Spiritus Technologies PBC, a company engaged in sustainable carbon removal, has been awarded state LEDA assistance to add jobs and expand its footprint in New Mexico, through a program administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).
Spiritus has developed affordable and flexible solutions to capture carbon dioxide from the air, known as direct air capture (DAC). They tackle climate change by creating materials that capture CO2 and methods to permanently store it in appropriate geologic formations. They currently have two facilities operating in New Mexico — materials science in White Rock and engineering in Nambe.
To better position the company for success within the local economy, the New Mexico Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund has pledged $500,000 to Spiritus, distributed as the company meets specified construction and hiring benchmarks.
Climate solutions and green and sustainable energy are top priorities for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, whose administration noted it as a target industry for sustainable economic growth.
“New Mexico is a national climate leader, and this collaboration hits home with many of our top goals as an agency,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Not only does it support clean and sustainable energy, it also promotes science and technology, and prioritizes partnerships with our Native communities.
Spiritus has entered into a six-year lease with Nambe Pueblo for a 10,000 square-foot facility at 45a Tova Muusa Poe, Santa Fe, NM 87506, previously used as a water bottling facility. Nambe Pueblo Development Corporation will act as fiscal agent for the agreement.
“Through our partnership with Spiritus and the Nambe Pueblo Development Corporation, we are demonstrating how tribal lands can be part of New Mexico’s future as a hub for innovation and sustainability,” said Pueblo of Nambe Gov. Nathaniel S. Porter. “There is great potential here, and we look forward to seeing lasting benefits to our community and the region.”
LEDA funding will be used for infrastructure improvements and lease abatement to support two prototype scale-ups, becoming fully operational in Q3 2026. The company began hiring in November 2024, with a projection of 40 new full-time employees.
“Because of the opportunity Nambe Pueblo has afforded us, we have been able to meet our technical milestones,” said Susie Kritter, program manager at Spiritus Technologies. “Additionally, the support and business contacts made through EDD have been instrumental in the forward trajectory of our company.”
Spiritus has also been awarded various other EDD assistance, including Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funds for up to four trainees in 2024 and five in 2025 (reimbursing for at least 50% of wages during training), a $50,000 Science and Technology Business Startup Grant, and a $925,000 Advanced Energy Award.