As we celebrate Black History Month, STEAMSparks - Think STEAM Careers Podcast would like to highlight some Black-owned STEAM companies that are transforming industries, expanding educational opportunities, and driving economic empowerment in Black communities. In an era where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under attack, recognizing these enterprises is necessary and a call to action to ensure continued progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
These companies provide education, mentorship, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
Some Black-Owned STEAM Companies and Their Impact
1. Black Girls CODE (Tech Education)
Founder: Kimberly Bryant (2011)
Mission: Teaching Black girls coding and computer science to diversify the tech industry.
Recent Developments: Despite leadership transitions, Black Girls CODE continues expanding partnerships with major tech firms to offer boot camps and hackathons.
Community Impact: Trained 30,000+ girls of color and aims to reach 1 million by 2040.
2. Shyft Power Solutions (Clean Energy & IoT)
Founder: Ugwem Eneyo
Mission: Provides innovative energy solutions to manage and optimize electricity usage.
Recent Developments: Expanded real-time analytics platform for businesses in Africa and the U.S.
Community Impact: Improved energy efficiency for thousands of companies, promoting sustainability in underserved communities.
3. Cxmmunity Media (Gaming & Esports)
Founded: 2019
Mission: Increasing Black representation in gaming & esports through education and professional opportunities.
Recent Developments: Expanded HBCU Esports League, securing sponsorships from Amazon, Verizon, and Microsoft.
Community Impact: Over 200+ HBCU students trained, with established internships and esports career pathways.
4. Calendly (Tech & Business Efficiency)
Founder: Tope Awotona
Mission: Simplifies scheduling with AI-driven automation tools.
Recent Developments: Launched advanced AI scheduling tools and secured a $3B valuation.
Community Impact: Used globally by millions, increasing productivity and business efficiency.
5. Goalsetter (Financial Literacy & Wealth Building)
Founder: Tanya Van Court
Mission: Teaching Black families financial literacy through gamified savings and investing.
Recent Developments: Introduced the "Learn Before You Burn" campaign, blending hip-hop & finance education.
Community Impact: Helped thousands of Black families open savings accounts and build wealth.
6. Zyrobotics (Adaptive Tech & Education)
Mission: Creating accessible STEAM learning tools for children with disabilities.
Recent Developments: Launched AI-powered adaptive learning apps in 2024.
Community Impact: Thousands of students with disabilities now have tailored STEM learning experiences.
7. Gro Intelligence (AI & Agriculture Data)
Founder: Sara Menker
Mission: Uses AI-driven analytics to address climate change & food security.
Recent Developments: Partnered with governments & agribusinesses to predict food crises.
Community Impact: Provided data insights to policymakers for better food distribution strategies.
8. Re-Nuble (Sustainable Agriculture)
Mission: Converts food waste into organic fertilizer for urban farming.
Recent Developments: Partnered with urban farms to create sustainable food systems.
Community Impact: Diverted tons of food waste from landfills, promoting environmental sustainability.
9. PopCom (AI & Retail Tech)
Founder: Dawn W. Dickson
Mission: AI-driven intelligent vending machines for retailers.
Recent Developments: Deployed new contactless vending systems across multiple U.S. cities.
Community Impact: Enabled Black entrepreneurs to sell products through high-tech retail automation.
10. LISNR (Tech & Security)
Founder: Rodney Williams
Mission: Uses ultrasonic data transmission for secure payments & authentication.
Recent Developments: Expanded use cases into public transportation for seamless ticketing.
Community Impact: Strengthened secure payment solutions for businesses and consumers.
Challenges & Barriers Facing Black-Owned STEAM Companies
Despite their success, Black STEAM entrepreneurs face ongoing obstacles:
Funding Gaps: Black businesses receive less than 1% of venture capital funding.
Market Access: Black-owned brands often struggle for visibility in major retail spaces.
DEI Backlash: Corporations are scaling back DEI programs, limiting support for minority businesses.
Tech & Policy Restrictions: Lawsuits and anti-DEI legislation hinder funding for diversity-focused programs.
Additional Notable Black STEAM Companies
Beyond the top 10, more companies are making waves in STEAM:
Bitwise Industries (Tech Training): Equips underrepresented communities with software development skills.
Owen Software (AI & Education): Uses AI for personalized academic & career advising.
STEMBoard (Engineering & Data Analytics): Offers STEM workshops & government tech solutions.
Partake Foods (Food Science & Innovation): Uses STEAM in allergen-free food development.
Intersectionality with DEI & Policy Issues
Recent Legal Challenges: Supreme Court rulings have weakened affirmative action, and DEI programs are under attack, making it harder for Black businesses to secure funding.
Corporate Retreat from DEI: Some companies are reducing commitments to minority-led initiatives.
Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like the National Urban League are pushing for federal policies to protect DEI initiatives.
Next Steps & How to Support Black STEAM Companies
Invest in Black-Owned STEAM: Support companies through funding, grants, and partnerships.
Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Push for legislation that supports minority entrepreneurs.
Mentorship & Networking: Encourage corporate leaders to mentor Black STEAM founders.
Purchase & Promote: Choose Black-owned STEAM businesses when buying tech, AI tools, and education services.
Black-owned STEAM companies are not just businesses but catalysts for change, innovation, and equity in historically marginalized communities. Their potential to drive economic power, scientific progress, and Black excellence is immense. This potential is a source of optimism, inspiring hope for a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but the foundation of our society. Supporting these enterprises means investing in this potential and the future they can create.
This Black History Month, let's commit to uplifting, funding, and advocating for Black STEAM entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and shaping the future. Whether through financial support, advocacy, mentorship, or promoting their products and services, every action counts.
Let's stand in solidarity with these innovators and contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive STEAM landscape.
Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.
Host, STEAMSparks - Think STEAM Careers Podcast
Choose STEAM Careers: Shape the Future, Design Your Destiny! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD
Excel in Learning. Excel in Life.
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