Graduate Students Win First Place Victory for Morgan State, Earn $100K Top Prize at National Innovation Venture Competition

In a groundbreaking achievement that reinforces Morgan State University’s leadership in tech innovation and sustainable solutions, a team of four graduate students secured the top honor—and a $100,000 seed funding award—at the 2025 Capital One/Delaware State University (DSU) Innovation Venture Competition.

Team AgroVision, comprised of David Nyarko, Obiageli Nwachukwu, Marvellous Ododoh and Dapiriye Briggs, emerged as the Tier 3 (graduate-level) champion at the national competition for their revolutionary AI-powered modular hydroponic farming system. Their innovative solution leverages artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart agriculture technologies to tackle food insecurity, climate volatility, and resource scarcity in farming.

AgroVision is a scalable, AI-integrated smart farming system designed to empower communities—rural and urban alike—with sustainable food production. The system combines modular hydroponics, automated water and nutrient management, and disease detection powered by AI and computer vision. Augmented and virtual reality tools further enhance its utility by enabling immersive training and real-time monitoring.

As demonstrated in their prototype and MVP mockups, AgroVision offers a sleek, user-friendly digital dashboard, mobile integration, and scalable architecture—from home garden units to commercial-scale pods—ensuring adaptability across a broad spectrum of users.

From Prototype to Market Launch

With the $100,000 seed funding secured, the team plans to scale up prototyping, conduct field tests in selected communities, and refine their AI algorithms using real-world data. Their implementation roadmap includes developing strategic partnerships with local farmers, schools, and agricultural institutions, with a focus on co-developing training programs and accelerating product adoption. 

The students’ vision extends beyond product development: AgroVision is positioned as a platform to help build generational wealth and economic resilience, particularly within historically underserved communities.

Meet the Innovators

Each member of the AgroVision team brings expertise from different disciplines at Morgan:

• David Nyarko (Team Lead) – Doctor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering,Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering
• Dapiriye Briggs – Ph.D. candidate, Computer & Electrical Engineering, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering
• Obiageli Nwachukwu – M.S. in Bioinformatics, School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
• Marvellous Ododoh – MBA candidate, Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management

They were guided by faculty advisor Dr. Kofi Nyarko, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS).

Held at DSU’s Memorial Hall Gymnasium on April 14, the Innovation Venture convened top-tier student teams from HBCUs and high schools across the nation. Hosted by Capital One and Delaware State University, the event awarded $225,000 in total investments and featured guidance from renowned investors and industry leaders including Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay, and Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton.

Innovation Venture was launched to offer students wrap-around support needed to turn ideas into commercialized products. This national convening, held in Delaware, was built to provide students with a launchpad to success through investments from venture capitalists, technical assistance from Fortune 500 companies, and 1:1 coaching from successful entrepreneurs with experience in tech transfer.

AgroVision’s standout pitch—and their win—demonstrated the vital role HBCU students play in driving innovation at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Morgan State University applauds Team AgroVision for representing the very best of our institution’s excellence, ingenuity, and commitment to social impact. Their success not only highlights the talent within our graduate programs but also affirms Morgan’s place as a hub for transformative research and innovation that meets global challenges head-on.