Two Ph.D. students at New Mexico State University took home the big prize recently after finishing first in the Mike Hunt Construction Sprint Bold Idea Challenge, hosted by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center.
One of the standout programs at NMSU’s Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, the Mike Hunt Construction Sprint is part of the number of programs offered by Arrowhead Center’s Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, which is dedicated to fostering the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem by empowering diverse communities to explore and practice entrepreneurship, educating and motivating students to bring innovative products and services to market, and expanding access to early-stage investment.
The Mike Hunt Construction Sprints, named after the vice chairman of the board of directors for Hunt Companies, featured speaker events, business model workshops, idea-generation programs, networking opportunities and awards for NMSU students, all aimed at accelerating businesses through innovative construction technologies.
The Bold Idea Challenge encouraged NMSU students and community members across the Borderplex region to bring their ideas to life. The competition provided a unique opportunity to pitch innovative concepts in two categories: industry-agnostic innovation and construction.
Z Lab, led by NMSU civil engineering students Pouya Almasi and Roshira Premadasa, took first place and a $5,000 award with its Dual Approach to Smart Civil Infrastructure Inspection, an innovative solution that combines unmanned aerial vehicle technology with multifunctional structural components. Z Lab’s UAV system enhances safety, accuracy, and efficiency, reducing energy usage by more than 50% and improving damage detection by 7 to 20%.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see the innovative ideas coming from NMSU’s civil engineering students through programs like the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints,” said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. “This initiative not only showcases the students’ creativity and technical expertise, but also underscores the importance of fostering an environment that ignites innovation. We’re proud to support programs that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, driving forward-thinking solutions in the construction industry.”
In 2025, the Mike Hunt Construction Sprints program will feature a series of exciting events, including a speaker series, hands-on workshops, and various opportunities designed to encourage and reward student innovation in construction. These events will equip NMSU students with valuable insights, practical skills, and recognition for their groundbreaking ideas, reinforcing the Hunt Center's mission to cultivate an environment that promotes entrepreneurial growth and technological advancement.
For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/the-hunt-center/.
