The New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (NM LEEP) has selected its fifth cohort of deep-tech innovators. The two-year fellowship, based at Los Alamos National Laboratory, supports entrepreneurs working to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies that address the nation’s most urgent energy, security, and economic challenges.

The program pairs deep-tech entrepreneurs with the unique talent and technology of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Fellows are matched with seed capital, a large network of mentors, customers, and investors to help entrepreneurs transition technology into a scalable product. The program also offers a generous stipend, health insurance, travel reimbursement, and relocation assistance.

Applications for the 2027 cohort will be accepted beginning February 28, 2026. The application period closes on May 8, 2026.

The FY2026 application cycle was one of the most competitive yet. Applicants from across New Mexico and beyond submitted proposals spanning national security, artificial intelligence, energy resilience, space systems and advanced biotech. After a rigorous review process, three fellows were selected for Cohort 5, each bringing forward novel solutions with the potential for high national impact.

“From protecting critical infrastructure to advancing quantum detection capabilities, Cohort 5’s technologies directly support our national security mission, said Molly Cernicek, Program Manager for NM LEEP. We look forward to helping them advance these technologies where they are needed most.”

Cohort 5

Holly Eagleston of Firescape AI is one of the new fellows. Firescape AI is an all-in-one wildfire risk platform for electric utilities. It combines daily situational awareness with long-term mitigation planning.

“NM LEEP represents an incredible opportunity to leverage physics-based wildfire simulation technology from Los Alamos Labs and bring it into the energy industry to enhance grid resiliency,” said Eagleston.

Another fellow, Stephen Buchanan of Bandelier Technologies, said, “NM LEEP gives startups like Bandelier an invaluable advantage—the chance to grow the company while staying closely connected to the labs and the inventors behind the technology. The folks involved with LEEP have already been a tremendous help to Bandelier, offering support, guidance, and access that are accelerating our development at Bandelier.”

The company is redefining long-range quantum sensing with a platform that moves the field from lab-scale experiments to real-world deployment to provide quiet, accurate sensing for defense, space, and secure communication systems.

Sonia Dagan is developing AI-powered drone threat detection and classification for defense and critical infrastructure, delivering fast, reliable identification in environments where traditional sensors struggle. She has already started an early work plan with LANL scientists for her company, Atolla Tech.

“I’m excited for a collaboration that will accelerate Atolla Tech’s technology to TRL-6 and help demonstrate its value in safeguarding critical infrastructure from emerging drone threats,” said Dagan.

In addition to the three new fellows, NM LEEP welcomes its returning fellows, who are entering their second year of the program.

Kyle Guin leads Vast Vision, a Sandia National Laboratories spinout that is transitioning physical infrastructure into intelligent, real-time sensing networks, and Luis Chavez leads Tollan Materials, a Los Alamos National Laboratory spinout that is enabling the recovery of domestic heavy rare earth elements from overlooked U.S. waste streams. Both will continue refining their technologies and business strategies as they move toward market launch.

Since its launch in 2021, NM LEEP has supported 10 startups and innovators who have raised $36 Million  to advance product development, establish strategic partnerships, and create high-quality jobs throughout New Mexico.

Learn more about the NM LEEP program and its application criteria. Follow the program on LinkedIn at “New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program” to stay up to date with program announcements and application deadlines.

Find other entrepreneurial programs offered by Los Alamos National Laboratory.