The HBCU Battle of the Brains is a cross-discipline competition where student teams from HBCUs across the country will develop a solution to a complex issue, then pitch that solution in front of judges, as well as a live audience.
Registration for the HBCU Battle of the Brains is free! However, travel to and from Austin, and lodging are the responsibility of each participating school. Meals and transportation between official venues and host hotel will be provided to participating students throughout the weekend. The HBCU Battle of the Brains will provide teams that registered by the travel stipend deadline with a travel stipend.
No, though it is highly recommended. The HBCU Battle of the Brains does not require that teams be escorted by a university official. However, we welcome university Presidents, administrators, and faculty to participate in this event. There will be much that engages them as well.
The deadline for registration is Friday, February 21, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. EST. However, the deadline for registration, to receive a travel stipend is Friday, January 17, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. EST.
Industry experts, brilliant minds, and global icons converge on SXSW in Austin, TX, every spring to exchange concepts, revolutionary ideas, to launch startups, and find talent that changes how we see and engage the world.
Information about our Official Host Hotel will be provided upon registration for the 2020 HBCU Battle of the Brains. Due to the sensitive nature of working with students, we prefer to keep this information private.
Check-In will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, and on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM, at our Official Host Hotel.
Student participants of the 2020 HBCU Battle of the Brains will be provided full access to all of our programming, including those programs that are official SXSW events. Students participating in the 2019 HBCU Battle of the Brains competition will not need to secure an SXSW Badge. However, if schools would like to send additional students beyond the competition participants, SXSW Interactive Badges are made available at the discount rate of $395. This is a significant saving from the standard walkup rate of $1325.
One SXSW Day Pass will be provided for one (1) faculty member per HBCU.
