TALLADEGA, Ala. – The Alabama Collective will kick off its statewide Innovation Power Hours tour Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Talladega College with a hands-on event aimed at boosting innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and technology exploration among students and employees.
Talladega’s Innovation Power Hour will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the ballroom at the Billy C. Hawkins Student Center.
The campus-based program is designed to spark creativity, encourage design thinking, and introduce participants to emerging technology and entrepreneurship skills, organizers said.
During the event, students, faculty, and staff will tackle innovation challenges tied to tech and business development, take part in design thinking workshops, and hear from speakers and mentors representing multiple industries. The event will also include free food, music, and giveaways.
Participants will have the chance to pitch ideas for prizes.
Innovation Power Hours are intended to help students build real-world skills while connecting with industry professionals, according to the organization. Talladega is the first stop on the Spring 2026 tour, which will also visit Stillman College and Oakwood University.
“The Power Hours are designed to complement The Alabama Collective’s broader mission: closing the opportunity gap by preparing underrepresented communities to compete and thrive in the digital economy,” said Charisse Stokes, the group’s executive director.
