Students

2026 Challenge Question: 

"As natural disasters continue to affect New Mexico (e.g. wildfires, floods, drought, heat waves, dust/windstorms, etc.), how can innovations in STEM help your community predict disaster, mitigate harm, respond effectively, and/or recover long term?”

 

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)

Please register your team by October 1st.

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

2026 Important Dates

  • October 1, 2025 - 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)