LINKEDIN2025
The return that became a championship
A student reflects on returning to the Battle, growing from the previous year, and helping his team win first place.
Mark Ross | Morehouse College
NEWS & UPDATES
THE NEXT CHAPTER IS ALREADY IN MOTION.
Announcements, stories, and milestones from the HBCU Battle of the Brains community.
2027 ANNOUNCEMENT
Save the date: The 10th annual HBCU Battle of the Brains.
HBCU Battle of the Brains will return to Austin, Texas, September 28 through October 1, 2027, for its 10th annual event. The move from the spring SXSW period to the fall brings the experience closer to university recruiting cycles and opens a new chapter for student opportunity, institutional engagement, and partner collaboration. We look forward to bringing together HBCU students, institutions, and organizations for a milestone academic competition and talent experience.
Details on student and institutional participation, the official schedule, and partnerships will be announced as the program takes shape.
FROM THE ARCHIVE
A story worth revisiting.
HBCU Battle of the Brains began in 2017 with a group of HBCU students willing to take on a demanding case challenge. Their experience helped establish a tradition of ambitious problem-solving and teamwork.
Read a participant account from the inaugural competition in the 2017 student reflection, or explore our updated Champions & History page.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Your connection to what comes next.
Explore the community stories above and follow the official HBCU BOTB social channels for new moments, milestones, and announcements. This page will continue to grow with verified 2027 program updates and stories from our student and institutional community.
THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION.
Join us in celebrating HBCU talent and preparing for the 10th annual event in Austin.
HBCU Battle of the Brains, LLC | Austin, Texas | Contact Us
01 / STUDENT VOICES
In their own words.
The experience stays with students well beyond the final pitch.
Lessons from 24 hours under pressure
Critical thinking, collaboration, and performance become real during an intense student challenge.
Zakee Gaines | Lincoln University
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A technical award with real substance
Lane College celebrates its 2026 Best Technical recognition and the AI-focused solution its team built.
Philip Chukwuemeka Godwin | Lane College
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A scholarship opportunity takes shape
A student recounts the 2026 case challenge and advancing as a finalist for an eBay scholarship.
Chibunkem Asuzu | UMES
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A spring break spent building ideas
A first-person account of collaboration, innovation, and the relationships formed in Austin.
Clifford Agyemang
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Representing FAMU on a national stage
A Rattler reflects on the challenge and the opportunity to represent her university.
Eyana Dixon | Florida A&M University
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Cheyney made. Battle tested.
An expansive student reflection on the 24-hour case, teammates, advisors, and connections made in Austin.
Matthew Wilford | Cheyney University
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What a demanding challenge revealed
A Norfolk State finalist reflects on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and professional growth.
Oluwatobi Olagoke-Bello | Norfolk State
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