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David Kistin: New Mexico’s Innovation Ecosystem and Tech Transfer Mentorships
When you think about thriving innovation ecosystems, New Mexico might not be the first place that comes to mind. But as today’s guest explains, it is home to an incredibly vibrant network of entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and national laboratories working together to turn ideas into real-world impact.
Today I’m joined by David Kistin, Senior Manager of Technology and Economic Development at Sandia National Laboratories, part of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. David also serves as Vice Chair of the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s Executive Board. I caught up with him during the 2025 AUTM Annual Meeting outside Washington, DC, where we talked about how Sandia and Los Alamos labs are fueling innovation, supporting startups, and building new opportunities through initiatives like the Sandia Science and Technology Park.
David also shared why mentorship is such a personal passion for him and how the FLC’s mentorship program is helping to strengthen the next generation of tech transfer professionals. Whether you are new to tech transfer or looking to expand your network, David’s insights offer valuable perspective on building a stronger, more connected innovation community.
In This Episode:
[02:01] David is part of the Integrated Partnerships Organization at Sandia. His focus is on economic development and leveraging innovation and IP at the labs for New Mexico.
[02:30] The Sandia Science and Tech Park just celebrated its 25th year and so this is a tech park that's adjacent to the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque.
[03:36] The labs in New Mexico go back 75 years. They have incredible universities and amazing researchers.
[04:30] Some of the broad technologies they work on include providing no cost technical assistance to businesses and helping companies get there technology to the marketplace.
[05:51] We learn about Quantum New Mexico.
[06:37] David shares how he got involved in tech transfer when he was working in economic development.
[07:36] We learn about the FLC mentorship program.
[08:53] Surprises include the need to keep licensing agreements broad.
[10:15] Reach out if there's something you're interested in or want to build your network.
Resources:
David Kistin - LinkedIn
Sandia Science & Technology Park
Federal Laboratory Consortium Mentorship Program
View all episodes
By Federal Laboratory ConsortiumWhen you think about thriving innovation ecosystems, New Mexico might not be the first place that comes to mind. But as today’s guest explains, it is home to an incredibly vibrant network of entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and national laboratories working together to turn ideas into real-world impact.
Today I’m joined by David Kistin, Senior Manager of Technology and Economic Development at Sandia National Laboratories, part of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. David also serves as Vice Chair of the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s Executive Board. I caught up with him during the 2025 AUTM Annual Meeting outside Washington, DC, where we talked about how Sandia and Los Alamos labs are fueling innovation, supporting startups, and building new opportunities through initiatives like the Sandia Science and Technology Park.
David also shared why mentorship is such a personal passion for him and how the FLC’s mentorship program is helping to strengthen the next generation of tech transfer professionals. Whether you are new to tech transfer or looking to expand your network, David’s insights offer valuable perspective on building a stronger, more connected innovation community.
In This Episode:
[02:01] David is part of the Integrated Partnerships Organization at Sandia. His focus is on economic development and leveraging innovation and IP at the labs for New Mexico.
[02:30] The Sandia Science and Tech Park just celebrated its 25th year and so this is a tech park that's adjacent to the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque.
[03:36] The labs in New Mexico go back 75 years. They have incredible universities and amazing researchers.
[04:30] Some of the broad technologies they work on include providing no cost technical assistance to businesses and helping companies get there technology to the marketplace.
[05:51] We learn about Quantum New Mexico.
[06:37] David shares how he got involved in tech transfer when he was working in economic development.
[07:36] We learn about the FLC mentorship program.
[08:53] Surprises include the need to keep licensing agreements broad.
[10:15] Reach out if there's something you're interested in or want to build your network.
Resources:
David Kistin - LinkedIn
Sandia Science & Technology Park
Federal Laboratory Consortium Mentorship Program