Date
March 25-26, 2026
Location
SAS Institute Inc.
Cary, NC
Sessions
20+
Partnering for Lasting Impact
HBCU Engage 2026 marks the fifth annual convening, which brings together leaders from HBCUs, corporate foundations, private funders, including philanthropies, industry, nonprofits, other universities, and government to accelerate bold, lasting collaborations. As HBCUs emerge as vital drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth, the forum explores how intentional investment and strategic partnership can unlock their full potential.
The forum possesses two key themes:
- Strategic Philanthropy and Investment: Philanthropic support for HBCUs is increasing but often remains episodic and disconnected. This event will explore how corporate foundations, private funders, and aligned institutions can co-develop long-term investment strategies that match HBCU strengths with funder priorities. Sessions will spotlight models for sustained impact and collaborative giving, exploring how philanthropic investment aligned with institutional R&D, talent development, and programmatic priorities can strengthen HBCUs’ role in advancing national goals.
- Innovation Ecosystem Development: HBCUs are uniquely positioned to build and lead innovation districts—tech incubators, research centers, and entrepreneurship hubs rooted in their mission and community. HBCU Engage will examine the infrastructure, research collaborations, and policy enablers needed to build thriving innovation ecosystems that drive economic transformation and generate real-world solutions—leveraging HBCUs’ strengths as engines for applied research, translational discovery, and regional competitiveness.
Through dynamic discussions, curated networking, and co-creation sessions, HBCU Engage 2026 will surface practical models and new partnerships that redefine how HBCUs engage with funders and the innovation economy.
Why attend HBCU Engage 2026
Achieve your engagement goals!
HBCU Engage 2026 offers a unique opportunity for professionals from diverse sectors and career stages to help shape the future of innovation and investment at HBCUs while supporting the business interests of their partners.
Whether you work in research, community engagement, development, policy, or partnership strategy, this forum is designed to deliver value through:
- Real Conversations with Funders and Partners. Engage directly with philanthropic leaders, corporate foundations, and government agencies to explore how investments can better align with HBCUs' missions and priorities.
- Tangible Strategies for Building Innovation Ecosystems. HBCUs play an outsized role in supporting their communities, creating research hubs, tech incubators, and entrepreneurship programs. Learn what it takes to support and scale those efforts.
- Collaborative Working Sessions. Participate in interactive sessions focused on solving challenges, identifying opportunities, and advancing joint initiatives with lasting impact.
- Cross-Sector Networking. Connect with peers and potential partners from higher education, industry, nonprofits, philanthropy, and government to build relationships that support your goals and institutional missions.
Actionable Takeaways. Leave with ideas, connections, and models you can apply—whether you’re launching a new partnership, shaping policy, or building institutional capacity.
This in-person, two-day convening is intentionally designed to foster action, insight, and relationship-building. The program includes:
- Curated panel discussions and fireside chats
- Interactive workshops and breakout sessions
- HBCU Pavilion/Exhibition Hall showcasing institutional strengths
- Office Hours with funders, foundations, and partners to support one-on-one discussions
- Networking-focused events - lunch table topics, receptions, and small group dinners
The structure is geared toward high-value engagement among participants and generating actionable outcomes and next steps.
Sessions are not recorded and the meeting operates under Chatham House Rules, ensuring open and candid dialogue throughout.
Who Attends HBCU Engage
HBCU Engage events produce actionable learnings from the experience of companies, academic institutions, and government. View the event magazine. View a list of organizations that participate.
What people are saying about HBCU Engage
Local Co-Hosts
HBCU Engage 2026 is organized by UIDP in collaboration with local co-hosts:
UIDP gratefully acknowledges HBCU Engage 2026 site host:
Thank you to our sponsors:
MEDIA
GOLD
SILVER
Sponsor HBCU Engage 2026
Submit a Topic
Organizations can increase their visibility within the UIDP community by sponsoring UIDP conferences, workshops, webinars, and other educational programming. Contact us.
Have a topic you'd like to present or see addressed at HBCU Engage 2026?
Submit your session recommendation.
Details
When
March 25: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
(Reception: 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
March 26: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Times are subject to change.