Mr. David Kistin highlighted how Sandia National Laboratories leverages public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and regional collaboration to drive economic development across New Mexico. Through initiatives like technical assistance programs, the Sandia Science and Technology Park, and the DOE Boost Platform, Sandia National Laboratories translates federal investment into local innovation and inclusive economic growth.
In his Tech Talk, Mr. David Kistin, Manager of Business Development at Sandia National Laboratories, outlined how Sandia is advancing economic development in New Mexico through a multifaceted strategy rooted in public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and regional engagement. Dr. Kistin explained that Sandia National Laboratories’ collaborations are central to fulfilling its federal responsibilities while supporting local innovation. “Partnerships help Sandia National Laboratories meet its mission needs. What we work on is translating billions of dollars of federal investment into local economic impact,” he said. This philosophy is rooted in the idea of “positive-sum economic development,” where the benefits of collaboration extend to all parties involved — from scientific institutions to private companies and communities. Through its public-private-partnerships, Sandia National Laboratories is a conduit that channels significant federal investment into the local economy, enabling widespread benefits.
A critical mechanism for achieving this is Sandia’s extensive technical assistance programming, which has supported thousands of small and mid-sized enterprises across the state. These programs offer businesses access to Sandia’s scientific expertise and specialized tools, helping them overcome technical hurdles, accelerate innovation, and scale their operations more efficiently.
“We want to make sure New Mexico is a place where companies can access the U.S. DOE National Laboratories easily so they can scale and grow.”
Mr. David Kistin
Manager
Business Development
Sandia National Laboratories
This commitment to regional growth is also reflected in the success of the Sandia Science and Technology Park. The park hosts 41 companies and serves as a hub where cutting-edge research intersects with entrepreneurial activity. Sandia actively tracks the economic outcomes of businesses located in the park, which together have generated more than $7.7 billion in wages distributed across New Mexico’s counties.
To further bolster the innovation pipeline, Sandia collaborates closely with the New Mexico Economic Development Department. This collaboration enables the use of state-level incentives and public-private partnership frameworks to help new ventures thrive. These efforts ensure that companies not only have access to Sandia National Laboratories’ resources but also operate within an ecosystem that fosters sustained growth.
Dr. Kistin also spotlighted the Department of Energy’s Boost Platform as a key initiative in identifying and cultivating regional opportunities for technology transfer. Designed to accelerate commercialization and regional innovation, the Boost Platform connects U.S. DOE National Laboratories with local stakeholders — including startups, small businesses, and economic development organizations — to align lab capabilities with real-world market needs. At Sandia, the platform helps lower barriers for businesses by streamlining access to scientific expertise, facilities, and intellectual property. In doing so, it supports a more inclusive and agile ecosystem where advanced research tools are made readily available to innovators across New Mexico.
U.S. DOE National Laboratories like Sandia not only serve as research institutions but also as vital engines of regional innovation. By building robust partnerships, supporting local businesses, and advancing accessible technology platforms, Sandia is helping to convert national investment into shared economic prosperity for New Mexico.
