For the second consecutive year, the HBCU Innovation Experience: Innovation Power Hours brought together students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Alabama to celebrate homecoming season with a series of exciting events. These gatherings sparked creativity, encouraged exploration of technology, and helped students take steps toward launching their own businesses. The Innovation Power Hours created a fun and engaging environment with food, music, and giveaways while also providing valuable opportunities for students to tackle real-world challenges in business and technology. Through workshops, networking sessions, and hands-on experiences, attendees were empowered to turn their ideas into reality.
Focused on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, the HBCU Innovation Experience offered the resources and connections needed to fuel the next generation of business leaders. By inspiring students to think creatively and providing mentorship from industry professionals, the event continued to cultivate Alabama’s entrepreneurial future.
WHO: The Alabama Collective in partnership with Innovate Alabama
WHAT: HBCU Innovation Experience – Innovation Power Hours
PAST STOPS:
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama): October 2, 2024.
- Miles College (Birmingham, Alabama): October 3, 2024.
- Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, Alabama): October 10, 2024.
- Tuskegee University ( Tuskegee, Alabama): November 7, 2024
- Bishop State Community College ( Mobile, Alabama): November 14, 2024
Highlights of the Events:
- Ideation Innovation Workshop: Students receive hands-on guidance and practical advice to transform their ideas into reality. Whether brainstorming their next startup or refining an existing concept, this workshop serves as their launchpad.
- AI Hackathon Challenge: Students use cutting-edge technology to tackle real-world problems. In just 45 minutes, they develop innovative solutions and present them in fast-paced 90-second pitches. This provides an incredible opportunity for students to network with fellow innovators and compete for
exciting rewards. - SBIR/STTR Informational Workshop: HBCU faculty members learned how to help students leverage federal funding for innovative research. Participants gained insights into the SBIR and STTR programs, eligibility criteria, navigating federal priorities, and crafting competitive proposals.
One of the standout moments from Tuskegee University’s Innovation Power Hour: The Alabama Collective, as part of Team Catalyst, has been awarded a $1 million, 5-year contract under the SBA’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. This collaborative team includes The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship and the GovCon Incubator by OST Global Solutions, with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey lending her support to their mission. The grant aims to enhance opportunities for underserved communities, specifically targeting woman-owned, rural-based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses through the SBIR and STTR programs, often called “America’s Seed Fund.” With an annual $4 billion investment to support small businesses, this program requires no equity or IP ownership.
