Tech Challenge
The Tech Challenge is a design thinking challenge where students from local colleges and universities compete to solve real-world business challenges.
Connection - Development - Access
About the Program
The competition takes place at AfroTech, one of the world’s largest convenings for innovators, and professionals. As part of the initiative, 100 students from local colleges receive complimentary access to AfroTech, where they have the chance to network with over 40,000 professionals from top companies.
Making an Impact
Through this partnership with the Rockets, the NBA Foundation continues to drive its mission of creating opportunities for young people in tech, business and beyond. By offering access to mentorship, skill development, and career-building resources, the NBA Foundation is helping shape the next generation of leaders at the intersection of sports and technology.
Future Stars
Tech Challenge Participants
Discover the groundbreaking ideas from last year’s participants that earned them a spot on the big stage
Prairie View A&M University
The Prairie View team was the winner of the competition, presenting an idea to help the Rockets grow their fan base through an app focused on inspiring kids through the power of basketball.
University of Houston
The University of Houston team presented a fan recognition app to build and award loyalty points for fans as they attend and watch games.
Texas Southern University
The Texas Southern team presented an augmented reality (AR) app to create opportunities for skill development and community engagement with Rockets players and coaching staff.
“The Tech Challenge definitely changed my life. I can tell other students at Prairie View University that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Prairie View University
Tech Challenge Winner
Get Involved
Applications to attend the conference and participate in the Tech Challenge are now closed. Applications for 2026 will open next September.