A group of New Mexico and Borderplex startups has completed the GenAI Product Development Sprint, a six-week accelerator organized by the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship and Scale Up New Mexico Program at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center. The program, which ran from August 5 to September 16, was aimed at helping entrepreneurs integrate generative artificial intelligence into their product development processes.
Participants in the sprint received hands-on training in using AI for tasks such as feature prioritization, customer requirement analysis, competitive benchmarking, and data-driven roadmap creation. The program included interactive workshops, personalized mentoring, and real-time feedback from industry experts.
“The GenAI Product Development Sprint empowered our cohort to harness AI in streamlining their product lifecycle, from ideation to launch,” said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship and Scale Up NM program manager. “By adopting AI-driven strategies, these startups are now better equipped to accelerate development, enhance product-market fit and drive innovation.”
Twelve startups took part in sessions focused on practical applications of AI-powered product development strategies. These included automating marketing efforts and planning product launches. Organizers emphasized that participants were able to directly apply new tools within their businesses.
“Integrating AI into product development is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for staying competitive,” said Dana Catron, interim director and CEO of Arrowhead Center. “We’re proud to see our entrepreneurs embrace these technologies to refine their products and bring them to market more efficiently.”
The sprint combined lectures with breakout sessions, live discussions, and hands-on exercises designed to encourage collaboration among participants.
Monica Odell, CEO and co-founder of PXL8 who participated in the cohort said: “As startup entrepreneurs, we’re required to wear many hats, and AI has become my new skillset that focuses on working smarter, not harder. The sprint enabled me to outsource the tasks I don’t enjoy so I can focus on what I do best. My overall efficiency increased by approximately 25%, with plans to increase this as my new skillset develops. In today’s competitive landscape, startups that aren’t constantly learning and adapting to AI will suffer compared to those that embrace it.”
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship states its mission is strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting diverse communities in entrepreneurship activities while improving access to early-stage investment opportunities.
More information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship is available through Carlos Murguia or via its LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunt-center-for-entrepreneurship. Details about Scale Up NM can also be found through Murguia or online at https://www.linkedin.com/company/scale-up-nm.
