The HBCU App Build & Pitch Competition is a premier experience within the HBCU Innovation Experience, hosted by The Alabama Collective. This competition invites HBCU students, faculty, and staff from across Alabama to showcase their creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial vision by building and pitching functional applications while competing for $15,000 in cash prizes.
Teams will build a functional application and develop a compelling pitch that demonstrates innovation, feasibility, and real-world impact. Participants gain hands-on technical experience, sharpen their communication skills, and access resources designed to support continued growth beyond the competition.
| Intent to Compete Due: | February 27, 2026 |
| Virtual Information Session: | March 2, 2026 |
| Video Pitch Submission Deadline (5-minute video pitch by 11:59 PM CST): | March 8, 2026 |
| Top Ten Finalist Notified: | March 25, 2026 |
| Ecosystem Building Workshop, Pitch Finale, and Networking Reception: | April 8, 2026 |
This is your opportunity to build, pitch, and take the next step toward turning your idea into a real-world solution.
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.
