The winners of the Crypto For Good HBCU Innovation Challenge have officially been announced! The challenge, presented by Base 11 in partnership with Coinbase, invited young innovators from HBCUs around the country to reimagine the future of money through cryptocurrency for the chance to win $7,500 in cash prizes and the opportunity to further bring their proposals to life. After weeks of working with mentors from Coinbase, the challengers refined their proposals to pitch live on September 20, 2025 in Greensboro, NC.
“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.
The final pitch session took place at the the 6th Annual National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference at North Carolina A&T University, where top teams presented their projects before an esteemed panel of judges, including leaders from industry and academia.
Taking home first place was “GlobalHealthChain: Cross-Border Medical Records & Aid on the Blockchain” by Aryan Bagale, a groundbreaking solution aimed at creating a secure and interoperable system for sharing medical records and coordinating humanitarian aid across borders.
The second-place award went to “Helixis Technology” by Twyla Jackson and Dennis Day, who developed an innovative platform leveraging blockchain to improve data security and transparency in biotech applications.
“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. The challenge marks a milestone in the ongoing effort to bridge education, innovation, and social impact through emerging technology. By supporting young entrepreneurs who are developing real-world solutions, Base 11 and Coinbase continue to foster the next generation of STEM talent working toward a more equitable and connected innovation economy.
“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 Base 11’s CEO, Teniel Jones.
To learn more about the Crypto For Good HBCU Innovation Challenge and future opportunities, visit www.base11.com/digital.