Pitch In Competition awards four Albuquerque entrepreneurs prize money for innovative ideas in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 outbreak changed our lives and our businesses in a matter of weeks. But amid the feelings of both chaos and isolation, organizations across Albuquerque have been finding ways to join forces and cut through red tape to support people and businesses in our community. 

In one example of partnership and agility last month, four City Alive partner organizations came together to host a “Pitch In” competition to support innovative ideas that address the immediate and long-term economic impacts of COVID-19 in our community.  

The Pitch In Competition hosted by Bernalillo County, Nusenda Credit Union, UNM Innovation Academy and the Sandia Labs' Center for Collaboration and Commercialization (C3) provided an opportunity for anyone in New Mexico to pitch their ideas in response to COVID-19 for a chance to win cash prizes from a prize pool of $15,000 and receive follow-on support from economic development professionals. 

There were 66 ideas submitted and four received a cash prize. “We had some really great entries,” said David Kistin of the Sandia Labs’ Center for Collaboration and Commercialization (C3). “Ideas ranging from helping the food service industry recover, to ways that New Mexico can adapt the COVID-19 testing process to help shorten the social-distancing timeframe and stop a resurgence.”  

The first-place entry and winner of $7,500 was a team at ScrubHub ABQ with a multifaceted idea to produce 3D printed personal protective equipment using printers provided by UNM laboratories. They also plan to transport supplies and sanitizer produced by local distilleries around the state with the help of stipend-supported volunteers. 

The other winners, each receiving $2,500, included Kelsey Molo, Ashok Ghosh, and Andrew Wantuch. Molo’s pitch was to create a hunger relief fund where unused shelf-stable items could be bought back from the public to help stock local food banks. Ghosh proposed a rapid COVID-19 test idea, and Wantuch is organizing a Gift Card Collective (ABQGC) to assist local businesses in regaining customer support after the stay-at-home order is lifted. 

Lonnie Talbert, Chair of the Bernalillo County Commission, said, "Seeing so many of these fantastic ideas come together, especially within a short time frame, is a true testament to the dedication and creativity of those in our community. This Social Enterprise Challenge highlights the fact that New Mexicans are bright and resilient."

Since the competition winners were announced in early April, they have been taking quick steps to move their ideas to action. Ashok Ghosh and his team of four is currently building a prototype for an at-home rapid testing kit. “The early diagnosis of Coronavirus can mean the difference between life and death for thousands,” said Ghosh. Their technology group developed a simple and innovative early diagnostic kit for Coronavirus. Using a ventilator, the kit helps to determine if air pressure in the lungs shows signs of decreased compliance, one of the telltale symptoms of Coronavirus. Ghosh believes that, much like a thermometer or blood pressure gauge, this kit could become an essential medical device in homes across America. 

As we continue to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, it will take all of us working together to recover fully. From developing new programs, to finding ways to support local businesses, this competition proves that Albuquerque has what it takes to respond and build an even more responsive, effective economy for the future.