A team of civil engineering students from New Mexico State University recently took the national stage at the Hult Prize competition in Boston to present Arid Elements, their innovative startup focused on sustainable construction materials.
After winning NMSU's local Hult Prize competition in February, the Arid Elements team advanced to the national round of this globally renowned social entrepreneurship challenge. Team members Rebekah Pase, Alvin Birmingham-Monroe, Laney Matanis and Joseph Reyes pitched their venture, which centers on a novel stucco made from recycled glass and natural binders. Their solution offers a durable, energy-efficient, affordable alternative to traditional materials, merging sustainability with real-world practicality.
While the team did not break into the top 10 at nationals, the experience provided a rare opportunity to engage with some of the country's brightest young innovators. They gained valuable insights and inspiration that will shape their entrepreneurial journey moving forward.
"It was a completely new experience," Pase said. "I didn't know the first thing about creating a pitch and putting together a presentation for a panel of professionals, but it was such a rewarding experience because I got to learn a lot about the business side of engineering innovations."
The team's participation was supported by the Hunt Center's Mike Hunt Construction Sprints program, which empowers NMSU civil engineering students to develop business acumen, explore side ventures and address global challenges through innovation. Arid Elements exemplifies the program's mission: cultivating entrepreneurial thinking and enabling students to transform technical knowledge into scalable, socially impactful ventures.
"Pitching at the national Hult Prize competition gave our students a front-row seat to what's possible," said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. "They gained insight from peers across the country, received feedback from global mentors, and saw the caliber of ideas needed to compete on the world stage."
The Hult Prize Foundation challenges students to launch for-profit ventures that directly address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Each year, thousands of student teams compete, with a select few advancing to the prestigious Global Accelerator at Ashridge House in the U.K. and ultimately vying for a $1 million grand prize.
"The entrepreneurial mindset equips our students with critical skills that extend far beyond the classroom—resilience, adaptability, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities," said Dana Catron, interim director and CEO of Arrowhead Center. "We're committed to providing programs and platforms that help students bring their ideas to life and prepare for leadership in any field."
Pase said fellow Aggies should take advantage of the support Arrowhead Center provides for students.
"For Aggies who are too nervous or unsure about where to begin, it's not as hard as it looks because you are not alone," Pase said. "There was so much support from the Arrowhead Center in helping us achieve our vision and facilitating meetings with contractors and business owners."
The Mike Hunt Construction Sprints, a flagship initiative of NMSU's Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, advance regional entrepreneurship by empowering diverse communities, equipping students to bring innovative products and services to market and expanding access to early-stage investment. Through this program, students gain practical experience in business development while applying their expertise in construction.
For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Murguia at
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-civil-engineering-students-highlight-innovation-on-national-stage/s/293a6cd7-0101-415f-a2c1-0c036fcdd40a
