As the sun rose over the Rio Grande on January 8, 2026, the Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA) kicked off the new year with an event that perfectly illustrates the momentum of our region. Nearly 40 regional partners, business leaders, and elected officials gathered at the Corrales headquarters of Ideum for an exclusive look at the future of interactive technology and innovation.
A Masterclass in Experience Design
This event highlighted the importance of innovation in driving business success and fostering partnerships.
Our deepest thanks go to Jim Spadaccini, Founder of Ideum, and Liz Richardson, Manager of Sales & Marketing, for their incredible hospitality. What began as a breakfast meeting quickly transformed into an inspiring masterclass on how a New Mexico-based company can dominate a global market through innovation and strategic planning.
Ideum is far more than a design studio; it is a manufacturing powerhouse. While many know them for their custom work with the Smithsonian and the National Air and Space Museum, Jim highlighted the strength of their established hardware division. With over a dozen proprietary hardware products—including high-end interactive touch tables and non-interactive displays—Ideum proves that world-class technology is being “Built in Corrales.”
The “Multiplier Effect”: Fueling Growth with New Mexico Incentives
One of the most compelling parts of the morning was Jim’s insight into the New Mexico business incentive programs that helped Ideum scale to its current team of 40 talented staff members.
Jim noted that programs like the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) and the NM Film & Digital Media Tax Credits were not just helpful—they were essential catalysts. These tools allowed Ideum to invest in local talent and maintain a competitive edge, demonstrating the exact “multiplier effect” that SEA strives to foster across our regional economy.
Why Regional Partnerships Matter
The turnout of 40 partners—exceeding our initial projections—is a testament to the curiosity and commitment of our membership. Seeing a Corrales-based company design the interactive portals for the USS Missouri or the Museum of International Folk Art reminds us all that our region isn’t just participating in the tech corridor; we are leading it.
At SEA, our mission is to provide the platform where these success stories are told and where the next big partnerships are formed. By bringing together the people who build the tech and the officials who shape the policy, we are ensuring that our region remains the premier destination for innovation in the Southwest.
Join the Movement
Are you ready to be part of the next chapter of regional growth? Our partnership membership is growing, and we want you at the table. SEA partners receive exclusive access to:
- Behind-the-scenes tours of the region’s most innovative companies.
- Direct networking with industry founders and regional decision-makers.
- Insider economic data to help your business stay ahead of the curve.
