Big Ideas to Consider

Here are a few potential Grand Challenge ideas to consider when creating your proposal. This is not a definitive list, and should not limit your own proposal ideas. Rather, they are provided simply to illustrate the variety of challenges that have been discussed at the Grand Challenge Launch and at various stakeholder meetings.

  • By 2030, New Mexico will supply a sufficient quantity of high-quality water to support a vibrant, growing economy, a healthy environment, and New Mexico's unique culture.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will reuse 20% of its water, and will attract industries and businesses that do not  use excessive amounts of water.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will be a national leader in alternative energy.
  • In 25 years, dramatically reduce or eliminate basic energy costs for all citizens of New Mexico.
  • The majority of New Mexico's electricity will be generated by wind and solar power.
  • New Mexico will design policy to reduce pollution, resulting in greater long-term health benefits.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will experience decreased cycles of fire and flood.
  • By 2040, New Mexico communities will have access to greenhouse technology similar to the Netherlands, providing for economic growth, reduced water usage, and healthy locally grown food.
  • New Mexico will develop a strong water workforce and infrastructure.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will boast a data-literate and empowered workforce.
  • By 2040, boost household incomes by 20%.
  • By 2040, eradicate poverty in New Mexico.
  • By 2040, foster stable revenue generation for all New Mexico families.
  • Everyone who is able and wants to work will have a job with a decent salary and benefits.
  • Homelessness rates in New Mexico will drop by 50%.
  • New Mexico will eliminate food insecurity.
  • New Mexico will reduce poverty by 20%.
  • UNM will become a leader in preparing highly-skilled bi-lingual/bi-cultural global citizens.
  • By 2040, decrease adverse childhood events by 80%.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will be 25th or better in national child well-being rankings.
  • In 20 years, New Mexico will be recognized as an innovator for successful social policy in childhood well-being.
  • New Mexico will reduce obesity rates.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will see a 50% reduction in overdose deaths.
  • By 2040, reduce rates of chronic diseases in New Mexico by 20%, and increase life expectancy by at least five years.
  • By the year 2040, opioid addiction in New Mexico will fall by 50%.
  • By 2040, all New Mexico residents will have free wireless access to the internet.
  • By 2040, UNM will shape the national discussion on artificial intelligence, social media, and scientific data sharing, leading to economic growth, empowered communities and cultural transformation.
  • All New Mexico residents will have access to a free four-year education and debt forgiveness for higher education costs incurred at public NM universities and colleges.
  • By 2040, most high school graduates will attend college and will have well-paying employment opportunities in a diverse state economy.
  • By 2040, New Mexico will achieve 100% high school graduation rates.
  • By 2040, New Mexico's high school graduation rate will increase to over 90%, and 85% of third-graders will read proficiently.
  • New Mexico will close the urban/rural divide that impedes economic, social and political progress.
  • Reduce incarceration recidivism rates by 25%.
  • By 2040, reduce jail populations by 30%.
  • Decrease opioid addiction by 50%, incarceration by 25%, crime by 25%, homelessness by 25%, and costs by 25%.
  • Homelessness rates in New Mexico will drop by 50%.