Baltimore daily roundup: HBCU Power Moves; robot takeover up I-95; a founder’s $8.9M donation

Coppin State partners while Morgan State sweeps

My latest Power Moves column highlights talent movements and institutional changes across the region, including new leadership appointments, collaborations and achievements in higher education and economic development. To tease what you’ll see inside: Open Works is collaborating with Coppin State University to establish a new makerspace, degree program and tech transfer initiative. Meanwhile, Morgan State affiliates achieved notable recognition through various STEM awards and honors. Additionally, the Greater Baltimore Committee appointed its first regional innovation director.

➡️ Learn more about the powerful moves in our region this month.

Robots are taking over Delaware

According to my colleague Holly Quinn, Wilmington is experiencing a charming invasion of brightly colored robot cutouts, bringing joy to various locations across the city. These whimsical installations, from Washington Street Extension to Canby Park, have delighted residents and visitors alike.

Technical.ly talked to the artist and founder behind this project, and explored how these robots are fostering community connection and spreading smiles.

➡️ Read Holly’s article to learn more about the robots.

News Incubator: What else to know today

• The University of Maryland, Baltimore is introducing a graduate certificate in social entrepreneurship. For the launch, it is re-airing a podcast series featuring interviews with Baltimore social entrepreneurs. The first interview features Jamye Wooten, the founder of CLLCTIVLY. [UMB]

• Baltimore native and soon-to-be Baltimore Peninsula tenant Pinky Cole Hayes donated $8.9 million to Savannah State University’s class of 2024 in partnership with Operation Hope and One Million Black Businesses. This investment supports an “Entrepreneurial Starter Pack” for graduates, offering mentorship, educational resources, a Shopify subscription and a small business training course. [Afrotech/Baltimore Banner]

• The Baltimore City Youth Data Hub, facilitated by Baltimore’s Promise, is currently accepting applications. The deadline for submission is May 17. [Baltimore’s Promise]

• ICYMI: At the Regeneron Science Talent Search, hosted by the Society for Science in DC, high school students showcased innovative projects including 3D-printed prosthetic arms and research on bee pollination. [Scripps]

• The Kendrick-Drake feud highlights the evolving landscape of rap battles, showcasing how technology plays a pivotal role. Kendrick Lamar emerged victorious in what is considered one of the most tech-savvy rap battles to date. [Tech Crunch]

🗓️ On the Calendar