By Jamie Martin
As food prices continue to rise, especially for essentials like eggs, the need for innovation in agriculture is growing. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are stepping up with bold solutions to address this crisis.
One major initiative leading this change is Innovation Venture, a national platform for agricultural innovation co-created by Capital One and Delaware State University.
Innovation Venture gives students, educators, and industry experts a platform to collaborate on real-world agricultural solutions.
From middle school to college, students will showcase technologies designed to improve food systems, like using blockchain for food tracking or creating local food hubs to cut transport costs.
The highlight of this initiative is a national technology competition offering up to $225,000 in funding for developing prototypes, protecting ideas, and launching businesses. The goal is to reduce food prices, improve delivery systems, and create new pathways for food access.
Innovation Venture also helps bridge the funding gap for HBCUs, offering capital, mentorship, and business partnerships. This support helps young innovators build solutions that benefit not only their communities but also the entire agricultural sector.
“Innovation is not just an investment — it is a strategic move to safeguard food security, create jobs and drive economic growth for generations to come.”
With bipartisan support for affordable food and stronger local economies, Innovation Venture is a timely and essential step. It provides the tools and stage for new ideas, bringing HBCUs to the forefront of agricultural transformation.
Visit www.innovationventure.org to learn more and join the mission to make food affordable and accessible for all.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: National