Bold Idea Challenge

Program Overview

NMSU Innovate is a 12-week innovation challenge for NMSU students. Form an interdisciplinary team. Develop your idea. Attend workshops. Get industry mentorship. Pitch to judges. Compete for prizes."

 

Eligibility

Open to NMSU students. Teams of 3-5 members representing at least 3 different NMSU colleges/departments

Contact Information

Carlos Cuesta

Program Director
carlosica@nmsu.edu

NMSUInnovate Interdisciplinary Innovation Challenge

Bold Idea Challenge Presents: NMSU Innovate

This semester, Bold Idea Challenge is launching NMSUInnovate Interdisciplinary Innovation Challenge a competition to help graduate, researchers and any NMSU students to turn their ideas into impact.

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.


Four Innovation Themes

01

AI, Data Science & Digital Innovation

02

Energy Solutions

03

Sustainable Development & Global Challenges

04

New Mexico Social Impact & Community Innovation

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 three members and a maximum of five

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PARTICIPATION

Participate in only one registered team per event, per individual

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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

    Teams Formation Event - September 18, 2026 (2-4pm)

    Gerald Thomas Hall RM 194

  • 2

    Registration Deadline - September 25, 2026

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

  • 3

    Pitch Demo Day

    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.

  • 4

    Virtual Round

    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.

  • 5

    Semi-Finalist Round

    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.

Workshop Schedule

September 25 Workshop 1  |  2-4pm
October 2 Workshop 2  |  2-3pm    |    Workshop 3a  |  3-4pm
October 16 Workshop 3b  |  2-4pm
October 23 Workshop 4  |  2-4pm
November 13 Workshop 5  |  2-4pm
 

Pitch Competition

  • 6

    Date: December 4, 2026

    Submit 90-second video pitch + written proposal (TBA)

    Live pitch to judges (December 4) – Gerald Thomas Hall RM194

     

     

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