After a pandemic-induced hiatus, one of the Southwest’s most influential tech gatherings is coming back to its roots. The Roadrunner Technology Forum, New Mexico’s premier innovation summit, will return to Albuquerque this fall with an ambitious program focused on emerging technologies, workforce development, and regional economic growth. The announcement has sparked excitement across the state’s burgeoning tech sector, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years despite global economic uncertainties.
A Resurgence for New Mexico’s Tech Community
Founded in 2012, the Roadrunner Technology Forum quickly established itself as a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers invested in the state’s technological future. Named after New Mexico’s state bird and a nod to the legendary supercomputer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the forum has historically served as both a showcase for local innovation and a bridge connecting New Mexico’s tech ecosystem with national resources and talent.
This year’s edition promises to be particularly significant, coming at a time when Albuquerque’s tech scene is gaining unprecedented momentum. The city has recently attracted major investments from aerospace companies, microchip manufacturers, and renewable energy firms, creating what economic development officials describe as a “perfect storm” for technological advancement.
What to Expect at the 2024 Forum
Organizers have revealed an ambitious agenda that reflects New Mexico’s unique position at the intersection of national security, space exploration, and sustainable technology. The three-day event will feature:
Keynote addresses from leaders at Sandia National Laboratories, Virgin Galactic, and Intel—all of which have significant operations in the state.
Deep-dive sessions on quantum computing, with particular focus on how Albuquerque’s research institutions are contributing to breakthroughs in this transformative field.
A startup pitch competition showcasing innovations from across the Southwest, with finalists receiving mentorship from venture capitalists specializing in hard tech and defense-related technologies.
Workforce development panels addressing how New Mexico can train and retain talent for its growing array of tech employers, from established defense contractors to cutting-edge biotech startups.
Perhaps most notably, the forum will dedicate significant programming to the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on clean energy technology development—a particularly relevant topic given New Mexico’s abundant solar resources and growing hydrogen fuel sector.
Why This Comeback Matters
The return of the Roadrunner Technology Forum symbolizes more than just the revival of an annual event—it marks an important milestone in New Mexico’s journey to establish itself as a legitimate tech hub outside traditional coastal power centers.
“Albuquerque has always had the raw ingredients for technological leadership,” said Dr. Lisa Abeyta, founder of a local civic tech startup and longtime forum participant. We have world-class research institutions, affordable operating costs, and quality of life that attracts talent. What we’ve lacked is connective tissue between these assets. That’s what the Roadrunner Forum provides.”
Recent developments suggest the timing couldn’t be better. The state has seen a 37% increase in tech sector jobs since 2020, outpacing national growth rates. Major employers like Netflix and Facebook have established data centers in New Mexico, while homegrown success stories like Descartes Labs (a geospatial analytics firm) demonstrate the potential for indigenous innovation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, forum organizers acknowledge significant hurdles remain. New Mexico continues to battle brain drain as educated workers leave for opportunities elsewhere. Infrastructure limitations, particularly in broadband access, persist in rural areas. And while venture capital investment has increased, it still lags behind the amounts flowing into traditional tech hubs.
These challenges will feature prominently in forum discussions, with organizers promising “solution-oriented” sessions rather than just problem identification. A particular emphasis will be placed on how New Mexico can leverage its unique assets—including its national laboratories and military installations—to create economic opportunities that don’t simply replicate Silicon Valley models.
How This Year Differs
Past forums primarily focused on connecting local entrepreneurs with each other and potential customers. The 2024 edition expands this vision significantly, with organizers deliberately courting attendees from neighboring states and corporate scouts from major tech firms.
“We’re no longer just talking to ourselves,” explained forum chair Mark Johnson. This year we’re bringing in decision-makers from Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and investment firms who might not realize what’s happening here. New Mexico isn’t just open for business—we’re leading in several critical technology areas.”
The expanded scope reflects Albuquerque’s growing confidence as a tech destination. Recent wins like the Air Force’s decision to base its new Cyber Command headquarters in the city and SpaceX’s expansion of its satellite operations in nearby Las Cruces have changed perceptions about what’s possible in the state.
As registration opens for the November event, early indicators suggest record attendance. Organizers report strong interest from academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners—a rare convergence that speaks to the forum’s broad appeal.
For New Mexico’s tech community, the Roadrunner Technology Forum’s return represents more than just another conference. It’s an opportunity to redefine the state’s technological identity, showcase homegrown innovation to the world, and perhaps most importantly, convince the next generation of talent that they don’t need to move to California or Texas to work on cutting-edge technologies.
In a state where technology has long played a crucial but underappreciated role in the economy, this year’s forum may mark the moment when New Mexico’s tech sector finally takes flight.
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