Bold Idea Challenge

Program Overview

The Bold Idea Challenge is a pitch competition for NMSU students and Borderplex community members to bring their ideas to life across UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories, with an emphasis on Technology/Fintech. Presented by the Nusenda FinTech Lab.

 

Eligibility

Open to NMSU students and Borderplex-region community members. Teams of two to five, with at least one Borderplex college or university student (graduate or undergraduate).

Contact Information

Carlos Cuesta

Program Director
carlosica@nmsu.edu

Pitch It. Build It. Own It.

Bold Idea Challenge

Welcome to the Bold Idea Challenge, an exciting platform for NMSU students and community members across the Borderplex region to bring their ideas to life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply eager to test your skills and enjoy the experience, this competition offers a unique opportunity to pitch innovative concepts across UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories, with an emphasis on Technology/Fintech. Join us in this challenge to explore your creativity, develop new solutions, and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment.

 Presented By:

 Nusenda logo with a green bar chart and upward arrow, alongside the NM State logo.

Benefits of Participating

Participating in the Bold Idea Challenge offers valuable benefits, including skill development in problem-solving and presentation, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and real-world experience in pitching ideas. Participants also gain recognition, build confidence, and have the chance to win prizes or receive support for their projects.

✓ Real-World Experience
✓ Skill Development
✓ Networking Opportunities
✓ Confidence Building
✓ Recognition & Prizes
✓ Personal Growth
✓ Resume-Ready Experience
✓ A Supportive Community

Beyond the tangible rewards, the challenge provides a supportive environment for creativity and personal growth while giving participants meaningful, talkable accomplishments for job interviews and graduate applications.

Focus Areas: UN Sustainable Development Goals

Every pitch aligns to one or more of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

Bring an idea that advances any of the following, with an emphasis on Technology / Fintech solutions.

01 No Poverty
10 Reduced Inequality
02 Zero Hunger
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
03 Good Health and Well-Being
12 Responsible Consumption and Production
04 Quality Education
13 Climate Action
05 Gender Equality
14 Life Below Water
06 Clean Water and Sanitation
15 Life on Land
07 Affordable and Clean Energy
16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
08 Decent Work and Economic Growth
17 Partnerships for the Goals
09 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Team Requirements

Teams must include at least one Borderplex Region college/university student (graduate or undergraduate). Please see the eligibility guidelines for details.

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MEMBERS

Include at least two members and a maximum of five

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PARTICIPATION

Participate in only one registered team per event, per individual

Illustration of a briefcase with a clipboard in front, representing work or business documents.

DELIVERABLES

Have most members take part in the two-minute video deliverable

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PITCH COMPETITION

Have at least three members present during the Pitch Competition

The Borderplex Region:

The Borderplex region (Las Cruces, NM; El Paso, Texas; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua) community members are eligible to compete, including the public, students, and staff members, among others.

Timeline

  • 1

    Registration Deadline — TBA

    Participants must register their team by the deadline to participate in the Bold Idea Challenge.

  • 2

    Pitch Demo Day — TBA

    The Bold Idea Challenge organizers are hosting a Pitch Demo Day to help participants prepare for the competition. During this interactive session, participants will have the chance to learn from an experienced entrepreneur who will provide insights on how to deliver a compelling pitch presentation.

  • 3

    Virtual Round — TBA

    Submit a two-minute pitch video that includes an introduction of team members, the problem you've identified and plan to solve, and the path your team will take to solve it. Also submit a two-page supporting document, such as financial documents, competitor analysis, industry insights, or product visuals. 10 teams will be selected for the Semi-Finalist Round.

  • 4

    Semi-Finalist Round — TBA

    The 10 selected teams will deliver a 4-minute presentation on their business, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with the judges. Finalist teams will advance to the Pitch Competition.

 

Pitch Competition

  • 5

    TBA

    Finalists will pitch their business ideas using visual aids such as slides, graphics, and videos. Each team will have 5 minutes to present, followed by a 6-minute Q&A session with the judges. The awards ceremony will take place immediately after, where the winning teams will be announced.

     

     

Ready to pitch your bold idea?

Registration is free and open to NMSU students and Borderplex community members. Build real-world experience, sharpen your entrepreneurship training, and put something resume-worthy behind your name.

Register