Empowering Innovation: HBCU Pitch Competition in Times Square
A groundbreaking event is set to take place in New York City on June 6, 2026, as Venture for T.H.E.M. and The DM Firm, in collaboration with Times Square Alliance, will host the inaugural HBCU Pitch Competition in Times Square during Activate LIVE! as part of NY Tech Week. This event will showcase HBCU founders presenting their innovative businesses on one of the world's most iconic platforms, with over 300,000 people passing through Times Square on a typical summer weekend.
The HBCU Pitch Competition in Times Square is a historic moment that highlights Black innovation and entrepreneurship within the technology industry. This event will provide a unique opportunity for HBCU founders to gain recognition and visibility on a global scale, positioning them as the future leaders in entrepreneurship.
Five previous pitch competition winners from various HBCUs will compete live in front of an audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. These founders represent a diverse range of innovative businesses, including a premium canned cocktail brand, an AI platform for student-athletes, a fashion technology company focused on sustainability, a social discovery platform for restaurants, and an interactive card game for meaningful conversations.
A distinguished panel of judges from leading organizations in entrepreneurship, technology, consumer brands, and philanthropy will evaluate the pitches. The panel includes representatives from Moët Hennessy, Base 11, Bowie State University, NBA Foundation, and Milken Institute, among others.
The HBCU Pitch Competition in Times Square is more than just a pitching event; it is a significant moment that showcases the talent and innovation emerging from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This event is a testament to the commitment of Venture for T.H.E.M. and The DM Firm to empower underrepresented communities and foster the next generation of innovators and business leaders.
Don't miss this historic event on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Times Square, New York City. Join us in celebrating the creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit of HBCU founders as they take center stage on a global platform. For more information and to RSVP, visit Venture for T.H.E.M.'s website.