NMSU's Hunt Center, SWHEA to explore healthcare consumer needs, angel investing

Original Article | Alejandro Najera-Acosta | a_najera@nmsu.edu | April 22, 2024

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, housed at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, SunCruces Angels and the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association (SHEA) are joining forces to host the event, “Meeting the Needs of Today's Healthcare Consumer.”

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship is committed to growing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region by empowering diverse groups of people to explore and practice entrepreneurship; educating and encouraging students to bring innovative products and services to commercial markets; and increasing access to early-stage investment.

This collaboration represents a unique opportunity for attendees to dive deep into the world of SHEA, explore the innovative landscape of the Hunt Center, and discover the ins and outs of angel investing with the SunCruces Angels. Members of SHEA may earn 1.5 Face-to-Face ACHE credits by attending the event.

A panel of distinguished healthcare experts will preside over the proceedings, including Daniel Jones, CEO of Patent Signs and one of NMSU’s entrepreneurs-in-residence; Stephen Marrer, CEO of Scintellite and winner of NMSU’s Scale Up 2023 Pitch Competition; and Mary Armijo, COO of Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces. The panelists will lead an enlightening discussion exploring the evolving demands of today’s healthcare consumers.

“This partnership not only highlights the vibrant potential of the Borderplex region, but also sets the stage for a dynamic fusion of healthcare, innovation and investment,” said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are deeply committed to bridging the gap between emerging businesses and the financial resources they need to thrive. This focus on capital access is crucial for fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in which innovation can flourish and economic opportunities can expand for everyone in our community.”

The Hunt Center will present its entrepreneurship efforts in the region, followed by a presentation on the angel investing landscape in the Borderplex region by Sun Cruces Angels. The event will culminate with a pitch by Marrer showcasing innovative ophthalmic technology at Scintellite.

Set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Arrowhead Center’s Genesis Center-C, 3655 Research Road, this event promises to offer valuable perspectives on how healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and investors can come together to foster a healthcare environment that is both innovative and responsive to consumer needs.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding the reach of opportunities across the Borderplex region,” said Ginger Raya, chair of the El Paso Chamber Healthcare Coalition. “Together, we are set to harness the unique strengths of our community, fostering innovation and growth in healthcare and beyond. I am confident that this alliance will catalyze profound and lasting impacts benefiting our entire region.”

To attend the event, visit https://rb.gy/j3oltm to purchase tickets. Limited spaces are available.

For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/the-hunt-center/.

For more information about Sun Cruces Angels, contact Maximo Gamez at suncrucesangels@gmail.com  or visit https://www.suncrucesangels.org/

For more information about the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association, contact Raya atGinger.Raya@uth.tmc.edu or visit https://www.southwesthealthcareexecutives.org/.

Arrowhead Center is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship dedicated to catalyzing economic development and fostering a culture of innovation. The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, established through a transformative gift from the Hunt Family Foundation, leads these efforts by empowering diverse entrepreneurs, nurturing student startups, and fueling economic progress.

The Southwest Healthcare Executives Association, a chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, serves the Paso del Norte Region. It is committed to providing professional, educational and leadership opportunities that advance healthcare management and leadership excellence.