New Mexico Entrepreneurs: Big Ideas, Bold Thinkers

Mood Productions

New Mexico is a place that nurtures big ideas and bold thinkers. Thanks to the state’s independent spirit and supportive communities, New Mexico entrepreneurs continue to thrive, especially in contrasting industries like art and technology.

From tech-focused accelerators like the University of New Mexico Rainforest Innovations and Najavo Tech Innovation Center to the Albuquerque Film and Media Incubator, New Mexico offers specialized resources that create the perfect environment for art and technology entrepreneurs. 

Marrying Art and Technology 

Akilah Martinez, creative technologist and founder of Glittering World Girl, is an award-winning creative technologist from the Navajo Nation. After earning a bachelor of fine arts degree with a focus in electronic art from the University of New Mexico, she completed an immersive technology fellowship that took her from New York City to Los Angeles and paired her with leading XR technologists. 

That experience propelled her into the technology landscape where she now works to move New Mexico forward where art and technology converge. 

“As artists, we are technically entrepreneurs. Art and technology are new and investable aspects of organizations in New Mexico,” she says. “It’s been a great experience growing my business here.” 

Since receiving the New Mexico Women in Technology Award from the New Mexico Technology Council, she has partnered with industry dynamos like Apple and presented her work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

No matter where her work takes her, she remains focused on technologically advancing tribal nations. “There has always been a lot of misrepresentation of Indigenous communities in modern media,” Martinez says. “I’m working to resolve that, and it means a lot to me to create media that makes a positive community impact.” 

Abolishing Disparities in Health Care 

Dr. Jeremy Stueven, founder and CEO of Vitazi.AI Inc., practiced emergency medicine before relocating to New Mexico in 2023 to focus on expanding his business. 

“I cared for a suspected stroke emergent patient who was experiencing vision loss. We did all the tests, and he didn’t have a stroke,” Stueven says. “He had an acute bleeding in the back of his eyes. I remember looking in the back of his eyes and thinking it was preventable. But he lived in a rural location where he didn’t have access to an ophthalmologist.” 

Vitazi.AI technology is diagnostic assistive artificial intelligence that can detect diabetic retinopathy, vision loss or blindness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 38 million people have diabetes in the U.S. 

Stueven says these stark realities are what inspired his business. 

“There is a mismatch between the number of diabetics and ophthalmologists, leaving nearly 50% of them unable to get their eyes screened. Ophthalmologists don’t have time to do screenings,” he says. “But early onset diabetic retinopathy can be stopped or reversed if detected early. Early screenings are so important.” 

The AI company aims to eliminate health disparities, and Stueven says he’s looking forward to solving the problem of blindness in the state and throughout the country. 

“People may not always have access to an ophthalmologist or specialists,” he says. “Our technology is placed in primary care offices to meet people where they are – leveling the playing field of access to health care.” 

Spearheading Growth in Film 

Lisa Lucas, executive producer and principal partner at LikeMinds, is a two-time Emmy award-winning writer/producer for film, television and new media. Growing up in Southern California, Lucas was excited for the opportunity to relocate to New Mexico 14 years ago and maintain her long-standing career in her new home. 

“I’ve been coming here all my life because my mom has been here for over 35 years. I’ve always loved it and hated when I had to leave,” she says. “I’m so thankful it worked out that I could stay here and be with my family, thanks to the burgeoning film industry here.” 

Lucas boasts that New Mexico is a unique and tremendously valuable location for the film industry, which only continues to become more fruitful in the state. 

“No one ever thinks outside of Los Angeles when it comes to film or television, but 90% of production is actually outside of L.A.; New Mexico is a big player with many film incentives,” Lucas says. “Our governor is film-positive and has put a lot of energy into the success we continue to have. There is incredible talent here, from actors to crews. It’s exciting to see the stuff we’re producing here with New Mexico residents.” 

Her success has extended to print media. In 2023, she and Debrianna Mansini debuted a cookbook, “That Time We Ate Our Feelings,” based on their experience co-hosting and writing “Corona Kitchen,” a cooking show created during the pandemic. 

“I was at a point in my life that equated food as a chore,” she says. “Our collaboration revived my love of cooking and reminded me always to appreciate the things that come out of nowhere.”