WRITER: Alejandro Najera-Acosta, 575-646-2025, a_najera@nmsu.edu
The Scale Up New Mexico program, funded in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, recently hosted its 2025 Pitch & Match event with resounding success, while also celebrating the program’s accomplishments over the past three years as it comes to an end.
The energy was palpable at Q Station in Albuquerque as New Mexico’s entrepreneurial community came together for the Pitch & Match event Sept. 24, a high-energy gathering designed to connect the state’s most promising startups with investors and ecosystem partners.
Hosted by Arrowhead Center through the Scale Up NM program, the half-day event featured a fireside chat with an entrepreneur exploring U.S. expansion, rapid-fire pitches from 20 startups, and dozens of curated and spontaneous networking conversations. The result was an atmosphere participants described as “great, dynamic and energized.”
The event also marked the conclusion of Scale Up NM, an initiative launched in 2022 through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Over three years, the program accelerated dozens of early-stage startups, provided critical resources and mentorship, and created pathways for venture capital engagement in the state.
“Pitch & Match was about creating opportunities,” said Carlos Murguia, program manager of Scale Up NM. “We designed the event so every founder could walk away with meaningful connections, whether to investors, mentors or partners, and the feedback shows we delivered on that promise.”
The morning opened with a fireside chat featuring Danika Kelly, CEO and co-founder of MyNormative, a Canadian startup pioneering women’s health solutions. The conversation highlighted the growing opportunities for global innovators to land and scale in New Mexico.
Following the discussion, 20 startups from across the state and beyond took the stage for rapid one-minute pitches. Presenters included ventures in health, clean energy, advanced materials, biotech and software.
The highlight of the day was the Pitch & Match networking session. Founders rotated through curated one-on-one meetings with investors, service providers and ecosystem leaders, guided by a color-coded badge system and suggested matches. Open networking further enhanced the experience. Attendees praised the format for balancing structure with spontaneity and for making it possible for every participant to connect in meaningful ways.
“New Mexico does networking exceptionally well,” said Dana Catron, interim director and CEO of Arrowhead Center. “Today showed the power of this community. When startups, investors and partners come together, the momentum is incredible.”
“Today was both a celebration and a launchpad,” Murguia said. “As Scale Up NM sunsets, the relationships formed here will continue to drive growth and opportunity for New Mexico’s entrepreneurs.”
The event also underscored New Mexico’s growing role as a hub for innovation and investment.
“Together, we are building something powerful,” Murguia said. “Pitch & Match was another step forward in making New Mexico a place where innovation thrives.”
For additional information about Scale Up NM, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu.
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PHOTO CAPTION: New Mexico entrepreneurs gathered together alongside investors and ecosystem players for an energetic Pitch & Match event hosted by Scale Up New Mexico, a program housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center. At the event, the program also marked its conclusion after a successful three years in operation. (Courtesy photo)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Four people standing in an event area having a discussion.