A Historic Step Forward: #BlackTechFutures Research Recommended for $11.9M Award to Build a National Black Tech Ecosystem

In a groundbreaking development, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the first round of recommended recipients for the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program. Among the 24 organizations chosen from across 39 states and territories, the National Black Tech Ecosystem Association, Doing Business As (DBA) #BlackTechFutures Research Institute (BTF Research Institute), has been recommended to receive $11.9 million to advance its vision of a national Black Tech Ecosystem.

This award is part of NTIA’s commitment to addressing digital inequities across the United States, with over $250 million recommended in this round of funding. The BTF Research Institute’s work aligns with the goals of the Digital Equity Act: to empower underserved communities, bridge the digital divide, and create opportunities in an increasingly tech-driven economy.

A Transformative Vision for Digital Equity

The recommended funding for the BTF Research Institute will support the organization’s HEART Engines initiative. This bold and innovative project aims to build a National Black Tech Ecosystem, beginning with a Black Public-Interest Technology Workforce. HEART—for Humanity, Economics & Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Responsible Technology—focuses on equipping Black communities with the skills, training, and resources necessary to thrive in the digital age.

The initiative aims to create sustainable economic growth in Black communities by leveraging two key pillars: historically black colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African American Churches. These community anchors will serve as vital training, certification, and workforce development hubs.

Why “HEART Engine”?

The term “HEART Engine” is intentionally chosen to complement the work of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs. At the same time, these programs focus on advancing science-based technologies, regional innovation ecosystems, and emerging industries like biotechnology and semiconductors—the HEART Engine initiative centers on people and public interest.

HEART Engines fills a vital gap by addressing the underrepresentation of Black individuals in technology and preparing communities for the societal impacts of emerging technologies. Unlike NSF Engines or EDA Tech Hubs, which prioritize scientific innovation and economic development, HEART Engines prioritizes humanity and equity by building a workforce equipped to engage with technology through a lens of social impact and justice. It also provides research and innovation to build new, inclusive, human-centered tech products designed with humanity and public interest. 

This complementary approach ensures that while groundbreaking technologies are developed in NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hubs, a workforce can critically engage with these innovations to serve public interest and ethical considerations.

The HEART Engines Initiative: Key Goals

1. Building a Workforce: Training and certifying over 16,000 individuals, including students, faculty, and community members, in public interest technology, digital equity, and responsible computing.

2. Creating Digital Hubs: Establishing state-of-the-art digital hubs in HBCU facilities and church fellowship halls to serve as community access points for high-speed internet, computers, and collaborative workspaces.

3. Mapping Black Tech Ecosystems: Developing comprehensive regional maps of Black tech ecosystems to identify resources, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration.

4. Fostering Collaboration: Connecting public, private, and academic partners to drive regional growth and innovation.

Partners Driving the HEART Engines Initiative

The success of the HEART Engines initiative is built on a robust network of collaborators from educational, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. These partners form a dynamic coalition that will transform the digital landscape for Black communities across eight Southern regions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why This Matters

The HEART Engines initiative is critical when Black communities face systemic challenges in accessing digital tools, training, and career opportunities. Black individuals are underrepresented in STEM fields, and automation threatens to displace many workers. By addressing these issues head-on, the BTF Research Institute is closing the digital divide and empowering Black communities to shape the future of technology.

“This funding is more than a grant; it’s an investment in Black futures,” said Dr. Fallon Wilson, CEO of the National Black Tech Ecosystem Association DBA BTF Research Institute. “The HEART Engines initiative will enable us to train and uplift the next generation of Black technologists and tech innovators, ensuring that our communities are prepared to innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”

What’s Next?

The BTF Research Institute will implement the HEART Engines initiative with its partners over the next four years. The project will span eight Southern regions: Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As the organization begins this transformative journey, its focus will remain on building sustainable systems that will have lasting impacts on Black communities.

Join Us in Building the Future

The BTF Research Institute is not just working toward digital equity—it’s building a movement. By creating a national Black Tech Ecosystem, the organization is championing a future where Black communities lead in technology, innovation, and opportunity.

To learn more about the HEART Engines initiative and how you can support this vital work, visit www.blacktechfutures.com. We can amplify Black dreams, futures, and joy in the modern digital age.