372 | Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem in New Mexico with Rep. Meredith Dixon
In a political climate that is more partisan and polarized than ever, the idea of working together for the common good seems impossible. State Representative Meredith Dixon has a different view. Her approach - one which is focused on bringing people together - is getting results for the people of Albuquerque and all of New Mexico.
Rep. Dixon is one of the founders of New Mexico Women Lead, the organization that sponsors the Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem conference. This year it takes place on September 15-16 at the Sandia Resort & Casino near Albuquerque, NM. She was also the keynote for the recent Climate & Advanced Energy Track of Tech Talks during Atomic 66 here in Albuquerque. Paul was one of the organizers of that event. Her keynote got the highest positive feedback of any of our 55+ speakers at the event.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Transcript of Building an Advanced Energy Economy in New Mexico
NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer this transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here
Key Takeaways in New Mexico’s Pathways Into Tech - Interview with Rep. Meredith Dixon
1. Introduction and Guest Background
Host Paul Zelizer introduces Meredith Dixon, New Mexico State Representative.
Highlights her reputation for bipartisanship and community building.
Mentions Meredith’s role as a founder of New Mexico Women Lead.
References to her keynote at the Atomic 66 event and positive audience feedback.
2. Navigating Political Polarization and Building Community
Meredith discusses her personal experiences in a politically mixed family.
Emphasizes the importance of listening across the aisle and focusing on common ground.
The value of respectful disagreement (“agree to disagree”).
Context of navigating polarization in both state and national politics.
3. New Mexico’s Advanced Energy and Clean Tech Landscape
Paul sets the context: upcoming discussions on advanced energy/clean tech.
Reference to earlier Awarepreneurs episodes relevant to New Mexico’s energy landscape.
Meredith’s assessment: New Mexico is at an “inflection point” for clean tech.
Interest and investments in New Mexico as a pilot and demonstration site for startups.
4. The New Mexico Permanent Fund and Its Role
Overview of the permanent fund (currently at $67 billion).
The fund’s investment in climate, deep tech, and local startups.
The fund’s role in potentially replacing oil and gas revenue for the state budget.
Strategic economic diversification made possible by the fund’s surplus.
5. State Economic Development Initiatives and Tools
Introduction to the Technology and Innovation Office (TIO) within the Economic Development Department.
Background: Strategic plan identifying nine sectors where New Mexico has competitive advantage.
Focus areas: aerospace, biosciences, clean energy, advanced computing, water tech, etc.
TIO’s role in supporting and connecting companies, managing an R&D fund, and streamlining support for growth industries.
6. Film Industry as an Economic Development Model
Parallel drawn between growth in New Mexico’s film industry and the approach to clean tech.
The impact of incentives and targeted investments (e.g., Netflix moving to Albuquerque).
Analogy to the time and investment required to nurture new high-growth sectors.
7. Conference: Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem
Meredith’s inspiration for launching the conference—modeled after the MIT Energy Conference.
Goals: Apolitical, science-driven discussions accessible to policymakers in New Mexico.
Evolution over three years: expanded planning committees, diversified panels, more workshops.
Panels & Workshops:
Topics range from critical minerals and geothermal to grid flexibility and wildfire mitigation.
Specialized, interactive sessions (e.g., on national labs access, carbon capture and storage).
“Chain Reaction” Speed Networking:
Facilitating direct access to state agency contacts for startups.
Smoothing the process for introducing and supporting companies in the ecosystem.
8. Looking Ahead: The Vision for the Conference
Meredith’s 10-year vision: A nationally recognized gathering for energy and climate tech leaders.
Goals: Double the attendance, attract top sponsors, and make the conference the go-to resource for New Mexico energy/clean tech activities.
9. Innovation Hubs and Startup Support
Discussion of the Innovation Hub initiative led by David Perez.
Importance of co-location for startups to access resources, shared equipment, and collaboration.
The state’s need for more supportive spaces for technology commercialization.
10. Advice and Insights for Entrepreneurs
Message to existing NM-based founders: The state’s multi-year commitment to supporting startups, with a call for specific feedback to improve processes.
Emphasis on the importance of startups of all sizes to New Mexico’s economic ecosystem.
Encouragement for founders to engage with government and share their needs for ongoing improvement.
For Founders Considering Relocation to NM:
New Mexico’s unique advantages: accessibility to government and decision-makers.
Opportunity to “be a big fish in a little pond.”
The supportive environment for companies looking to make an impact.
11. Conference Logistics and Closing
Conference details: September 15th and 16th, NM Women Lead as host organization.
Invitation for listeners to attend and get involved.
Paul’s closing remarks: appreciation for Meredith, the Awarepreneurs community, and a reminder to suggest future episode topics.