New Mexico Wants to Grow Its Own Bioscience Talent — Starting With Internship

The NMBA rolls out a statewide internship program linking students with labs and startups, aiming to build a strong local bioscience workforce.

New Mexico Bioscience Authority (NMBA) is getting bullish on investing in the young people to power the future of bioscience, as it announced a new internship program.

The NMBA’s internship program aims to provide college students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in labs, startups, and research institutions across the state. The program, officials say, seeks to strengthen the pipeline of local talent and reduce reliance on out-of-state hires.

Executive Director of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority Stephanie Tofighi said the program aims to “support the growth of New Mexico’s bioscience industry while opening doors to a new sector for our workforce.”

Bioscience is flagged as one of New Mexico’s strategic growth industries, alongside technology and aerospace. A report published by the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) states that the state’s bioscience industry has grown by 21 percent since 2018. 

The internship connects talents and industry throughout the state. It is facilitating a pipeline from college to career.

For students, the program offers more than just laboratory work. It is a chance to network with employers, gain hard skills, and step into a sector that promises high wages and long-term stability. For companies, on the other hand, it’s a way to nurture talent locally and invest in the state’s future workforce.

The April cohort included 13 interns from four state institutions working at startup companies, while 10 companies have signed on for the summer.

The internships will run for 10 to 12 weeks. Participating companies provide stipends to ensure accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

Applications for the summer program are open until May 2026. Placements are expected to begin in the summer.

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