PROPEL U Opens Applications for National AI-Powered Innovation Challenge for HBCU Students

PROPEL U has announced the launch of the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge, a national initiative designed to equip HBCU students with future-ready skills, real-world problem-solving experience, and national visibility through an AI-powered learning experience.

The multi-week challenge with support from Apple will invite students from more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities to work in teams exploring real-world challenges and using artificial intelligence as a creative and strategic tool. Fourteen pilot campuses will advance finalist teams to a national showcase in Austin, Texas, where students will present their work on a national stage.

Unlike traditional tech competitions, the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge is built around challenge-based learning that prioritizes insight, storytelling, and impact over technical complexity. No prior coding or AI experience is required, opening the opportunity to students from a wide range of academic disciplines.

Through the experience, students gain access to applied learning, coaching, scholarships, and the opportunity to create portfolio-ready work they can share with employers. Participating campuses also benefit from national visibility and investment in student innovation and career readiness.

“The future of tech isn’t just about understanding AI — it’s about using it to solve meaningful problems,” a PROPEL U spokesperson said. “This Challenge gives HBCU students the confidence, platform, and opportunity to show what they can do”.

The Future of Tech Innovation Challenge is part of PROPEL U’s broader mission to connect HBCU students to career-connected learning, emerging technologies, and pathways to opportunity, positioning HBCUs as national engines of innovation and talent development.

Applications for this opportunity close on January 28th, with the Challenge running from February 1–20, 2026. Additional information is available at propelcenter.org, and updates can be found by following @propelcenter on social media 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY