FOR PARTNERS

MEET BRILLIANCE IN MOTION.

Connect with high-potential HBCU talent through a distinctive experience built around ideas, performance, and authentic engagement.

THE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Create a connection people remember.

HBCU Battle of the Brains gives organizations an opportunity to engage students while they analyze, collaborate, present, and learn. The program creates a setting for meaningful interactions with emerging leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Partnership conversations can explore alignment with talent development, employee engagement, innovation, community investment, and opportunities for students to experience an organization beyond its job descriptions. Beginning in spring 2027, BOTB Connect will create additional opportunities for partners to engage the HBCU BOTB community across the recruiting cycle.

EXPLORE THE HBCU BOTB JOB BOARD

Attendees share a conversation near the windows at HBCU Battle of the Brains in 2026.

A conversation becomes a connection. HBCU BOTB 2026.

PROJECT-BASED TALENT DISCOVERY

See what talent can do.

HBCU Battle of the Brains gives partners a distinctive view of emerging talent through real problem-solving, team collaboration, live presentations, and thoughtful dialogue.

Students work through a complex, time-bound business or technology case, develop a recommendation, and defend their thinking before a judging panel. For industry professionals who participate in the experience, this project-based approach creates opportunities to observe capability in action and build relationships with students whose skills and potential become visible through their work.

OBSERVE

Evidence through work

See critical thinking, teamwork, judgment, communication, and adaptability expressed through a tangible project.

ENGAGE

Meaningful conversations

Explore roles in shaping challenges, sharing expertise, judging, and connecting with participants through the broader program.

CULTIVATE

A longer talent relationship

Connect the event to recruiting cycles and sustained university relationships, with further opportunities through BOTB CONNECT beginning in spring 2027.

DISCUSS A TALENT PARTNERSHIP See the evaluation model

WAYS TO ENGAGE

Built around substance and shared purpose.

CHALLENGE & INNOVATION

Explore opportunities to contribute relevant business problems, perspectives, or expertise to the competition.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Consider facilitated conversations, learning experiences, and professional development moments.

CAMPUS CONNECTIONS

Build relationships across the HBCU community and introduce students to career possibilities.

LET US BUILD TOGETHER

Start with your goals.

Tell us what your organization hopes to accomplish and which audiences matter to you. We can discuss what a thoughtful role in the 2027 HBCU Battle of the Brains might look like.

Among our significant historical supporters are Amazon, Capital One, Dell Technologies, eBay, Expedia Group, KPMG, the NFL, The Home Depot, and Thrivent. H-E-B is our longest-standing partner, supporting HBCU Battle of the Brains since year one. The wider community of sponsors and collaborators, including Cisco and Electronic Arts, has helped advance the competition and create opportunities for student engagement, mentorship, community service, and immersive learning. Specific 2027 partnership opportunities and recognition are established through individual discussions. Historical involvement does not indicate a confirmed 2027 partnership.

THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION.

Join us in celebrating HBCU talent and preparing for the 10th annual event in Austin.

START A PARTNERSHIP CONVERSATION ↗