2022-23 HBCU Smart Cities Challenge
On February 18th, 2023 the HBCU Smart Cities Showcase Event took place on Winston-Salem State University’s Campus. The event included a career fair, keynote speakers, and 30 students from 12 different HBCUs pitching a team of judges for cash prizes.
Hosted by the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem State University, the event saw a range of attendees.
Relive the Excitement
Interviews with our Partners & Judges
An interview with Torre Jessup, The Chief Operating Officer for the North Carolina Dept. of Information Technology
Mr. Jessup served as one of the judges for the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Pitch Competition on February 18th, 2023.
During this interview he discusses his experience participating in the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge.
An interview with Annette Scippio, (councilwoman for Winston-Salem’s East Ward) and Tom Kureczka (CIO for the City of Winston-Salem)
During this interview Councilwoman Scippio & Tom Kureczka discuss their experience working with fellows from the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Program and why HBCU institutions are some of the best in the country.
Smart City Trivia
Students from local STEM programs in Forsyth County were in attendance to learn more about IoT, smart cities, and other emerging technology. Students were awarded $4k in prizes for answering questions about topics discussed during the day.
Pitch Competition
30 students from 12 HBCUs traveled to Winston-Salem to pitch their city solutions to a team of judges. The top 3 teams left with cash prizes courtesy of Pathway OZ and Mastercard.
Career Fair
A wide range of local and national businesses were in attendance to recruit HBCU talent. Companies including Mastercard, Amazon, Turnberry Premiere, RCS Wireless, Goler CDC, and host of others had a chance to engage students looking for opportunities.
“I’m glad I came to this event, because it’s going to enhance my knowledge and help me be a catalyst for my success later on in the future.”
Jalen Franklin
Winston-Salem State University
Listen to our Keynote Speakers
Dr. Robert Blaine, Executive Director of the National League of Cities address the crowd during his keynote speech
Winston-Salem State University Provost Dr. Anthony Graham.
Inspiring City Leadership
David Eubanks, City Manager for Takoma Park, MD discusses how much he enjoyed participating in the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge.
Supporting the Leaders of Tomorrow
Annette Scippio, Councilwoman for Winston-Salem's East Ward, speaks to over 100 middle school and high school students in attendance about the importance of the opportunities they have in emerging technology.
A word from our founders
(from left to right)
Kevin Fomengia, Co-Founder & Director of Innovation
Dr. Earl Turner III, Research & Education Advisor
Ayinde Simon, Co-Founder & Director of Partnerships
