Living in the “new normal” is going to take new ideas, new products, and new entrepreneurs. And the Rainforest Pitch Competition is where to find them. The event will be an all-virtual this fall, but the prizes will be real!

UNM’s Innovation Academy and UNM Rainforest Innovations (formally STC.UNM) are again partnering to offer this modified opportunity for students to pitch business or product ideas via video to win their share of an over $5,000 prize pool.

Students should submit their 90-second video pitch by Nov. 16 to enter the competition. Winners will be chosen by a judging committee and offered feedback on their pitch and idea, as well as possible opportunities for partnerships or additional funding.

Each of the top 10 entries will receive at least $250. The winner of the judges’ choice award will be awarded $1,000 and second through fifth place will take home $750 each.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to work on their ideas that have been pent up during the pandemic—we’re excited to hear what they’ve come up with,” Innovation Academy Executive Director, Robert DelCampo said. “They have the opportunity to start with this pitch competition and grow their ideas while completing their degree.”

The Rainforest Pitch Competition is open to all New Mexico college and university students, and business/product ideas can be at any level of development. This competition is meant to give students experience in pitching their ideas, no matter how early they are in the process, and to provide valuable feedback they can use to continue to grow their ventures.

The UNM Innovation Academy continues to offer virtual programs and competitions as the university community adapts to the current and evolving pandemic situation. The Innovation Academy remains committed to and excited about spreading the idea of an entrepreneurial mindset to all of UNM’s students.

For more information, contact Tiffini Porter at tjp0217@unm.edu.