(The Center Square) - Five small businesses from New Mexico have received taxpayer grants exceeding $1 million each from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science.

The businesses got the money, "to further technology innovation and commercialization in climate tech," according to a release from the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).

The companies received Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. Small businesses across 17 states received a total of $61 million in these grants this week.

“New Mexico is in the news again for innovation, as we are home to five of the award recipients, receiving more awards in this round of funding than any of our neighboring states,” Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper Roper said. “This positive news illustrates that New Mexico prioritizes innovation and a positive business environment. This additional investment into emerging technologies will also provide career opportunities for New Mexicans and diversify the economy.”

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EnviTrace LLC of Santa Fe, New Mexico, got a $1,150,000 grant.

The company is developing software that it hopes will reduce the cost, time and environmental impact of renewable energy projects.

"My team and I are thrilled to receive our second DOE SBIR Phase II grant,” Trace Kliphuis, CEO of EnviTrace LLC, said. “This award will allow our company to further develop our innovative artificial intelligence technology that characterizes geologic repositories.”

Mesa Photonics, LLC of Santa Fe, New Mexico, received a $1,650,000 grant.

The company is working to develop a precision microscope to better image activity in plant cells in hopes of improving biofuel yields.

Osazda Energy of Albuquerque, New Mexico, obtained a $1,150,000 grant.

The company is creating software to bolster the digital design of photovoltaic systems.

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"The grant will allow them to take the product to market after receiving certification, develop the MetZilla paste and technology on new solar cell types, and optimize the paste application, reducing cost and maximizing energy output," the release said.

Southwest Sciences, Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was given a $1,149,992 grant.

The company is developing energy-efficient tools to help scientists measure greenhouse gas emissions in terrestrial-aquatic interfaces.

"The data will inform atmospheric and climate models and provide important information to help formulate strategies to mitigate the effects of these gases on the climate," the release said.

Plus, TS-Nano, Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, got $1,148,779.

TS-Nano is working to develop nanomodified polymers to aid in the remediation of carbon dioxide wellbores.

"The company is dedicated to reducing methane and CO2 emissions from operating, abandoned and orphaned wellbores using its patented sealants and monitoring technologies," the release said.