Bowie State Alumna Carolyn Alston Wins Grand Prize at Historic HBCU Pitch Competition in Times Square

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University alumna and entrepreneur Carolyn Alston '26, won the $5,000 grand prize at the inaugural HBCU Pitch Competition held June 6 in Times Square during New York Tech Week.

The groundbreaking event aimed to increase visibility, investment opportunities and access to resources for Black founders and student entrepreneurs, while showcasing innovation emerging from HBCU campuses nationwide.

Hosted by Venture for T.H.E.M., in partnership with The DM Firm and the Times Square Alliance, the competition was part of Activate LIVE!, a public showcase highlighting emerging founders and innovators. Participants pitched their ventures before a panel of judges representing organizations across business, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Alston was one of five entrepreneurs selected from historically Black colleges and universities nationwide to compete in the event. She is a Bowie State graduate with a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications and the founder of Communic8 It!, a conversational card game designed to foster meaningful communication and connection. The game helps users build stronger interpersonal relationships through guided conversations that encourage reflection and engagement.

"I am proud to represent Bowie State and HBCU entrepreneurs on this stage," said Alston. "Winning this competition affirms the value of creating tools that bring people closer together, and I'm excited to continue growing Communic8 It!."

Alston plans to use the prize money to invest directly into the growth of Communic8 It! by increasing inventory, expanding marketing and branding efforts, building the mock mobile application and enhancing educational workshops and training programs.

"The new funding will also help us strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations and businesses, so we can reach more individuals and families with tools that foster healthy communication, stronger relationships and meaningful conversations," she said. "This investment allows us to scale our impact while continuing to develop innovative resources that help people communicate more effectively in their personal and professional lives."

Alston's national victory builds on her recent success at Bowie State University's 2026 Bulldog Pitch Competition, where Communic8 It! earned first place in the Revenue Non-Tech category. The annual competition, hosted by the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC), attracted a record number of student entrepreneurs and attendees this year.

"This event represented more than a pitch competition," said Johnetta Hardy, founder and executive director of the EIC. "It was a powerful testament to the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within HBCUs, and Carolyn's win on a national stage represents her tenacious vision, preparation and entrepreneurial drive. To see her earn the grand prize in Times Square during New York Tech Week reflects not only her talent but also Bowie State's commitment to cultivating innovative, competitive entrepreneurs who can succeed anywhere. We are grateful to Venture for T.H.E.M., The DM Firm, the Times Square Alliance and all the partners who helped make this historic opportunity possible. We also thank Chef Shorne Benjamin and Fat Fowl New York for investing in the next generation of HBCU entrepreneurs through sponsorship of the grand prize."

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About Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the Research College and University designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State University offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311