How can 90-seconds take a student from eating instant noodles to lobster dinners? Check out the Fall Rainforest Pitch Competition to find out! The University of New Mexico's Innovation Academy and STC.UNM are partnering again to offer this fantastic opportunity for students to pitch business or product ideas to win their share of the $5,000 prize pool.

Students should submit their initial 90-second video pitch at Rainforest Student Pitch Competition by Oct. 21 or the first round of competition. Ten finalists will be chosen to pitch live at Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. on Oct. 28 and 5:30 p.m. This year, locally-owned Pizza 9 restaurant will be providing free pizza for the event.

Each finalist will receive at least $250, with the winner of the judges’ choice award receiving $750 and the audience vote winner being awarded $1,000.

“This is a great way for students to take the first step in identifying an idea they may want to pursue. We want them to see that early stage ideas are relevant and can start them on the journey of making their ideas a reality,” Innovation Academy Executive Director, Rob DelCampo, said. “Plus, it’s just really a lot of fun!”

The UNM Innovation Academy recently reached a milestone, enrolling its 1,000th student. 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, please contact Tiffini Porter at tjp0217@unm.edu.