The 2025 AAAS Making & Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C., featured over 100 participants from 19 teams across 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event was a collaborative effort by AAAS, the National Science Foundation, and VentureWell, leading to the recognition of several innovative projects. Awards were given in two key categories: Showcase and Engagement. Notable winners included Team PlantGPT from Spelman College, which developed a conversational AI for plant care, and Team InnovaCollective from the University of the District of Columbia, a commercialization hub for HBCU innovators. The engagement category saw ties between Team Blue Horizon and Read & Rise, both addressing sustainability and education challenges. The HBCU Making & Innovation Initiative continues beyond the showcase, offering resources like the Faculty Innovation Leadership Institute and research opportunities. The event showcased the vital role of HBCUs in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. For more information, visit HBCU Maker.
