More than $1.5 million for job training has been awarded for up to 145 trainees in New Mexico, 15 of which are at Rio Rancho’s Nature’s Toolbox (NTx).

NTx, which works on enabling pharmaceutical RNA and protein development and production, recently appointed a new CEO. NTx is a bioinformatics and biomanufacturing company that has developed a Next-Generation Cell Free system for RNA and protein production — a novel biologics platform. NTx’s technology is set to radically transform the manufacture of vaccines and biologics. Because the platform does not rely on cellular fermentation, it enables rapid production and purification of vaccines and biologics.

The Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), an initiative of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), has approved funding in March 2023 for up to 145 trainees with a total potential award of more than $1.5 million.

NTx, which was one of five companies to be awarded through JTIP, will get funds for 15 trainees at an average wage of $36.88 for a total award of $301,069.56.

Allocated JTIP funds are paid after all employee training is complete. The program encourages companies to move to, stay in, and/or grow in New Mexico and to hire New Mexican employees.

“EDD is pleased to help support local companies as they expand and add new employees. This month’s applications come from Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque,and Los Alamos,” EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said in a release. “The program’s success is evident with the potential of 145 new high-paying jobs that will build economic security for New Mexico families.”