10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Join us for a transformative virtual celebration of HBCU excellence and the entrepreneurial spirit!

presented by the

entrepreneurship innovation center at
bowie
 State university

The 5th Annual HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Virtual Conference,
hosted by Bowie State University, will be live streamed on Friday, November 7, 2025


This year’s theme, “Charting New Frontiers: Deep Tech, AI, and Innovation”, highlights the transformative role of cutting-edge technologies in shaping entrepreneurship at HBCUs and beyond.

 

Over the past four years, this conference has grown into a national platform drawing 900+ annual attendees from across the country, including students, faculty, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers. It celebrates innovation, accelerates student ventures, and positions HBCUs as catalysts for inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurial excellence.

REGISTER NOW

Featured Panels & Workshops

Deep Expertise Across Critical Areas

TRACK 1:  INDUSTRY FOCUS


AI, Ethics & Emerging Technologies


Cutting-edge sessions on Deep Tech 101, AI for Social Impact, and Tech Equity & Capital Access for underrepresented founders.


Focus:  Artificial intelligence, deep tech, ethics, equity, digital applications; Startup growth, founder readiness, pitch coaching, innovation.


  • AI for Impact: Building Tech-Driven Solutions with Artificial Intelligence

  • Investing in the Future: Access to Capital for Innovators

  • Deep Tech 101: Understanding Technologies Shaping Tomorrow

  • AI Ethics & Equity: Responsible Tech for the Future

TRACK 2:  FACULTY FOCUS


Innovation in Higher Education & Research


Transformative approaches to curriculum design, faculty innovation, and commercialization of university research.


Focus:  Curriculum integration, tech commercialization, faculty innovation, EIC tours.


  • Faculty as Innovation Catalysts: Integrating AI & Entrepreneurship in Curriculum

  • Building Your IP Strategy: Patents, Prototypes & Protection

  • From Lab to Market: Deep Tech Commercialization for Faculty & Researchers


  • Data Analytics and AI

TRACK 3:  STUDENT FOCUS


Founders of Tomorrow – Student Innovation Track 


Real startup journeys, investor roundtables, and intensive pitch coaching for emerging student entrepreneurs.


Focus: Student entrepreneurship, innovation mindset, investor engagement, pitch development & peer learning.


  • Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey

  • Investor Roundtable for Student Entrepreneurs

  • Pitch Coaching Lab: Telling Your Story, Securing the Bag





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Why This Conference?

The HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference is dedicated to strengthening a robust academic entrepreneurial ecosystem, emphasizing culturally competent programming. This conference provides attendees with the tools, networks, and knowledge to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills essential for creating lasting legacies. This conference aims to inspire, connect, and empower participants to be impactful within their communities.


Join us for a transformative day that is more than just a conference – a celebration of HBCU excellence, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

DISCOVER MORE

The conference brings together a powerful mix of minds shaping the future of innovation:

Industry Leaders

Executives and innovators from deep tech, AI, and emerging technology sectors, seeking talent, partnerships, and market insights.

Academic Innovators

Faculty, researchers, and administrators from HBCUs and beyond, focused on entrepreneurship education, tech commercialization, and curriculum design.

Student Entrepreneurs

The next generation of founders and innovators, primarily from HBCUs, eager to learn, network, and pitch their groundbreaking ideas.

Investors & Partners

Venture capitalists, angel investors, and strategic partners actively looking to fund and collaborate with promising ventures and talent.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Dr. Aminta Breaux

President,

Bowie State University

JOHNETTA HARDY

Conference Chair & Founder,

Executive Director,

Bowie State Entrepreneurship Innovation Center

Our Speakers

HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Virtual Conference 2025

Isaac
Inkumsah

Deep Tech 101:
Understanding Technologies Shaping Tomorrow [Panel] 

Mark
DeSantis

Faculty as Innovation Catalysts: Integrating AI & Entrepreneurship in Curriculum [Workshop]

Aria
Freeman

Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey [Panel]

AriAnna
Redmond

Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey [Panel]

Eno
Oduok

Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey [Panel]

Garry
Johnson, III

Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey [Panel]

Quincy
Box

Student Entrepreneurs Roundtable: Lessons from the Journey [Panel]

Jeremy
Treadwell

AI for Impact: Building Tech-Driven Solutions with Artificial Intelligence [Workshop]

Abraham
Williamson

Building Your IP Strategy:
Patents, Prototypes & Protection 

Chelsea
Roberts

Investor Roundtable for
Student Entrepreneurs

Marlon
Evans

Investor Roundtable for
Student Entrepreneurs

Ronald
Falls, Jr.

Investor Roundtable for

Student Entrepreneurs

Marc
Steren

Investor Roundtable for

Student Entrepreneurs

Shalanda Armstrong

Investor Roundtable for

Student Entrepreneurs

James W.
Peterson

 Investing in the Future: Access to Capital for Tech Founder [Panel]

Maurice
Boissiere

 Investing in the Future: Access to Capital for Tech Founder [Panel]

Quavoris Wellington

 Investing in the Future: Access to Capital for Tech Founder [Panel]

Adam
Phillips

Pitch Coaching Lab: Telling Your Story, Securing the Bag [Panel]

Dawn
Myers

Pitch Coaching Lab: Telling Your Story, Securing the Bag [Panel]

Anna
Cobb

Pitch Coaching Lab: Telling Your Story, Securing the Bag [Panel]

Markus
Proctor

Pitch Coaching Lab: Telling Your Story, Securing the Bag [Panel]

Cylton
Collymore

AI Ethics & Equity: Responsible Tech for the Future [Panel]

Dr. Shayla Treadwell

AI Ethics & Equity: Responsible Tech for the Future [Panel]

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