Innovation Challenge
Harnessing the Collective Intelligence of NMSU Students to Solve Local Business ProblemsOpen for Innovation
Through FIX Innovation Challenges, NMSU student teams work with local businesses to address real-world challenges.
FIX Innovation Challenges are a form of “Open Innovation” – a process in which a company looks outside its own boundaries for creative ideas and solutions. The solution space becomes broader, increasing the chance that a more innovative answer will be found.
Current Challenge
Agri-Food Innovation Challenge
NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and Arrowhead Center invite agri-food enterprises large and small to submit innovation challenges. If you have an unsolved business challenge or opportunity, and are looking to access a large community of tech innovators and creative minds, we want to hear about it! Through FIX Innovation Challenges, businesses can yield exciting and implementable ideas on cost savings, product development, customer experience, efficiency, and more.
The Agri-Food Innovation Challenge call for applications will close January 15, 2019.
How Does it Work?
A call for Innovation Challenges will be announced every six months. One business challenge will be selected and shared with the NMSU student body, “Problem Solvers.” Each Innovation Challenge will comprise a problem overview from local businesses, “Problem Owners.” Each challenge is accompanied with prize awards for winning solutions that are selected based on criteria set by the Problem Owner.
For Problem Owners
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria: Desire to co-create, a defined business need, and commitment to contribute prize money as an award.
- One Innovation Challenge will be accepted every six months; however, all applicants will be referred to other technical/business assistance programs at NMSU as appropriate.
- The selected Problem Owner will lead a 1-hour orientation to present the problem statement and answer any questions from Problem Solvers. Note: The orientation will take place on the NMSU campus.
- Problem Solvers will be given 5 weeks from the orientation to develop a written proposal with a visual representation of the idea or concept.
- Problem Owners will decide on the number of finalists and winners that can meet the needs of their challenge after reviewing all the applications.
- Finalists will be asked to present their solutions to the Problem Owners. Note: Final presentations will take place on the NMSU campus.
- Winner(s) will be selected amongst the finalists and announced the same day as presentations are given.
For Problem Solvers
- The Problem Owner will facilitate a 1-hour orientation to present the problem statement and answer any questions from Problem Solvers. Note: The orientation will take place on the NMSU campus.
- Problem Solvers will be given 5 weeks from the orientation to develop a written proposal with a visual representation of the idea or concept.
- Problem Solvers are supported by NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ faculty advisory network and Arrowhead Center’s physical innovation facility that can support rapid prototyping and other innovation activities.
- Problem Solvers will submit a written proposal with a visual representation of the idea or concept.
- Problem Owners will decide on the number of finalists and winners that can meet the needs of their challenge after reviewing all the applications.
- Finalists will be asked to present their solutions to the Problem Owners. Note: Final presentations will take place on the NMSU campus.
- Winner(s) will be selected amongst the finalists and announced the same day as presentations are given.
- Prize Money: Prize money will be determined per Innovation Challenge, with a minimum of $2,000. Problem Owners will decide on the number of winners that can meet the needs of their challenge after reviewing all the applications.
- Workforce Development: Experiential learning opportunities that will set your resume apart, and opportunities for Innovation Challenge follow-on internships, consultancy, and full-time placement at Problem Owners’ business.
- Mentorship and Community: Business guidance and support from domain experts and and technology and market enablers.
- Innovation Process and Support: Access to technical mentors and advisors, and use of prototyping facilities.
Have Questions? Let's Connect.
FIX Innovation Challenge is funded through the Foster Innovation Exchange, and is administered by Arrowhead Center.