Kimberly Sanchez Rael, Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
Kimberly Sanchez Rael, Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
The UNM Anderson School's Innovation Academy recently hosted its fall Rainforest Pitch Competition at Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. The event provides a platform for students from New Mexico universities to present their business ideas, competing for a total cash prize pool of $10,000 funded by donors.
A total of 38 students from the University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and New Mexico Tech submitted video proposals. From these, judges selected ten finalists to present their pitches in person.
Finalists delivered 90-second live presentations to an audience that included judges, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and community members.
Rishitha Kondrolla received top honors by winning the Bank of Albuquerque Audience Choice award with her idea Sun Harvest, earning $2,000. Judge’s Choice awards were given to Kari Yacisin for ID AID and Gabriel Gurule for Grocery Gauge, each receiving $1,900.
The remaining seven finalists were awarded $600 each: Joshua Zamora-Griego for 2nd Opinion; Charles Aguirre for Campus Core; Mukesh Chandra Doppalapudi and Kranthi Kiran Alapati for Research Unlock; Carley Sedillo for Solid Oil Soaps; Glen Osborne for New City Scouts; Emmanuel Shepard for Thrifty Mug; and Tara Memarian for StethoTrack.
Prizes were sponsored by the Bank of Albuquerque and Judy Love.
Rebecca Rodriguez, Anderson program manager stated: “The Pitch Competition is a launchpad for students to develop business ideas that tackle real-world problems.” She emphasized how it helps students connect with investors while improving public speaking skills.
Tiffini Porter-Aragon, another program manager added: “This event empowers students to think like entrepreneurs. The connections they make with local entrepreneurs support New Mexico’s economic development.”
Students interested in participating in the Spring 2025 competition must submit video pitches by April 1. The final round will be held on April 16.
For further details or registration information regarding the Spring 2025 competition visit their website.
Alerts Sign-up