A new statewide fellowship aims to turn big ideas from the state’s historically Black college and university students into real companies, and to keep that talent here in Alabama.
The group HBCU CARES — Consortium to Advance Research and Economic Strength — is launching a year-long Innovators Fellowship and Legacy Launchpad with support from Innovate Alabama.
At its core, the fellowship is designed to give students a strong start, including a structured, well-connected pathway from classroom concepts to high-growth ventures.
That includes hands-on training, mentorship, exposure to investors and real opportunities to test and pitch their ideas.
“The future of talent and innovation is being built at our HBCUs,” HBCU CARES CEO Brittany Holloman said in a written statement. “This fellowship is not just about launching companies – it’s about launching leaders, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that Alabama’s innovation pipeline reflects the brilliance, talent and vision of our students.”
The fellowship includes a 10-week experience that blends entrepreneurship coursework, executive coaching, industry networking, business-development support and pitch training. Students will also meet policymakers, founders, and venture partners before wrapping up with a statewide pitch competition.
Holloman said participants will emerge not only with new skills, but with the confidence and connections needed to bring new ideas to market – and to strengthen innovation efforts back on their home campuses.
Innovate Alabama, which is funding the initiative, described the effort as part of a broader strategy to retain young talent. Shannon Allen, Innovate Alabama’s executive director of future talent strategies, said Alabama’s 14 HBCUs are home to “the next generation of Alabama’s innovators,” and that the partnership helps connect that talent to mentorship, capital and opportunities that “turn ideas into impact.”
“This partnership is about building pathways that keep bright minds in Alabama and strengthen the state’s innovation landscape, ultimately fueling growth and opportunity across our statewide economy,” Allen said.
The program builds on HBCU CARES’ broader push to expand tech-focused workforce development, entrepreneurship training and leadership programs across the state’s HBCUs – all with an eye toward long-term economic mobility and stronger campus ecosystems.
