NMSU’s Hunt Center opens applications for AI Co-Workers Sprint

WRITER: Alejandro Najera-Acosta, a_najera@nmsu.edu 
SOURCE: Carlos Murguia, cmurguia@nmsu.edu  

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center is accepting applications for its fall AI Sprint, a six-week program designed to help founders and startup teams use modern AI tools as practical co-workers within their businesses. The sprint, titled AI Co-Workers for Startup Teams, will run from October 27 through December 1, 2026. 

Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and small teams, the program goes beyond basic prompting to focus on building reliable, repeatable AI-powered systems. Participants will learn how to create reusable AI skills, establish quality assurance processes, connect AI tools to their existing workflows and develop systems that extend the capacity of lean teams. By the end of the sprint, each participant will have built a portfolio of AI-enabled workflows tailored to their own business. 

The curriculum covers a range of startup functions where AI can generate immediate value, including customer research, content creation, market analysis, fundraising preparation, sales support, operations and internal knowledge management. 

Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, said the AI Sprint reflects the center's commitment to equipping regional founders with practical tools that give them a competitive edge. 

"Founders in southern New Mexico and the Borderplex are building real companies with small teams and limited resources. AI tools have changed what is possible for those teams, but only if you know how to build systems around them," Murguia said. "This sprint gives participants the frameworks and hands-on practice to do exactly that." 

The six-week sprint begins on October 27, 2026. Applications close on October 16, 2026. The program is open to founders, startup team members, and entrepreneurs at any stage who are ready to integrate AI into their business operations. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at https://forms.gle/jYB3bCr1Wbudeg8T9. For additional information, contact Carlos Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu.

Arrowhead Center is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, committed to catalyzing economic development and fostering a culture of innovation. The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, established through a transformative gift from the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, is at the forefront of these efforts, empowering diverse entrepreneurs, nurturing student startups, and fueling economic progress. 

For more information about the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, contact Carlos Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/the-hunt-center/.