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Coinbase and Base 11 Announce Winners of the “Crypto for Good” HBCU Innovation Challenge
Orange County, Calif. – September 21, 2025: Coinbase, the leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, and Base 11, a nonprofit organization accelerating diverse talent in STEM, have announced the winners of the “Crypto for Good” HBCU Innovation Challenge: a nationwide call-to-action for college students and early-career adults to reimagine the future of money through cryptocurrency for the chance to win cash prizes and the opportunity to further develop bring their proposals to life.
“Innovation drives our mission to increase economic freedom. We know the best ideas don’t just come from inside Coinbase; they come from people of all backgrounds, generations, and regions who see the world differently. We’re partnering with Base 11 and Morgan State’s Fintech Center on the Crypto For Good HBCU Innovation Challenge to help spark that new thinking,” said Coinbase’s Head of Partnerships, US Policy Veronica Hash.
First place was awarded to “GlobalHealthChain: Cross-Border Medical Records & Aid on the Blockchain” by Howard University’s Aryan Bagale, an innovative solution designed to securely manage and share medical records across borders while streamlining aid distribution. Second place went to “Helixis Technology” by Bethune Cookman University’s Twyla Jackson and Dennis Day, a project leveraging blockchain to drive new pathways in technology and accessibility. Both winning teams took home their share of the $7,500 prize pool.
“The Crypto for Good challenge has helped us sharpen how Helixis can use blockchain to bring trust, equity, and accountability to autonomy. We thank Base 11 and Coinbase for creating a platform where HBCUs and underserved communities can be the first to benefit from innovation, proving that crypto is not just finance, but a foundation for dignity and opportunity,” said Tywla.
Participants gained exposure to leaders in fintech, Web3, and social innovation, offering a rare chance to network with professionals shaping the future of finance and technology, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by industry experts at Coinbase. Base 11 also collaborated with The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University to send finalists on an all-expenses paid trip to pitch their proposals to a live audience and panel of judges at the The 6th Annual National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference in Greensboro, NC on September 20, 2025.
“The Crypto for Good HBCU Innovation Challenge exemplifies what happens when brilliant young minds are given the opportunity to solve real-world problems with the support of committed partners like Coinbase and Morgan State University. We are incredibly proud of the creativity and vision shown by these innovators, and we believe their ideas have the power to shape a more inclusive financial future,” said CEO of Base 11, Teniel Jones.
To learn more, visit www.Base11.com/CryptoForGood.
About Base 11
Base 11 is a STEM workforce and entrepreneur development nonprofit organization focused on empowering high-potential, low-resource students and early-career adults with the access, awareness, and belief needed to succeed in 21st-century careers.
About Coinbase
Coinbase is a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform working to increase economic freedom in the world by building a more open and accessible financial system powered by blockchain technology.