The University of New Mexico’s Innovation Academy (iA) is marking its tenth anniversary, highlighting a decade of fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among students from all academic backgrounds. Established by Robert DelCampo, a professor at UNM’s Anderson School of Management, the program was created to help students see creativity as their most valuable skill.
DelCampo reflected on the early days: “I would walk into a class and ask, ‘Who wants to be an entrepreneur?’ and maybe one person would raise their hand. But if I asked, ‘Who wants to be on Shark Tank?’ three-quarters of the class would shoot their hands up.” He emphasized that entrepreneurship is not a solo pursuit. “For us, it’s really a team sport,” DelCampo said. “You’re going to have to bring in people to make this happen. Working with us and with a team is the first step in understanding how to move an idea forward.”
Over 21,000 students from more than 90 majors have participated in iA programs over the past decade. More than 500 students received academic credit for developing business ideas through iA, which has awarded $772,000 directly to participants. Outside funders have invested an additional $25 million in student ventures.
Among its offerings are partnerships like the Disney College Program, workshops, competitions such as the Rainforest Pitch Competition and Tech Navigator Challenge, e-commerce courses, and international experiences through collaborations with universities in Japan.
DelCampo noted that many students initially lacked opportunities to explore entrepreneurship within their studies: “A lot of students may have some interest in entrepreneurship but don’t really have a space to fit it into their curriculum,” he said. “So, we wanted to create opportunities for students to explore starting a business or really testing ideas that could make people’s lives better.”
The Rainforest Pitch Competition has served as iA’s main event for ten years, inviting students each semester from all majors to present business or product ideas before judges and potential investors. According to DelCampo: “One of the biggest hooks for students is the Rainforest Pitch Competition because it has such a low barrier to entry. They think, ‘This could be fun. I have an idea, maybe I’ll even win a little money.’”
Students gain practical experience through these events and courses by building products or services—sometimes as simple as setting up an Amazon affiliate account—and learning about customer engagement and business operations firsthand. DelCampo explained: “The goal is that a student might lose $100 now rather than $100,000 a few years down the road.”
The Tech Navigator Challenge provides another opportunity for teams to develop new products using emerging technologies from partner organizations while collaborating with mentors.
Internationally, iA works with Yamanashi Gakuin and Osaka Metropolitan Universities in Japan so UNM students can gain entrepreneurial experience abroad.
Alumni like Munji Kahalah exemplify iA’s impact; after winning the 2018 Tech Navigator Challenge and earning his degree in computer engineering, he opened Monaco Market—a local store focused on international snacks—applying skills developed at iA.
DelCampo observed improvement over time: “We’ve learned how to make things happen more smoothly, and the quality of student ideas has improved dramatically… We started at the right time, and in New Mexico, people really value small businesses and diverse entrepreneurial efforts.”
UNM’s Innovation Academy aims not only at launching businesses but also at retaining talent within New Mexico while contributing economically across various sectors—from food ventures to technology startups.
Looking ahead, iA plans further course development and hopes to establish a student organization dedicated to entrepreneurship. The academy continues under Director Robert DelCampo alongside Program Manager Rebecca Rodriguez and Education & Outreach Manager Tiffini Porter.
“The next decade will be defined by collaboration, creativity, and continued impact,” DelCampo said.“With the support of our students, faculty, partners, and alumni, Innovation Academy will remain a hub where bold ideas take root, and the future is built.”
