SECURING OUR PLACE IN THE FUTURE
For generations, HBCUs have served as laboratories of ingenuity, resilience, and leadership — producing entrepreneurs and institution builders who created opportunity even when systems weren’t designed to support them.
Today we stand at another pivotal moment. AI is transforming the global economy, reshaping industries, and redefining how businesses are built. The 2026 HBCU Empower Conference convenes founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore how today’s founders can plant seeds for prosperity and ownership that extend far beyond a single generation.
Highlight Events & Activities
Opening Reception: AI & Innovation
The conference begins with a dynamic reception introducing attendees to AI as a tool for entrepreneurial wealth building. Through demonstrations, founder showcases, and curated networking, participants will explore how emerging technologies can transform business creation and expansio
Panels, Workshops & Mainstage Conversations
Across two days of programming, panels, workshops, and mainstage conversations will help attendees plug into tools, technology, and strategies for an entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation. Founders, investors, and technology leaders will share practical insights on scaling ventures, navigating emerging markets, shifting strategies and designing the businesses for the future.
Regional Reception
The regional reception celebrates the legacy and leadership of HBCUs and the founders who emerge from them. This gathering highlights the achievements of entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders across the Center’s national network and reinforces the role of HBCUs as engines of innovation and economic mobility
Entrepreneur Resource Fair + Office Hours
The resource fair connects entrepreneurs with organizations offering funding pathways, technology platforms, consulting services, and ecosystem support. Attendees will also participate in office hours with experts and partners, gaining practical insights to strengthen their ventures.
Pitch Competition Activation
The Pitch Activation will showcase student founders from across all Center programming during the past year, highlighting emerging ventures developed through HBCU entrepreneurship initiatives. Participants will present their ventures in a high-energy competition that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the next generation of founders.
Closing Ceremony
The conference concludes with a celebration recognizing the achievements of founders, partners, and program participants whose work reflects the mission and impact of the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship.
Panel & Workshop Track Descriptions
Elevating Entrepreneurs
Workshops and panels designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, skills, and knowledge needed to scale and grow their ventures in a rapidly evolving economy. Sessions will explore how founders can leverage emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—to strengthen strategy, streamline operations, and unlock new market opportunities. Participants will examine how innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable prosperity and long-term business growth.
Empowering the Ecosystem
A convening of university leaders, ecosystem builders, and community partners focused on sharing programmatic best practices and resources that strengthen opportunities for entrepreneurs. Discussions will highlight how collaboration across universities, incubators, investors, and public institutions can expand access to entrepreneurship education, funding pathways, and innovation infrastructure—ensuring that founders have the support systems needed to succeed.
Investing & Impact
Workshops and training focused on leveraging strategies that fund, finance, and grow businesses as well as the communities they serve. Sessions will explore capital access, responsible innovation, emerging technology markets, and investment strategies that support both economic returns and long-term community impact. Participants will gain insight into how capital and innovation can work together to build ventures that create opportunity and shared prosperity.
