Take your business ‘beyond’ at HBCUniverse Summit at Morgan State

Black colleges and universities have long been centers of excellence, shaping generations of professionals who lift up their communities through business, science, education, culture and beyond. 

“Beyond” is the theme of this year’s HBCUniverse Summit, which invites entrepreneurs, innovators and supporters to gather at Morgan State University on Saturday, Feb. 8, for a day of collaboration, skill-building and celebration of HBCU legacies — all while taking your own venture or career to new heights.

Hosted at the University Student Center on Morgan State’s Baltimore campus, the daylong summit will feature panels, workshops and pitch competitions designed to give early-stage entrepreneurs and seasoned pros alike the tools and connections they need to thrive. Organized around the theme of going “beyond,” the event also celebrates Black History Month by spotlighting the vital impact HBCUs have on communities nationwide.

Best part might be the price: The day is entirely free for students and just $20 for others — and if you use code HBCU50, you’ll get half off.

Why it matters

The summit is an opportunity to connect current students with alumni, working professionals and industry heavyweights who can offer fresh perspectives. With backing from sponsors including Wells Fargo, Google and Microsoft, attendees will have a chance to learn from leaders who’ve navigated rapidly evolving worlds of tech, venture capital and business development. 

By bringing these experts to Morgan State, the summit aims to spotlight Baltimore’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and the powerful role HBCUs continue to play in driving innovation.

What you can expect

Among the day’s highlights is a $2,500 pitch competition, giving founders the chance to win seed funding and feedback from prominent investors. Attendees can also look forward to immersive workshops on AI tools, networking strategies and career development, plus a resource expo with top recruiters. Whether you’re a student exploring a new startup idea or an established professional eager to sharpen your skill set, there’s something for everyone.

Two featured panels will offer deep dives into crucial topics:

• Black TECHcellence: Navigating Tech with Authenticity and Impact (1 – 1:30 pm)
  Moderated by Regina Gywnn of Black Women Talk Tech, this session will explore how Black professionals have found success in tech while staying true to themselves. Panelists — including Max Aggrey (Google), Marquis Thorpe (AWS) and Lauren Kelly (Techsgiving/Coursera) — will share the importance of building “tech tribes,” or supportive peer communities that can help you grow.
• Breaking into Venture Capital from an HBCU (3 – 3:30 pm)
  Claudius Taylor of gener8tor will moderate a conversation with Cherae Robinson (Flybridge), Darius Clair (Techstars) and LaKendra Harden (HBCUvc) on overcoming barriers, leveraging networks and using the resilience honed at HBCUs to secure their first VC roles.

When, where and how to register

The HBCUniverse Summit will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Morgan State University Student Center. Admission is free for university students, and $20 for non-students. You can register here to secure your spot. Expect a full day of programming that will equip you with practical knowledge, professional connections, and a renewed sense of purpose around your business or career.

Whether you’re looking to pitch a new idea, connect with potential mentors or simply learn from the region’s innovators, the HBCUniverse Summit offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to push your ambitions beyond. Join this celebration of HBCUs’ enduring legacy, and discover how you can help shape the next chapter of Black innovation.