Santa Fe Business Incubator

01/27/2026

It's official! The Santa Fe Business Incubator (SFBI), northern New Mexico’s first certified incubator, is pleased to announce that after a national search for new leadership, Dana Catron, former Interim Director & CEO of the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University, has been named the new President & CEO. Catron will take on the leadership role in February, supported through the transition by Marie Longserre, who is retiring after serving as President & CEO since the Incubator’s inception in 1997.

With 15 years’ experience in various positions at NMSU’s Arrowhead Center, working with entrepreneurs, and a deep knowledge of grants management, Catron is well-equipped to lead the Santa Fe Business Incubator into the future.

Of this new professional opportunity, Catron said, “Marie leaves behind a strong legacy and I am honored to build on the 30-year foundation she established. Drawing on my background in genomics, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization, my focus will be on expanding SFBI’s impact, supporting Santa Fe’s business community, and strengthening the region’s innovation-driven economy.”

SFBI’s Board Chair, Kent Fuka said, “After a national search and interviewing strong candidates from across the country, Dana stood out as the Board of Directors’ top choice. We are delighted that she is from New Mexico, has deep relationships in the entrepreneurial community, and is passionate about advancing the mission of the Santa Fe Business Incubator.”

Outgoing President & CEO Longserre noted how pleased she is to have Catron as her chosen successor and said, “I have known and worked with Dana in business incubation over the years. She has deep knowledge of the startup journey and is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. The Santa Fe Business Incubator is in strong, capable hands as Dana leads it into the next chapter.”

As SFBI’s first employee, Longserre sheparded the opening of the Incubator in 1997 and the addition that tripled its size in 2001. During her tenure, national and international awards brought attention to the Business Incubator, Santa Fe, and the State of New Mexico.

12/10/2025

Congratulations to our Client, Ursa Science, on being selected as one of 19 grant recipients from the New Mexico Economic Development Department and their Science and Technology Startup Grant. Cheers to advancing science and technology in New Mexico.

Aperi CMC (Peralta), $50,000 S&T Business Startup Grant Awardees New Mexico Economic Development Department

09/28/2025

Congratulations to our Client KALTRON Pulsed Power Systems for this recognition by the Regional Development Corporation as a double awardee of the Technology & Manufacturing Fund (TEAM).

Elizabeth Vigil and José Rosales stepped away from great jobs armed with strong skills and conviction to start their own company. Five years in JREV Enterpri...

09/23/2025

A HUGE congratulations to our Client Vitazi.ai for being recognized at the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge at Vision Expo West. Vitazi.ai was one of three companies recognized for innovation, impact, and potential to elevate the eyecare experience.

LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West, produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision, a leader in health-focused vision care, and MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, announced the winners of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening at Vi...

09/18/2025

Tune in to Rey Post's radio show this weekend and listen to his interview with SFBI's President & CEO Marie Longserre. The show airs Saturday and Sunday from noon until 1 pm, or you can listen at your convenience after the show airs.

The nation's foremost live real estate radio show. Hosted by Rey Post, associate broker with Sotheby's International Realty (NM REC #45660), the program offers the most timely news and commentary to home buyers, sellers and owners. Go to our website and blog for the best in real estate information:....

09/08/2025

ICYMI: After 28 years at the helm, Marie Longserre willl retire once new leadership is named. Cheers to her leadership and vision, and here’s to the next chapter for the Santa Fe Business Incubator.

The incubator board announced Longserre, the only president and CEO the facility has had in its 28 years, will leave soon.

09/02/2025

The Santa Fe Business Incubator, sponsored by the Santa Fe Small Business Navigator, is offering RUNWAY, a six-week pre-incubation program designed for individuals and teams in the early stages of developing a business idea. RUNWAY helps participants evaluate the market potential of their concept and decide whether to move forward or pivot.

The program includes customer discovery activities, networking opportunities with business leaders, and guidance from experienced mentors to provide the clarity and direction needed at the idea stage.

Participants will gain:
--Market assessment tools and resources
--Direct feedback through customer conversations
--Networking opportunities with local business leaders
--Support in making an informed “go” or “no-go” decision

RUNWAY will take place every Wednesday, from October 1 to November 5. Learn more and register today.

Cohort Dates: Each Monday 12-2pm for 6 Weeks June 2-July7, 2025 Event Address: 3900 Paseo del Sol Santa Fe, NM 87507 Contact Carl McLendon with questions (505) 424-1140 x3 or [email protected]

08/20/2025

A big shout-out for our client, Sentire Medical Systems, as New Mexico Economic Development Department announced Phase II funding for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Matching Grant program. Sentire is one of three New Mexico companies to receive Phase II matching grants.

“By investing in homegrown companies, we’re fueling the innovation that will power our future,” said Rob Black, EDD Cabinet Secretary. “These businesses are tackling major challenges, from clean energy to national security, and helping build a stronger, more resilient economy right here in New Mexico.”

06/27/2025

Congratulations to our Client Vitazi.ai as they have been recognized as one of the top 9 Best Tech Startups in New Mexico for 2025 by Tech Tribune. This acknowledgment highlights their commitment to revolutionizing preventive healthcare with Oculomics-as-a-Service.

This recognition solidifies the reality that Oculomics-as-a-Service is a way of life. Vitazi.ai leads the way in enabling healthcare providers and reshaping preventive care.

The Tech Tribune staff has compiled the very best tech startups in New Mexico. In doing our research, we considered several

04/01/2025

Our first quarter newsletter dropped this morning and, ICYMI, it's chock full of great updates. Cheers to our Clients' continued success, new partners, a new board member, a new office manager, and more. Dive in and see what's happening at the Santa Fe Business Incubator.

He saw the need for the Santa Fe Business Incubator then and today, he said, “There remains a profound need in Santa Fe for a vibrant economy and opportunities for middle-class families. A way to achieve that is through locally-based businesses and technological and small business development, an...

02/18/2025

It is a pleasure to officially welcome Arrowhead Center: New Mexico State University to the Santa Fe Business Incubator. We look forward to working together to support entrepreneurs in northern New Mexico.

The Arrowhead Center office, which features approximately 850 square feet of space, will include a small staff led by a program manager, a position that has not been filled yet.

12/18/2024

It was another banner year for the Business Incubator and our Clients. Read about 2024 in our End of the Year Reel.

We started the new year by welcoming new biotech, medical, and technology Clients. SciVista and Integrated Solar Technologies returned to the Incubator with new models and products. We welcome them and all of our new Clients.