A student team from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) earned Second Place Overall and the Best Presentation Award at the 2026 HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event at the Westin Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.
The annual event brought together more than 30 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for a multiday experience designed to cultivate innovation, strengthen collaboration, and showcase the next generation of black business leaders. Student entrepreneurs, faculty mentors, university administrators, and industry professionals participated in business plan competitions, pitch presentations, networking sessions, and panel discussions focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development.
UAPB’s student team that competed during the 2026 HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event was supported by Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham, Dr. Lawrence Awopetu, interim dean of the School of Business and Management, and Dr. Terence Farrier, faculty advisor to the competing team.
Students representing UAPB at the 2026 HBCU and Innovation Event included Kennedy Abanihe, Gerald Shimo, Matanda Phiri, Otutochi Nwadinkpa, and Oluwademilade Ogunbade.
UAPB administrators, faculty, staff and students show their excitement of the University’s victory at the 2026 HBCU and Innovation Event.
Students representing UAPB at the 2026 HBCU and Innovation Event celebrate their win.
Representing UAPB leadership were Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham, Dr. Lawrence Awopetu, interim dean of the School of Business and Management, and Dr. Terence Farrier, faculty advisor to the competing team. Their attendance reflected UAPB’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and innovation-driven learning.
The UAPB team, advised by Dr. Farrier, included Kennedy Abanihe, Gerald Shimo, Matanda Phiri, Otutochi Nwadinkpa, and Oluwademilade Ogunbade. The students presented a business concept titled “My Diabeticare,” a technology-driven solution focused on improving diabetes management through data insights, user-centered design, and tools that support better patient outcomes.
A key strength of the team’s presentation was its use of artificial intelligence to support the development and delivery of the business plan. The students used AI tools to enhance market analysis, generate predictive insights, and design presentations, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to digital entrepreneurship. Their integration of technology enhanced the clarity, quality, and impact of their proposal and helped the team earn the Best Presentation Award.
Competing against teams from more than 30 HBCUs across the country, UAPB’s second-place finish highlights the strength of the university’s entrepreneurship education and the preparation students receive through faculty mentorship, applied learning, and real-world business development experiences. Teams were evaluated on innovation, feasibility, market potential, financial planning, and presentation quality.”
Chancellor Graham, Dr. Awopetu, and Dr. Farrier each shared insights into key aspects of educational excellence reflected in the second-place finish.
“Our students continue to demonstrate that they are capable of competing at the highest levels,” Chancellor Graham said. “This achievement is not only a win for UAPB but also a reflection of the potential within HBCUs to lead in innovation and economic development.”
Dr. Awopetu stated that national entrepreneurship competitions provide valuable opportunities for students to apply classroom learning to real-world business challenges.
“Experiential learning opportunities like this are invaluable,” Dr. Awopetu said. “They bridge the gap between theory and practice and empower our students to become confident, capable entrepreneurs.”
Dr. Farrier praised the team’s dedication, preparation, and resilience throughout the competition process.
“This recognition is well deserved,” Dr. Farrier said. “The team demonstrated not only technical competence but also the passion and determination that define successful entrepreneurs.”
In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops on venture capital, digital marketing, and business scalability. Networking sessions also connected participants with peers, mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, expanding the value of the experience beyond the pitch competition.
UAPB creates value for students by providing access to applied learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world opportunities. Through entrepreneurship competitions, faculty mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders, students strengthen the communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills needed to complete their degrees, compete in the workforce, build businesses, and contribute to economic mobility in their communities.
The team’s success reinforces UAPB’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and student achievement. As the university celebrates this national recognition, UAPB looks forward to expanding opportunities for students to participate in entrepreneurial activities, competitions, and partnerships that prepare them to lead in business, technology, and community development.
