FOR STUDENTS

YOUR IDEAS BELONG IN THE ROOM.

Bring your curiosity, your discipline, your voice, and your ability to build something better with a team.

BROWSE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

Push your thinking. Expand your circle.

HBCU Battle of the Brains is built for students ready to test themselves through real-world problem-solving. Since inception, the program has awarded more than $1 million in institutional and individual scholarship prizes and connected students with professionals across industries. You will collaborate with peers, make decisions under time pressure, communicate a point of view, and learn from approaches different from your own.

The established competition draws students from business and STEM fields, with contributions from many other disciplines. Prior coding experience has not historically been required. Final eligibility and participation rules for 2027 will be published when registration opens.

Six participants posing in front of the blue-and-gold HBCU Battle of the Brains backdrop at the 2026 event.

Shared pride. Shared experience. HBCU BOTB 2026.

WHAT YOU CAN DEVELOP

Skills you can carry forward.

COLLABORATION

Listen closely, divide responsibilities thoughtfully, and create a solution together.

ANALYSIS

Break down unfamiliar problems and make decisions supported by evidence.

STORYTELLING

Explain complex ideas clearly in written, visual, and spoken form.

CONFIDENCE

Present your work, answer questions, and learn from every stage of the process.

Two attendees review printed materials together at HBCU Battle of the Brains in 2026.

Preparation begins with curiosity. HBCU BOTB 2026.

GET READY

Begin with the strengths you already have.

Talk with your institution about team participation. Explore case-based problem-solving, practice concise presentations, and learn how teammates from different majors approach decisions. There is room for strategists, researchers, designers, builders, and communicators in a strong team.

Our 2027 dates are September 28 through October 1 in Austin, Texas. Visit the 2027 registration page for official registration details and program announcements.

THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION.

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

ASK ABOUT STUDENT PARTICIPATION ↗