Event Overview
OUR MISSION
DSU Innovation Venture 2.0 & HBCU AI Summit bridges innovation and entrepreneurship, connecting students, industry leaders and emerging technologies. Rooted in the Genesis mission to expand access, cultivate opportunity, and empower the next generation of diverse innovators, the summit was established to ensure HBCU talent is represented and competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. By fostering collaboration, driving excellence, and accelerating bold ideas into action, the summit seeks to inspire and advance the future of innovation in the U.S., positioning students as architects of a more inclusive and technology-driven economy.
Our Origin Story
Innovation Venture is a groundbreaking national summit hosted by Delaware State University’s Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies. This event brings together HBCUs, technology and innovation leaders to revolutionize the future through emerging technology.
In 2022, DSU College of Agriculture Science & Technology received a prestigious USDA designation as a Center of Excellence in Emerging Technology, underscoring its role in advancing AI and tech-driven solutions to address tomorrow’s most pressing challenges.
Student innovators are paired with a pre-accelerator to refine their AI-driven prototypes, strengthen their business models, and master their presentation skills through technical assistance. With massive seed funding at stake, winning teams transition into a post-accelerator program designed to help them scale their ideas into viable, market-ready products.
Through mentorship, business structuring and intellectual property guidance, these students don’t just build startups—they build the foundation for generational wealth.
By bridging academia, industry, and technology, Innovation Venture is shaping the next generation of tech-driven leaders.
Building the foundation for a national convening where students, particularly from HBCUs and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, can showcase cutting-edge AI prototypes that enhance business solutions and drive entrepreneurship.
Innovation Venture is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad.
Cutting-Edge Tech
The latest breakthroughs in AI-powered, precision agriculture, and sustainable technologies.
funding Access
Pitch directly to angel investors and venture capitalists actively seeking early-stage Tech innovations with market potential.
industry leaders
Connect with keynote speakers, thought leaders, and pioneers shaping the future of technology and agriculture.
For Students, Leaders and Industry Professionals
Whether you’re a student passionate about new technology, an
industry leader looking to connect with emerging talent or a community partner seeking opportunities to collaborate – this one-day event is your gateway.
Register for Innovation Venture Conference an HBCU AI Summit.
Innovation Venture 2.0 & HBCU AI Summit, powered by Delaware State University, is the nation’s premier gathering dedicated to accelerating artificial intelligence education, research, and innovation across Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Our key objectives are to:
- Advance AI innovation across HBCUs through student-driven research, hands-on learning experiences, and cutting-edge technical exploration.
- Strengthen pathways to high-impact careers by connecting students with industry leaders, internships, research opportunities, and emerging roles within the AI ecosystem.
- Expand collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate AI adoption, ethical development, and inclusive technology leadership.
- Promote equitable innovation by ensuring AI tools, research, and applications reflect the diversity and lived experiences of underserved communities.
- Build capacity for long-term AI leadership across HBCUs through faculty development, research partnerships, funding opportunities, and institutional strategy alignment.
