More Than 300 HBCU Students to Showcase Innovation and Vie for Tech Career Opportunities
AAMU Students Gear Up to Compete at 10th Annual BE Smart Hackathon
A team of talented Alabama A&M University students will represent the University at the 10th Annual Black Enterprise BE Smart Hackathon, taking place November 5–8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hosted by Black Enterprise, a premier multimedia company, and presented by American Airlines, the event's main sponsor, the four-day coding competition brings together 310 students from 43 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – the largest group in the event’s history.
Alabama A&M University’s 2025 BE Smart Hackathon Team includes:
- Moyinoluwa Adelowo, junior mechanical engineering major from Ibadan, Nigeria
- Thabo Ibrahim Traore, junior computer science major from Lusaka, Zambia
- Osamwengumwenro Oni-Ojo, junior computer science major from Benin City, Nigeria
- Zizwe Mtonga, junior computer science major from Lusaka, Zambia
- Asia Harris, junior computer science major from Temecula, California
- Solomon Agyire, junior computer science major from Bogoso, Ghana
- Sunday Ochigbo, junior electrical engineering major from Benue, Nigeria
- Ruvarashe Nyabando, junior electrical engineering major from Harare, Zimbabwe
- Mauyon Wusu, junior electrical engineering major from Lagos, Nigeria
- Ogheneobukome Jefferson Ejaife, junior electrical engineering major from Delta, Nigeria
Under the theme “Built Brilliant. Built Different: 10 Years of Elevating Excellence,” this year’s Hackathon celebrates a decade of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. Students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, and related fields will tackle real-world technical challenges, working in teams to design creative solutions while engaging with industry leaders and recruiters.
The competition also serves as a launchpad for professional opportunities, connecting students with the event’s largest-ever pool of corporate sponsors seeking to recruit top HBCU talent for internships and full-time positions.
“This is unlike any experience I have had before,” said Ochigbo. “With over 300 students gathered in one room with the spirit of competition and innovation, it is set to be a thrilling experience. Representing the AAMU Bulldog family, I am eager to push my limits and those of my team to deliver excellence by God’s grace.”
For Harris, the Hackathon offers a chance to learn, grow, and connect. “I am excited to compete in my first hackathon and to see what new challenges I will face that will prepare me for the future,” she said.
Each year, BE Smart Hackathon participants compete for prizes including 100,000 AAdvantage miles from American Airlines, a MacBook Air, and a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone, while gaining invaluable experience and industry exposure.
“This is a great opportunity for me to apply my technical and entrepreneurship skills to develop an impactful solution,” added Wusu. “I’m ready to learn, compete, and proudly represent Alabama A&M University.”
(Photo L-R) Zizwe Mtonga, Thabo Traore, Ruvarashe Nyabanda, Sunday Ochigbo, Asia Harris, Solomom Agyire, Mauyon Wusu, Moyinoluwa Adelowo, Osamwengumwenro Oni-Ojo, Ogheneobukome Ejaife