The HBCU App Build & Pitch Competition brought together top student innovators from Alabama’s HBCUs to showcase their creativity and technical expertise. Hosted at The Kress Building on April 8, 2026, this event provided students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience in app development, refine their pitching skills, and connect with industry professionals.
“The App Build & Pitch Competition is a testament to the brilliance and potential of our HBCU students,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of The Alabama Collective. “By giving them real-world experience in app development and connecting them with tech leaders and mentors, we’re not just building apps—we’re building futures, one pitch at a time.”
From a competitive pool of applicants, the top 10 teams joined us in Montgomery, where they participated in workshops, mentorship sessions, and live competition. Students participated in a “Get Hired” workshop, where the students received insight into what it looks like to work in an IT professional environment, company expectations and hiring best practices. After an intense round of presentations, we narrowed it down to the top 5 teams, who pitched their fully functional applications in the Pitch Finale before a panel of esteemed judges.
With $15,000 in cash prizes and seed funding on the line, teams delivered high-impact presentations, demonstrating innovation, creativity, and technical skill. Congratulations to our winners!
🥇 First Place ($10,000): StudiQ
🥈 Second Place ($3,000): PantryBelt
🥉 Third Place ($2,000): VARA
This event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible facilitators, judges, and mentors, who generously shared their time and expertise to guide and inspire our student participants. A heartfelt thank you to Howard University x PNC Foundation National Center for Entrepreneurship, whose sponsorship made this impactful event a reality.
“HBCU students are among the most innovative and resilient emerging leaders in the country,” said Rod Chappell, Associate Program Director at the Howard University & PNC Bank National Center for Entrepreneurship. “By supporting initiatives like this, we’re helping ensure their ideas don’t just stay in the classroom—they become real solutions that impact communities and drive economic growth.”
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The Alabama Collective (TAC) is building a more inclusive, tech-driven economy across Alabama. Guided by the principles of Expose, Educate, Engage, and Empower, TAC connects talent, training, and opportunity—helping students, founders, and communities transform ideas into impact.
