Washington – October 20, 2026 -- The 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth has launched its Fall 2026 iLAB network, covering seven technology-focused research priorities and inviting corporate partners to supply business challenges, executive expertise and pilot opportunities.
Every iLAB applies artificial intelligence, data analytics and emerging technologies to industry and community problems. Active ecosystem partners include Alabama Power, Macquarie Group, Coca-Cola and Latimer.ai. 2150 also collaborates with the London School of Economics Generator and the Partnership for Innovation (PIN).
Seven research tracks pair universities with corporate and startup partners
- Energy: Stillman College, Alabama State University, Miles College and Tuskegee University.
- Workforce development: Alabama A&M University with Internably, plus the Coca-Cola mentor–mentee project, which lists 16 institutions including Morehouse College, Spelman College and Tuskegee University.
- Rural infrastructure: Jarvis Christian University and Greenville, Alabama's Project Camelia.
- Cultural archives and licensing: Florida A&M University with Latimer.ai.
- Water technology commercialization: Jackson State University.
- AI-enabled multimedia production: Miles College.
- Housing: an EDUrain consortium of Jarvis Christian, Morgan State, Fort Valley State, North Carolina Central, Georgia State and North Carolina A&T State universities.
Corporate partners get a path from pilots to investment
Partners contribute business challenges, executive expertise, research support and pilot opportunities. 2150 says these can lead to customer relationships, joint development and investment. CEO Erskine 'Chuck' Faush said the model connects student and faculty talent with expertise and resources to build "practical, long-term solutions" for companies and communities.
Latimer.ai founder John Pasmore described the student and faculty collaborations as a valuable part of the company's growth. Jackson State University provost Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels said the university is participating for a second year.
Expansion builds on Mercedes-Benz and Alabama Power programs
The network extends the Mercedes-Benz–Miles College–Stillman College iLAB, which featured student engagement hosted by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International CEO Federico Kochlowski. It also builds on Alabama Power's 2025 Energy iLAB, which involved students from five HBCUs.
2150 also runs Foundations and Advanced cohorts. These support Fellows at different stages with immersive learning, mentorship and business development resources.