At MaxQ, we believe innovation thrives when visionaries come together. This summer, we hosted a webinar with the SpaceValley Foundation to shine a spotlight on New Mexico’s growing role as a launchpad for space and hard tech companies.
Moderated by Bryce Kennedy, Executive Director of the SpaceValley Foundation, the conversation brought together voices who are shaping not only MaxQ’s future but also the future of the region’s innovation economy. The panel included Dale Decker and Kevin Yearout, the developers behind MaxQ, as well as Melinda Allen, President and CEO of the New Mexico Partnership, Casey DeRaad, CEO of NewSpace Nexus, and Sherman McCorkle, Vice Chair of the Kirtland Partnership Committee.
MaxQ at the Center of Space Valley
Bryce Kennedy opened the conversation by framing MaxQ’s role in New Mexico’s innovation economy. “We are here to talk about MaxQ, a 70 acre innovation district in Albuquerque that is quickly becoming a launch pad for hard tech companies. If you are a founder, an operator, or a developer looking for scalable space and proximity to national labs, this is the conversation worth tuning into.”
What makes MaxQ distinct is its purpose-built design and adjacent proximity to the Kirtland Air Force Base. As Dale Decker explained, “This is not speculative. MaxQ is designed to be pad ready and scalable. We are building the infrastructure to allow companies to move quickly and grow without constraints.”
With direct proximity to Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories, MaxQ provides more than just physical space. It offers strategic access to some of the most advanced research and defense institutions in the country. Kevin Yearout added, “The location here matters. Companies that want to collaborate with the labs or the base will find MaxQ uniquely positioned to support that kind of partnership.”
State and Regional Momentum
The panel also highlighted the role of state-level support. Melinda Allen emphasized that New Mexico is prepared to compete for companies at the national level. “The state of New Mexico has a number of competitive incentives, from tax credits to training programs, that are designed to attract and retain high-tech companies. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for businesses to land here and grow.”
Casey DeRaad pointed to the broader ecosystem that supports MaxQ’s success. “NewSpace Nexus is focused on building the capacity of the region to support space and dual use companies. That means helping with supply chains, connecting talent, and making sure the resources are in place to scale. MaxQ fits right into that picture as the physical hub of this community.”
For Sherman McCorkle, the story is one of long-term investment and collaboration. “What we are seeing is the continuation of decades of partnership between public and private stakeholders in Albuquerque. MaxQ is the next chapter of that story, and it represents an opportunity to accelerate the growth of the entire innovation economy here.”
Why Companies Are Choosing MaxQ
Throughout the webinar, one theme kept returning: momentum. Companies are already making commitments to New Mexico and to MaxQ specifically. As Decker noted, “We are not talking about what could be happening someday. Companies are here now. The district is already becoming a catalyst for growth.”
This momentum reflects both infrastructure and community. The pad-ready campus and flexible space are critical, but equally important is the sense of shared vision. As Kennedy summarized, “Our goal today was to give you a clear picture of what is happening on the ground, who is betting on New Mexico, and how MaxQ fits into this fast-growing hard tech ecosystem. The answer is simple. The future is being built here.”
Looking Ahead
This webinar was more than a conversation. It was a reflection of the energy already shaping the district and a call to action for those ready to join. For founders seeking a launchpad, for operators looking for scalable infrastructure, and for site selectors searching for long-term opportunity, MaxQ offers a compelling answer.
At MaxQ, we are proud to host these conversations and even prouder to provide the infrastructure and community where ideas become companies and companies become industry leaders. The message from our panel was clear. New Mexico has the assets, the talent, and the vision. MaxQ is where it all comes together.