By Michael N. Pierce
Delaware State University successfully hosted Innovation Venture 2.0, a high-impact competition and innovation showcase that brought together more than 500 attendees, including students, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and community leaders from across the region.
Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, the event served as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and economic empowerment—culminating in the awarding of more than $95,000 in seed funding to emerging ventures across multiple competitive divisions.
Participants pitched bold, forward-thinking ideas addressing critical issues such as affordability, sustainability, healthcare access, and community development. A distinguished panel of C-suite executives and industry leaders evaluated each pitch, offering real-time insight and expertise while selecting the top ventures.
Winners were announced in the following categories:
Graduate Division — $40,000 Award Malcolm Coley, Saniyah Bullock, Kihanghu Wawero, Isata George – Team Blurrr
Undergraduate Division — $30,000 Award Edaijah Rodriguez, Karen Alabi – A & R Labs
Community Division — $15,000 Award Jamila Bishop – Grad Village
Reflecting on the win, Malcolm Coley shared, “This moment means everything—not just for me, but for our entire team. Innovation Venture gave us the platform to take an idea and turn it into something real. I’m incredibly grateful to Delaware State University for believing in us, investing in our vision, and creating spaces where students can truly build, lead, and innovate. This is just the beginning.”
The event also featured a powerful keynote address from Bethany Nonami, who inspired attendees with insights on innovation, leadership, and the importance of expanding access to opportunities in emerging industries.
Innovation Venture 2.0 was held in conjunction with the HBCU AI Summit, further amplifying discussions around how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to drive equitable economic growth and strengthen workforce pipelines.
The initiative was supported by leading partners including Amazon Web Services, Capital One, Chesapeake Inn, Barclays, Delmarva Power, and many community partners—reflecting a shared commitment to investing in innovation and expanding access to economic opportunity.
“Events like Innovation Venture are critical to unlocking the potential of our students and communities,” said Cherese Winstead, Dean for the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology. “By pairing bold ideas with real seed funding and access to industry leaders, we are turning vision into viable ventures that can create lasting impact.”
Beyond the competition, attendees engaged in networking opportunities, mentorship, and conversations with corporate leaders—reinforcing Delaware State University’s role as a national hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive excellence.
Innovation Venture 2.0 continues to position DSU at the forefront of cultivating the next generation of innovators and change-makers.
