeline.

While local salaries average slightly below the national standard, Albuquerque's lower cost of living and growing opportunities make it an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals and companies alike.

The city's commitment to technological advancement, coupled with substantial private and public investments, positions Albuquerque as an emerging force in the national tech landscape.