The National HBCU Innovation Ecosystem
Bold. Doable.
We convene overlooked ecosystems, curate exceptional talent, and position capital pipelines that support and resource founders, builders, and funders to build the next great local company with global impact.
The Movement
Engage. Educate. Empower.
2150 exists at the intersection of founders, builders & funders, a national HBCU innovation ecosystem turning overlooked talent into companies, capital, and lasting impact.
01 · Founders
Founders
Turn overlooked ideas into companies.
The next generation of transformative companies already exists. 2150 helps founders move from idea to impact through mentorship, market access, strategic partnerships, and capital pathways.
Meet Our Founders
02 · Builders
Builders
Create ecosystems that last.
Innovation thrives when universities, corporations, governments, and communities work together. 2150 builds the infrastructure that transforms talent into opportunity.
Explore iLABs
03 · Funders
Funders
Invest before the world catches up.
The most valuable opportunities are found where others are not looking. 2150 connects funders with emerging founders, scalable ventures, and innovation ecosystems positioned for long-term growth.
Explore FundersWhat We Believe
The future is being built where others forgot to look.
Innovation should not be limited by geography. Potential should not be limited by access. The future economy will be shaped by people willing to build where others overlook.
That future is already taking shape here.
"The future will be built by founders bold enough to create, builders committed enough to collaborate, and funders visionary enough to invest. 2150 exists to bring them together."
Ecosystem
An international innovation network.
From HBCU campuses across the United States to partners in London, 2150 connects founders, builders, and funders into one transatlantic ecosystem. Tap any node to fly into its city.
National footprint
Coast to coast.
Founders and partners across every major U.S. innovation corridor.
Transatlantic reach
U.S. + London.
An active bridge connecting American talent with European capital and markets.
Institutional network
Deeply connected.
Backed by a growing network of leading funds, investors, and strategic partners.
Founder Spotlights
Proof that the future is already here.
Founder success stories from the 2150 network.
Featured Founder
John Pasmore
Founder & CEO, Latimer.ai
A large language model built to reflect the histories, cultures, and voices of Black and Brown communities with accuracy.
- Advanced Cohort graduate
- Launched with Miles College as an early academic partner
- Distribution partnerships with Grammarly, HBCUs, and community colleges
- Reaching millions of students through education channels
iLABs
Where ideas become impact.
iLABs are 2150's sector-focused innovation labs, a research & knowledge hub powered by students, researchers, and subject-matter experts across our AI Centers of Excellence.
Download the iLAB overview (PDF)
In the News · Alabama News Center
Alabama Power hosts HBCU students for the 2150 Energy iLab
Held at Alabama Power's Birmingham headquarters, the 2150 Energy iLab brought together students, faculty, and administrators from five HBCUs to explore innovation in the energy sector — from emerging career paths to support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
7
HBCUs
22
Partners
100+
Students
"Connections made in settings like this can help cultivate careers and start businesses that launch, stay and grow in Alabama. We want them to think about things that don't exist — and why they should."
Press
2150 in the news.
Coverage of the founders, partnerships, and momentum shaping the national HBCU innovation ecosystem.
2150 In Motion
Watch the movement.
Sizzle reels, summit films, and stories from the field — see the energy, urgency, and local pride driving 2150 forward.
Partner With 2150
Build the future together.
The most durable innovation ecosystems are built in partnership. Join the universities, corporations, investors, foundations, and institutions already helping shape the future through the 2150 network.
For Founders.
Emerging companies ready to build with support and capital.
For Builders.
Universities, corporations, and institutions building alongside us.
For Funders.
Investors and foundations fueling the next generation of founders.