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UNM Rainforest Innovations announces spring pitch competition winners

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October 16-17, 2025 / Seattle, WA

The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

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The Story

What is the time it takes to earn $1,000? It just takes 90 seconds for students competing in the yearly Rainforest Pitch Competition (plus a good business idea).

For a chance to receive seed financing, more than 60 New Mexico college students submitted video proposals. This semester’s business concepts included a search engine for low-cost student accommodation, home organizing outsourcing, and horse behavior rehabilitation. The top ten submissions were chosen by industry experts to receive initial cash for their company concepts.

“”We were ecstatic to have so many people enter the Spring 2022 virtual Rainforest Pitch Competition,” said Rob DelCampo, executive director of the UNM Innovation Academy. “The students never cease to amaze us with their enthusiasm and desire to find creative answers to problems that many people face on a daily basis.””

Source: UNM Rainforest Innovations announces spring pitch competition winners: UNM Newsroom

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