Most HBCUs are classified under NAICS code 611310 (Colleges and Universities), which does not capture the depth of their research capabilities. Many HBCUs conduct advanced R&D that aligns with specialized NAICS codes used in the federal contracting space, demonstrating their capacity to operate similarly to small businesses in high-growth sectors. Through this initiative, the NIH HBCU Accelerator aims to formalize these secondary NAICS designations through training, thereby increasing institutional visibility and access to billions of dollars in federal R&D funding. Morgan State University exemplifies the potential power of this model in action. Its National Transportation Center (NTC), SMARTER Center, and Center for Equitable
AI/ML Systems have developed a smartphone-controlled autonomous
wheelchair, showcased at BWI Airport in July 2025, after five years of R&D at Morgan State University. The technology, equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and AI-based navigation, steers users through busy terminals, enabling new levels of independence for the users and increased productivity at the airport. This demonstration, built at scale and visibility by Morgan State, illustrates a clear pathway of technology transfer underway at HBCUs, moving university research from lab to market-ready innovation. This is the work that the PEI initiative aims to elevate by providing a platform through fostering partnerships among relevant federal entities, industry, and the private sector.
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