01
Problems to products
Students, researchers, and subject matter experts originate and de-risk innovative projects and products.
Research & Knowledge Hub
2150 iLAB
Problems to products.
Solutions to startups.
Local ideas to global impact.
What the iLAB is
A problem-solving think tank, powered by students, researchers, and industry.
The 2150 iLAB originates, de-risks, and scales catalytic projects, products, and services. HBCU student and faculty talent works on real challenges brought by industry partners in high-growth sectors. 2150 provides expert resources, founder coaching, and funder investment pathways.
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Solutions to startups
Promising solutions gain a clear path to scalable projects, products, services, and entrepreneurial growth.
03
Local ideas to global impact
Catalytic projects translate local innovation into businesses and influence with worldwide reach.
The transformation model
Real problems become sustainable businesses.
01
Real problems
02
Student ideas
03
Funded projects
04
Sustainable businesses
This is not hypothetical. It is the pathway we are building across industries and challenges. Students, professors, and alumni are not just completing projects. They are earning credentials and empowering their communities.
Sector iLABs
Eight sector-focused labs.
Choose an existing sector or propose a co-branded think tank inside 2150.
Program core strategy
Vision, mission, teams, impact.
Vision
Design and develop large-scale transformative solutions from local ideas that grow people and places.
Mission
Operate think tanks through structured innovation powered by student and professor talent.
Teams
HBCU teams collaborate with partnered iLABs in Energy, Infrastructure, Public Policy, and Manufacturing.
Impact
Align operational scale with disciplined talent, validated data, and enterprise integration.
500+
Students annually
Gaining cutting-edge skills and direct employment pathways.
100+
Faculty
Developing research capability and increased grant funding.
$2M
Annual institutional revenue
Projected per institution by year three through multiple revenue streams.
Program structure
Three phases over 24 months.
01
Foundation building
Months 1–6
Hub operations, campus center selections, and Foundations and Advanced cohort training.
02
Program launch & expansion
Months 6–12
Data and insights design, corporate challenge projects, MVP testing, and pilots.
03
Scale & sustainability
Months 12–24
Legal, accounting, marketing, subject matter coaching, and business launch.
Join or launch a think tank
Three pathways in. Or propose your own.
Student researchers, faculty and principal investigators, and corporate partners each have a defined path into the iLAB.
Start your intakeResources