Following the successful launch of the Borderplex Fundraising Sprint in 2025, the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center is partnering once again with Startup Chihuahua and Startup Juárez to relaunch the program in 2026. Building on the momentum and outcomes of the inaugural cohort, the expanded edition will now include collaboration with the Tecnológico de Monterrey, incorporating its regional innovation ecosystem through the Parque Tecnológico Orión in Chihuahua, Mexico.
The 2025 Borderplex Fundraising Sprint demonstrated strong impact across the Borderplex and Chihuahua City region by equipping founders with practical fundraising tools, investor-ready pitch decks, and a clearer understanding of early-stage capital strategies. Participants cited the program's hands-on structure, mentorship, and direct exposure to investors as critical contributors to their readiness and confidence when engaging with potential funders.
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship is committed to strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering diverse communities to engage in entrepreneurship, improving access to early-stage investment opportunities, and inspiring students and founders to develop innovative products and services for the commercial market.
The 2026 Borderplex Fundraising Sprint will continue to serve entrepreneurs and startups in the Borderplex region, including El Paso, Las Cruces, Juárez, and Chihuahua City, while expanding its reach through deeper institutional collaboration. The program will provide founders with the tools and strategies needed to secure funding from angel investors and venture capitalists while fostering cross-border collaboration and shared learning across ecosystems.
Building on the 2025 cohort, the initiative will further enhance startups' fundraising efforts by offering strategic assistance in refining pitch decks, strengthening presentation techniques, and deepening understanding of financial terminology and investment instruments. The program will also emphasize negotiation strategies, data room preparation, and the development of investor-ready materials.
"Collaboration is at the heart of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center. "The success of the 2025 Borderplex Fundraising Sprint demonstrated what is possible when regional partners align around a shared mission. Expanding the program in 2026 to include Tecnológico de Monterrey and Parque Tecnológico Orión allows us to strengthen cross-border connections, elevate founder support, and open new pathways to capital for startups across the region."
Throughout the sprint, participants will engage in dynamic sessions that combine theoretical frameworks with practical application. The curriculum will include interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and opportunities for immediate feedback, enabling founders to craft, evaluate, and refine their pitch decks efficiently. The program will culminate in a live pitch presentation to regional investors and ecosystem leaders.
"The Borderplex Fundraising Sprint has become a key resource for entrepreneurs in northern Mexico," said Andrés Guzmán, director of Startup Chihuahua. "The results from the 2025 cohort showed meaningful progress in founder preparedness and fundraising strategy. Expanding the program strengthens our ability to support startups as they pursue capital and scale their impact."
Claudia Ortega, director of Parque Tecnológico Orión, highlighted the value of integrating academic and innovation-driven ecosystems into the initiative. "At Parque Tecnológico Orión, we believe that connecting founders with high-quality fundraising education and cross-border networks is essential to building globally competitive startups," Ortega said. "This collaboration creates a powerful platform for entrepreneurs in Chihuahua to access capital, knowledge, and strategic partnerships beyond their local market."
Participants will be expected to attend weekly virtual sessions and actively engage in technology-based innovation throughout the cohort.
Applications for the no-cost program are now open and can be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/borderplexsprint. The application deadline is April 30. The 2026 cohort will take place from May 14 through June 18.
Arrowhead Center serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic development and fostering a culture of creativity. The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, established through a transformative gift from the Hunt Family Foundation, spearheads these efforts by empowering diverse entrepreneurs, supporting student startups and advancing economic growth. For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Murguia at
Startup Chihuahua, backed by Desarrollo Económico del Estado de Chihuahua (DESEC), and Startup Juárez, backed by Desarrollo Económico de Ciudad Juárez (DECJ), champion entrepreneurship, science, technology, and innovation to strengthen regional competitiveness by creating the conditions to develop and scale science- and technology-based ventures. For more information about Startup Chihuahua, contact Guzmán at and
Parque Tecnológico Orión, part of the Tecnológico de Monterrey ecosystem in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a regional innovation hub that supports technology-based startups through incubation, acceleration, and industry collaboration. For more information about Parque Tecnológico Orión, contact Ortega at
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-s-hunt-center-to-expand-borderplex-fundraising-sprint-in-2026/s/6ebd0865-fed2-4eb2-8616-8fbace5daccb
