The 2026 Pitch Stop Tour
Following the midpoint submission, the Data Challenge hits the road for our 2026 Pitch Stop Tour — a multi-campus series of presentations hosted across participating HBCUs and one national virtual session.
During each Pitch Stop, student teams present their data analysis, insights, and proposed small-business solutions to a panel of academic and industry judges. Each team delivers a 10-minute presentation highlighting their research, findings, and recommendations for improving healthcare access in communities with Inclusive Growth Scores below 45.
Pitch Stops are a critical stage of the competition, providing teams with the opportunity to showcase their work, receive expert feedback, and compete for a chance to advance.
Teams selected by judges at each Pitch Stop will move forward as finalists and travel to Atlanta for the Data Challenge Finale, where the top teams will compete for a share of over $50,000 in prizes.
Prize Pool
Top finalist teams compete for a share of over $50,000 at the Data Challenge Finale in Atlanta.
2026 Pitch Stop Tour Schedule
| Date | Pitch Stop | Format | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 18 | Pitch Stop #1 | Virtual | Online |
| March 20 | Pitch Stop #2 | In-Person | Grambling State University |
| March 26 | Pitch Stop #3 | In-Person | Alabama A&M University |
| March 27 | Pitch Stop #4 | In-Person | Fisk University |
| April 1 | Pitch Stop #5 | In-Person | Florida A&M University |
| April 13 | Pitch Stop #6 | In-Person | Jackson State University |
| April 15 | Pitch Stop #7 | In-Person | Hampton University |
| April 17 | Pitch Stop #8 | In-Person | Dillard University |
These Pitch Stops bring the Data Challenge directly to participating campuses, strengthening collaboration across the HBCU ecosystem while giving students the opportunity to present their work within their academic communities.
All Pitch Stops are evaluated using the same judging rubric and midpoint submission materials, ensuring a fair and consistent evaluation process across every institution.
Join Us on the Tour
Faculty, students, and community members near each host institution are encouraged to attend and support participating teams. Each Pitch Stop offers a unique opportunity to see how HBCU students are using data to explore real-world challenges and develop solutions that support healthier, more inclusive communities.