Albuquerque, NM - January 21, 2026 - NM Tech Talks announced today a new partnership with WESST to support and expand the 2026 Desert Dev Lab Hackathon, a flagship New Mexico event focused on large impact worldview problems with software solutions. In its third year running, Desert Dev Lab supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven problem solving.
The Desert Dev Lab Hackathon brings together developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to collaborate on real-world challenges while strengthening New Mexico’s growing tech ecosystem. As an impact-focused software hackathon, the 2026 event will focus on “Food and Agriculture”. Through this partnership, NM Tech Talks and WESST will combine their networks, expertise, and shared commitment to economic development to deliver an even more impactful experience for participants.
“WESST is excited to partner with NM Tech Talks to support Desert Dev Lab as a launchpad for problem-solvers working on food and agriculture challenges,” said C. Sandro Tonini, Chief Revenue Officer at WESST. “By pairing technical talent with mentorship, capital pathways, and real-world business support, this collaboration helps ideas move toward viable ventures that strengthen New Mexico’s economy.”
WESST, a longtime leader in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across New Mexico, will contribute mentorship, the hackathon venue, and community connections to help teams move from ideas to viable solutions. NM Tech Talks will continue to provide programming, visibility, and community engagement to ensure the hackathon remains accessible, inclusive, and growth-oriented.
“This partnership reflects a shared belief that innovation thrives when communities collaborate,” said Vicki Apodaca, Co-Founder of NM Tech Talks. “By working with WESST, we are strengthening the pipeline between technical talent and entrepreneurial support in New Mexico.”
The Desert Dev Lab Hackathon is designed not only as a competition, but as a learning and networking opportunity that encourages long-term impact beyond the event itself. During the event, participants gain exposure to mentors, potential partners, and resources that can help transform hackathon projects into sustainable ventures.
Desert Dev Lab is instrumental to economic growth in the state of New Mexico. To enable further development and opportunities post-event, hackers also get exposure to new jobs/startup funding opportunities, access to capital, visibility to potential customers, and pathways into incubators, accelerators and educational programs.
Additional details about the 2026 Desert Dev Lab Hackathon can be found on the NM Tech Talks website: https://nmtechtalks.com/desert-dev-lab
About NM Tech Talks
NM Tech Talks is a community-driven organization that supports opportunity through live events and community. The organization is dedicated to fostering connections, conversations, and opportunities within New Mexico’s technology and startup ecosystem through year-round programming, and partnerships.
About WESST
WESST (www.wesst.org) is a non-profit economic development organization that provides a support system of consulting, training, incubation, and lending to help New Mexicans strengthen and grow their small business through sustainable business models, financial empowerment, and job creation.
Media Contact:
Vicki Apodaca
NM Tech Talks
Co-Founder
Email: hello [at] nmtechtalks [dot] com
Media Contact
Company Name: NM Tech Talks
Contact Person: Vicki Apodaca
Email: Send Email
Phone: 5056105932
City: Albuquerque
State: New Mexico
Country: United States
Website: https://www.nmtechtalks.com/about
