By: Kamille Rutherford, SGJC Student News Network
New York -- Beneath the bright billboards and nonstop energy of Times Square, student entrepreneurs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) stepped into the spotlight June 6th for the first-ever HBCU Pitch Competition held in one of the world's most recognizable public spaces.
Hosted by Venture for T.H.E.M. and The DM Firm in partnership with the Times Square Alliance, the competition was part of Activate LIVE!, an outdoor conference held during New York Tech Week. The event brought together founders, investors, and entrepreneurship within the HBCU community.
With thousands of tourists and New Yorkers moving through Times Square throughout the afternoon, contestants pitched their businesses before an audience of supporters, passersby and an accomplished panel of judges. Pedestrians stopped to watch as student entrepreneurs shared their ideas beneath towering digital advertisements, while applause erupted after each presentation.
For organizer Kiante Bush, bringing the competition to Times Square was about creating visibility and opportunity for Black founders.
"It was absolutely important to bring this competition to Times Square because when you think about one of the largest places in the world, you think about business, entrepreneurship and economic engines," Bush said. "These young entrepreneurs are building the future of tomorrow. In a time where we see so much division and so much attacking on diversity and inclusion, it's important to stand on that stage and say we still see you, we still appreciate you, and we're going to make sure that we celebrate you."
This competition featured five founders from HBCUs representing HBCUs from across the country, each pitching innovative products and services to a panel of judges.
Participants included Peter Iwuh of Morgan State University, founder of Tykoon AI; Angel Hobbs of Hampton University, co-founder of Krave, a canned cocktail brand; Daryl Riley Jr. of North Carolina A&T State University, co-founder of Tendaji, a fashion technology company; Taylor Davis of Howard University, founder of Troodie; And Carolyn Alston of Bowie State University, creator of Communic8 It!, an interactive card game designed to spark meaningful conversations.
Peter Iwah's Tykoon AI is an all-in-one platform designed to help student-athletes manage their personal brands, NIL opportunities, and partnership development. He was selected as one of five HBCU founders to compete in the historic pitch competition, highlighting Morgan State's presence in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among HBCU founders.
Some contestants appeared nervous as they prepared to present, reviewing notes and speaking with supporters moments before taking stage. Once in front of the audience, entrepreneurs confidently shared their stories and business visions.
For Daryl Riley, pitching in Times Square represented a personal milestone.
"New York is home," Riley said. "The fact that I'm pitching in Times Square is a dream come true. This all started when I was at Hampton University. We won one pitch competition that was sponsored by Forbes, and we told ourselves, if Forbes is telling us yes, why would we tell ourselves no?"
Riley's company, Tendaji, combines fashion and sustainability through products such as solar-powered jacket(s) capable of charging electronic devices while on the go.
Angel Hobbs expressed the opportunity to pitch Krave on one of the world's most visible stages was equally meaningful.
"It means a lot to me to be pitching in Times Square right now," she said. "This is one of the largest platforms where we've pitched, and it's a city with so many opportunities. We're super excited and ready to hit the stage."
The event's judging panel included industry leaders Luis Freitas of Moët Hennessy, Teniel Jones of Base 11, Johnetta Hardy of Bowie State University's Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, Genisha Metcalf of the NBA Foundation and Blair Carl Smith of the Milken Institute.
Hardy, who also served as a sponsor, emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to showcase their ideas.
"Every opportunity our students can get to present their innovation and inspire other people is an amazing opportunity," Hardy said. "It gives them a platform to showcase the great work that we're doing to promote entrepreneurship."
Hardy noted that benefits of the competition extended beyond prize money.
"There are venture capitalists here. There are people that can mentor and coach them," she said. "The networking alone is huge, not to mention the cash that they can use to advance their businesses."
Judge Genisha Metcalf praised the entrepreneurs' ability to communicate their ideas without relying heavily on technology.
"I love how they didn't need visuals," Metcalf said. "Typically when we see pitch competitions, they're relying on technology. This was relying on storytelling, personality and really the depth with which you could communicate about your business."
Metcalf said visibility was one of the most valuable aspects of the event.
"There's a brand visibility gap that often comes up, particularly for HBCU students," she said. "You never know who you might meet -- a potential consumer, investor or partner."
The event also reflected a broader mission of expanding access to entrepreneurship resources.
Tasemere Gathers, an ecosystem builder and sponsor of the event, said the outdoor format was intentional.
"I wanted to do a conference outdoors because entrepreneurs sometimes don't have the resources to go to a conference," Gathers said. "What better way to do it than outside, where as many people as possible can hear and get the information that they need? Opportunities like this create more visibility and more access to resources."
Audience members said the competition highlighted the range of innovation emerging from HBCU campuses.
Rachel Jackson, an HBCU graduate attending the event, said she was impressed by the variety of businesses represented.
"We've seen entrepreneurs in beverage spaces, AI and gaming," Jackson said. "It's important to support HBCU students and understand what their needs are while helping them grow their opportunities."
Amit Nath attended to support Morgan State founder Peter Iwuh and the broader entrepreneurial community.
"We need more people that look like us taking these stages and supporting each other," Nath said " Especially when they're coming from all over the world to be here."
At the conclusion of the competition, Carolyn Alston of Bowie State University was awarded the $5,000 grand prize for Communica8 It!, her interactive card game designed to encourage conversation and connection. Attendees selected Angel Hobbs of Hampton University as the Audience Choice winner, earning an additional $500 prize for Krave.
For Bush, however, the competition's success extended beyond the awards.
"I hope this event inspires more entrepreneurs to dream big and not be afraid to step on any stage to share their business ideas and their dreams," Bush said. "I'm excited for next year already. I want to continue bringing more HBCUs, more partners and even bigger opportunities for these young entrepreneurs."
As New York Tech Week continued across the city, HBCU business owners carved out their own space in Times Square, demonstrating that innovation, entrepreneurship and representation can thrive on one of the world's most visible stages.
