Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University hosted the Hult Prize competition on February 27, focusing on innovative construction technologies by civil engineering students. The event, part of the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints program, showcased ventures integrating sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Arid Elements emerged as the winner with their project to build sustainable homes using recycled glass. The team, consisting of Rebekah Pase, Alvin Birmingham-Monroe, Laney Matanis, and Joseph Reyes, will compete in the national Hult Prize event in Boston for a chance to join the Global Accelerator at Ashridge House near London.
All participating teams received a $500 stipend and access to the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints online accelerator program. Running from March 5 to April 2, this program covers topics such as customer discovery and business models.
Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, praised the creativity shown by students: “Through the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints, we are equipping our students with the tools and resources to transform their ideas into viable businesses that can revolutionize the construction industry.”
Dana Catron from Arrowhead Center highlighted the impact of student presentations: “By providing civil engineering students with a robust platform to develop entrepreneurial skills and champion visionary solutions, we are not only fostering talent but also shaping the future of the construction industry.”
Arid Elements will have all expenses covered as they prepare for national competition. In addition to student achievements, Qianyun (Gloria) Zhang received the inaugural Aggie Construction Innovator of the Year Award for her research in structural health monitoring and data-driven solutions.
Murguia commended Zhang’s contributions: “Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of construction technology aligns perfectly with the mission of the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints.”
For further information about The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Carlos Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/the-hunt-center/.
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