The UNM Anderson School’s Innovation Academy held its fall Rainforest Pitch competition recently at Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. The competition allows students from New Mexico universities to present their innovative business ideas and compete for cash prize pool of $10,000, provided through donor support.

A total of 38 students from UNM, NMSU and New Mexico Tech submitted video proposals for consideration. Judges chose the top 10 finalists to compete in person at Bow and Arrow.

Finalists gave 90-second live pitches of their business ideas to judges, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and other community members.

Top honors went to Rishitha Kondrolla, who won the Bank of Albuquerque Audience Choice award for her business idea Sun Harvest and took home $2,000. The Judge’s Choice awards of $1,900 each went to Kari Yacisin for ID AID and Gabriel Gurule for Grocery Gauge.

The remaining seven finalists, each winning $600, were 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.

Competition prizes were made possible by the Bank of Albuquerque and Judy Love.

“The Pitch Competition is a launchpad for students to develop business ideas that tackle real-world problems,” said Rebecca Rodriguez, Anderson program manager. “It combines academic and entrepreneurship principles, helping students connect with investors and established entrepreneurs while honing public speaking and presentation skills.”

Throughout the preparation process, students gain a unique experience learning how to pitch new business ideas, network and receive constructive feedback, all while building confidence as the next generation of New Mexico entrepreneurs.

“This event empowers students to think like entrepreneurs," said Tiffini Porter-Aragon, program manager. "The connections they make with local entrepreneurs support New Mexico’s economic development and encourage graduates to stay and innovate in our state.”

Students can take part in the Spring 2025 competition by submitting a video pitch by April 1, and the live final round takes place April 16.

For more information or to register, visit the Spring 2025 competition.