The NFL has announced that they will be the title sponsor for the fifth annual HBCU Battle of the Brains event set to take place from October 20, 2021 to October 23, 2021 in Austin, Texas.
“The NFL is excited to once again sponsor the HBCU Battle of the Brains event. We have seen countless examples of how this event continues to shine a light on the incredibly gifted young minds that will undoubtedly have an impact on the future of various industries. The creativity and enthusiasm surrounding this event is truly inspiring, and we always cherish the opportunity to engage and interact with these students.”
David Jurenka, Senior Vice President, NFL Media & General Manager, Los Angeles
The HBCU Battle of the Brains is a showcase of STEM and business students across the nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities around the world.
Contestants are tasked with developing a solution to a proposed and making a live pitch in front of a live audience. They are judged based on analysis, a business/technology solution, a presentation and Q&A with crowd participation. The winners will receive $50,000 in scholarships.
“Showcasing the immensely talented student that populate our nation’s HBCUs has been a central focus of the HBCU Battle of the Brains. The commitment of the NFL illustrates its shared belief in the product of our HBCU institutions.”
Gregory Gibson, Founder and Executive Director, HBCU Battle of the Brains’
This will be the third time the NFL has been the title sponsor of the HBCU Battle of the Brains serving as the sponsor of the second and third annual events in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The first HBCU Battle of the Brains played host to seven participating schools with the winner receiving $10,000.
With the NFL’s involvement as hosts for the second annual event the following year allowed for more schools to participate raising from seven to 23 schools. In addition, the prize for the winner was increased from $10,000 to $25,000 with second and third place schools now receiving $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.
The event has also featured appearances from NFL personnel including former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch as a special guest and NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche as a host.