To enhance the innovation landscape within Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Miles College has announced the launch of the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth. This center aims to empower diverse and underrepresented creators, disruptors, and innovators by providing essential support to help them launch successful businesses and transform existing HBCU research into market-ready products.
The 2150 Center is partnering with Birmingham-based Harmony Venture Labs to offer entrepreneurs an enriched learning experience. HVL’s proprietary AppThink curriculum, which helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality through proven strategies and expert guidance, will be central to this initiative. HVL focuses on fostering high-growth technology companies that yield positive economic impacts for communities.
“The lessons we gain from the daily startup process are distilled into the content, curricula, and coaching we provide at AppThink. Our zero-to-one startup program delivers exceptional value by offering highly relevant, hard-earned expertise in technology product development and company building,” says HVL CEO and mentor Shegun Otulana. “Additionally, our students gain access to a community of successful entrepreneurs through our Let’s Build Slack community.”
Erskine “Chuck” Faush serves as both the chief innovation and growth officer and the center’s founder in residence at the 2150 Center. Faush emphasizes that the center will build on existing Centers of Excellence to attract entrepreneurial talent and venture investment and strengthen Alabama’s HBCU ecosystem.
“We are positioning to drive innovation and commercialization. This collaboration will educate and train students to be founders of successful companies and professors to be drivers of commercialized research. Ultimately, both paths will produce campus and community economic impact,” says Faush. “The 2150 Center will operate at the intersection of purpose and prosperity, changing the narrative for HBCU innovation from being left behind to pushing forward. The opportunity to join the amazing team at HVL will align curriculum and mentorship, matching ideas with investment.”
Miles College President Bobbie Knight reiterated the initiative’s importance, especially in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “We must educate ourselves and others rather than retreat in fear,” she said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, not just for our students but for the entire region.”
The 2150 Center plans to collaborate with various public, private, and educational stakeholders to address challenges and align talent with market demand. By assessing and validating high-potential ideas, the center aims to create value for companies while generating additional revenue for Miles College.
