Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee’s team claimed the No. 1 spot at the ninth annual National HBCU Battle of the Brains Competition, earning the $20,000 grand prize for their concept, SHOP.PY, that addresses how AI-driven search engine discovery can mislead buyers and lower sales for brands that don’t get seen.
The team will split their winnings to further develop their business plan for SHOP.PY, supporting the work of the Career Education Leadership Development Center and give back to Mother Tuskegee to support scholarships.
“Tuskegee students are not merely students; they are problem-solvers shaped by design to confront the great challenges of our time. Their success reflects Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era—a powerful renewal of our founding purpose. Here, academic excellence is never pursued in isolation, but always in service of creating bold, transformational solutions that improve the human condition,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO. “By reinvesting their winnings to advance their project and by contributing to scholarships for fellow students, they demonstrate the true essence of the Tuskegee Way—a commitment to lift others as they rise. Indeed, we solve the world’s most complex problems."
The Battle of the Brains competition, held this year March 11–15 in Austin, Texas, is a premier business and technology challenge that brings together more than 25 teams from HBCUs to develop innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex business and technology scenarios.
During the 24-hour cross-discipline competition, students were challenged to apply critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while working under pressure to deliver impactful solutions. Finalists were then selected to advance to a “quick pitch” session where industry leaders critiqued their proposals.
Throughout the week, students also participated in tours and facilitated activations designed tostrengthen their professional skill sets as they prepare to transition into industry. They engaged with representatives from Capital One, Thrivent, Dell Technologies, eBay, and The Home Depot – gaining practical exposure to the expectations of today’s workforce.
“A central tentpole of Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era is that our students are becoming workforce ready and equipped to make measurable impact earlier than graduation,” said Walter P. Cooper Sr., Director of Tuskegee’s Career Education and Leadership Development Center. “The team’s experiences at the HBCU Battle of the Brain all served that purpose, providing valuable insights into industry trends, career pathways, and opportunities for internships and full-time employment.”
Tuskegee’s 2026 HBCU Battle of the Brains Winning Team:
Quian Bowden (Captain) – Computer Science – Senior
Cameron Bell – Computer Science – Senior
Ka'Cynthia Cooley – Computer Science – Senior
Hannah Cummingham – Health Science – Junior
Zora Cummingham – Business Admin. Sales & Marketing – Junior
Jordan Hunt – Computer Science – Senior
Kennedy Leggins – Business Admin. Management/Accounting – Senior
Jordan Ware – Computer Science – Junior
© 2026 Tuskegee University
