HBCU Innovation Summit 2026: From AI Literacy to AI Leadership

Join OpenAI Academy and the Institute for AI & Emerging Research at North Carolina Central University for the 2026 HBCU Innovation Summit—a day of learning, collaboration, and hands-on exploration centered on the theme, “From AI Literacy to AI Leadership.”

Designed for students, educators, higher education leaders, community members, and partners across the HBCU ecosystem, the summit will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping education, careers, research, entrepreneurship, and community life. Participants will hear from leaders working across these fields, take part in audience-specific learning sessions, and gain practical strategies for using AI responsibly and effectively.

The day will culminate in a collaborative Codex Build Challenge, where participants will work in teams to create projects addressing real needs across campuses, workplaces, and communities—then share what they built during a live showcase.

Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or are already helping shape its use within your institution or organization, the summit offers an opportunity to build new skills, exchange ideas, and play an active role in defining what AI leadership can look like across HBCUs and the communities they serve.