Students

2027 Challenge Question:
As digital infrastructure and influence continue to grow, how can we use STEM innovation, along with local, traditional, and cultural knowledge, to conserve, protect, manage, and/or expand New Mexico’s limited water and other natural resources while supporting communities, agriculture, and technology?
Placeholder
Placeholder
Click here to Register Your Team
Helpful Resources

Submission Requirements

To participate in the STEM Challenge, each team will develop 1) a prototype/rough model of their solution, 2) a proposal packet that outlines their prototype and presents a compelling plan for its usage 3) a 5-minute elevator pitch (either pre-recorded or in person, depending on showcase selection), and 4) (option for info here)

Please register your team by October 2nd, 2026.

Potential New School, do you have some questions about the Challenge before you register?

Join the Challenge Overview and Q&A session to hear from experienced students and teacher sponsors on Wednesday, September 10, 2026, at 4:00 pm.  Join here: Zoom link 

The Prototype

  • Technological simulation, a physical prototype, a computational model
  • Must be transportable to the Statewide Showcase or virtually visible for the Virtual Showcase
  • Option to use recycled or reused items
  • Option to construct in a makerspace
  • Not required to be functional
  • If the prototype is not functional team members must explain within the proposal packet how it would work under ideal conditions

The Proposal

Proposal packets must include:

  • Executive Summary (1 page max)
  • Written proposal (10 pages max including executive summary) outlining the prototype design, development process and usage plan

The Proposal should:

  • Identify the problem
  • Illustrate the problem-solving process
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal
  • Provide suggestions for modifications to the proposal
  • Test results
  • Effectiveness
  • Provide a budget analysis of materials and cost of prototype

The Elevator Pitch

  • No More than 5 minutes in length
  • Identify the problem, the solution, strengths, weaknesses, budget

 30-second PSA

  • No More than 30 seconds in length
  • Identify the problem, the solution, strengths, weaknesses, and budget

2027 Important Dates

  • October 2, 2026 - Final Deadline for Team Registration
  • TBD - Teacher Professional Development
  • January 9, 2026 - Final Deadline to Submit Written Proposals
  • January 12, 2026 -  Written Proposals Shared with Judges
  • TBD - Travel Funds Disbursed to Teams
  • January 23, 2026 - Final Deadline for Judges to Submit Scoring
  • January 26, 2026 - Written Proposal Scores Shared with Teams
  • February 6, 2026 - Mixer for Industry Partners and Teams
  • February 7, 2026 - Showcase Day at NM Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)