Historically Black College and University founders will break new ground by hosting their first pitch competition in Times Square.

A group of former students from Morgan State University, who are now successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the business world, have come together to bring an exciting opportunity to the heart of New York City. During the upcoming New York Tech Week in June, they will be hosting the first-ever startup pitch competition specifically for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The event, called the HBCU Pitch Competition, is being organized by Venture for T.H.E.M., in partnership with The DM Firm and the Times Square Alliance.

It will take place in the iconic Times Square, known for its bustling atmosphere and vibrant energy. The competition, which is part of Activate LIVE!, will showcase emerging founders and innovators from HBCUs in front of a panel of esteemed business and technology leaders. The aim of this initiative is to provide more visibility and investment opportunities for Black founders and student entrepreneurs.

In a press release, organizers highlighted the potential impact of this event, as Times Square sees over 300,000 visitors on summer weekends, providing a unique platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and businesses. The competition will feature presentations from five entrepreneurs connected to various HBCUs, including Peter Iwuh from Morgan State University, who is the founder of Tykoon AI, a platform focused on NIL and athlete brand management. Other competitors include Daryl Riley Jr.

from North Carolina A&T State University, who founded the fashion technology company Tendaji, as well as Taylor Davis from Howard University, who created the restaurant discovery app Troodie, and Carolyn Alston from Bowie State University, who is the founder of the conversational card game Communic8 It! The panel of judges for this event is made up of executives and leaders from companies and organizations such as Moët Hennessy, Base 11, the NBA Foundation, and the Milken Institute. Their expertise and experience will provide valuable feedback and insights for the competitors, as well as potentially open doors for future opportunities.

The organizers of this event have a broader goal of creating equal access to capital and networking opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Venture for T.H.E.M., a Maryland-based accelerator, is dedicated to supporting founders from historically underserved communities through mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development initiatives. This groundbreaking competition is just one example of the efforts being made to promote and support HBCUs and their students.

In fact, 15 HBCUs recently came together to form an association with the goal of achieving the coveted R1 research status. This shows the determination and drive of these institutions to excel and make a positive impact in the world. The HBCU Pitch Competition is another step in that direction, and we can't wait to see the innovative ideas and talented entrepreneurs that will be showcased in Times Square.