Houston, Texas
Apps Close 9/30Solve a problem for Gen Z
The Future of XYZ
Challenge
Presented with support from Apple and Entergy
$15,000 scholarship
Launch ↗Complete Challenges. Connect with Employers. Boost Your Resume.
Build Something
that Changes
Everything.
Solve real-world challenges. Get feedback from employers. Unlock exclusive opportunities and scholarships.
01 / THE FIRST CHAPTERFuture of Tech Innovation Challenge
The 2026 recap
The 2026 recap
The Future of XYZ
OFF THE RECORD / A PROPEL SPEAKER SERIESSay it.
Say it.
Build it.
Get in the room with the people behind the titles.
Meet the voices ↗
YOUR NEXT CONNECTIONGet in
Get in
the room.
New challenges. Real opportunities. Be first to hear.
Join the email list ↗THE FIRST CHALLENGE.
A NEW KIND OF MOMENTUM.See what happened ↗
A NEW KIND OF MOMENTUM.See what happened ↗
1,091student registrations
69HBCUs represented
86AI projects built
FUTURE OF TECH / 2026
They came with ideas.
They left with possibilities.
Explore the photos & highlights ↗START HERE
Choose Your Challenge
Find a problem that pulls you in.
Build something that opens a door.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Future
of XYZCHALLENGE
Solve a meaningful problem
for the next generation.
Meet your next possibilityYou belong in this room.Presented with support from
Apple and Entergy
48→38
YOUR JUDGMENT. BACKED BY DATA.
The Beauty
of DataCHALLENGE
48 products. 38 shelf spots.
Which ten would you cut?
Make the cut. Defend the why.
Presented in partnership with
SignalVerified
✳
NEXT UP / 2027
The Future
of TechCHALLENGE
Big questions.
A new generation of builders.
The future looks like usA PROPEL experience.
Built for what comes next.
More ways to build are on the way.
CURIOUS IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. ↗How it works
Pick your challenge.
Choose the challenge that interests you, register, and get ready to compete.
Build against the clock.
Get the problem statement, use AI and your judgment, and build your best solution before time runs out.
Make the work count.
Gain real-world experience. Top work earns access to scholarships, exclusive opportunities, and more.
STUDENT STORIES
See what happens when
students get in the room.
Brandon N.
Jackson State University
First-year graduate student · Computer Engineering
“This one really pushed me to build out the full pitch deck and the idea… getting me started in terms of customer discovery was extremely important for it.”
Praise A.
Grambling State University
Sophomore · Computer Science
“Throughout the entire four weeks, I pushed myself to learn how to speak up, to ask questions… I’m so glad I started and I completed it.”
Blessing A.
Morgan State University
Spring ’26 graduate · Computer Engineering
“Even though I almost did not pitch today, I love the fact that they still pushed me and made sure that I was on the stage today. I thank you all.”
Jazmine G.
Johnson C. Smith University
Freshman · Computer Science
“Your connection to Apple and the chance to pitch directly to their team was a game-changing moment for me. It showed how committed Propel is to opening the doors and creating real pathways for emerging leaders.”
Stories from PROPEL’s PitchIQ experience.
BEYOND THE CHALLENGE
Learn from people
who’ve already launched.
The stories, lessons and career advice you don’t get from a résumé.
Explore the Speaker Series →Off the Record.A PROPEL SPEAKER SERIES
THE PEOPLE YOU MEET MATTER
The work is only
the beginning.
Challenges give you something to build—and a reason to connect with people who can help you build it better.
Your work
GET FEEDBACK
Learn from people doing the work.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Turn conversations into real connections.
OPEN DOORS
Great relationships can lead to introductions and opportunities.
START HERE
Build something
that changes everything.
Real problems. Real experience. Real opportunity.
Explore Challenges →