The Alabama Collective hosted its second annual Blacks in Tech Roundtable on Thursday, August 31st. The event empowered communities to close the diversity gap by showcasing senior-level speakers, panels, and engagement opportunities related to tech and innovation in the state. The roundtable featured representatives from leading tech companies, government organizations, and academia who discussed topics ranging from innovation in the state to the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
To encourage tech innovation among Alabama HBCUs, we hosted an application build and pitch competition centered around artificial intelligence. Students from Oakwood, Tuskegee and Alabama State Universities pitched their solution to a panel of expert judges. Oakwood took home 1st place, $10,000, with Tuskegee earning $5000 for 2nd place and ASU in 3rd for $2500.
We must thank all of our great panelists who brought insightful thoughts and inspiration to the event in addition, our expert panel of judges from CSX, ServisFirst and Trustmark banks, the USAF and Coke for sponsoring our keynote luncheon.
This event provided an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in tech and innovation, and empowered diverse communities to come together, learn, network, and celebrate the potential of technology to drive economic growth and social change.
