Building Smart Cities through Research & Development
We serve as cities' research and development arm, partnering forward-thinking stakeholders and companies to address real-world challenges.
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What we do
As a trusted research and development partner for cities, PCF drives smart city innovations by collaborating with HBCU students, city leaders, and technology experts. Through our HBCU Smart Cities Program, we empower students to design and implement forward-thinking solutions that tackle critical urban issues — from AI-driven transportation systems to sustainable water management and digital equity strategies.
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PathwayOZ Program Recap
This inaugural Smart City challenge encourages HBCU developers, entrepreneurs, designers, and engineers to develop tech solutions that leverage ICT and IoT technology.
Register for Event →02
Rocky Mount City Challenge
This inaugural Smart City challenge encourages HBCU developers, entrepreneurs, designers, and engineers to develop tech solutions that leverage ICT and IoT technology.
Register for Event →03
Cities Review Video
This inaugural Smart City challenge encourages HBCU developers, entrepreneurs, designers, and engineers to develop tech solutions that leverage ICT and IoT technology.
Register for Event →Our Partners
Our Smart Cities Program
The Smart Cities Program partners with cities and counties to design and implement data-driven solutions that address pressing challenges such as transportation, public safety, and sustainability.
We provide strategic support to help municipalities integrate smart technology that enhances infrastructure, improves services, and builds more resilient communities.
Problem Focus Areas
Partner Cities Case
Study Student's Projects
The HBCU Smart Cities Program is a catalyst for innovation, connecting student creativity with urban challenges. Each project directly impacts participating cities — driving progress in public safety, transportation, and sustainability.
Morrisville’s Case Study
Navigating Through Congestion
In Morrisville, North Carolina, the crossroads of population growth, bustling train tracks, and the proximity to RDU International Airport converge to create a perfect storm of traffic congestion. This has led to significant mobility challenges within the community, manifesting in persistent traffic delays that impact the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.
Developed Solution for MOBILITY CHALLENGE
Real-time alerts for city officials via mobile or web app.
Insights to make traffic signal timing adjustments and other related decisions.
Immediate digital signage updates for route optimization.
Winston-Salem Case study
Enhancing Residents Visibility
An innovative mobile application designed to help residents of Winston-Salem manage their utilities more efficiently. This app allows users to monitor their water and electricity usage, receive real-time updates on their consumption, and access tips for reducing their utility bills. By leveraging data analytics and user-friendly interfaces, the app empowers residents to make informed decisions about their utility usage, ultimately promoting sustainability and cost savings.
Solution for UTILITIES MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
The app provides real-time tracking of water and electricity usage, enabling residents to monitor their consumption patterns and identify potential savings.
Residents receive customized alerts and notifications about unusual spikes in usage, helping them detect leaks or inefficiencies promptly.
The app offers personalized tips and recommendations for optimizing utility usage based on individual consumption data, promoting sustainable practices.
Rock Mount's Transporation Challenge
Transforming Transportation in Rocky Mount.
In Rocky Mount, citizens are faced with transportation challenges that have created grey zones with limited access to busing, poor productivity, and inefficient transit rooutes. The Team MoveMount proposed the following microtransit solution.
Developed Solutions
Uniform payment system.
Real-time rerouting & ride scheduling
Multimodal transport options.
What City Leaders Are
Saying
Hear from the city officials working hand-in-hand with PCF and HBCU students to implement transformative urban solutions. Our guidance and support have led to tangible outcomes, driving growth, and making a positive impact on communities.
"As the council person for District 1 in the City of Tuskegee, which represents Tuskegee University, as the Council liaison for the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, as a Tuskegee native, and as a Tuskegee Institute, (now University) alumnae, I am delighted to be a part of this collaboration.
Since the days of Dr. Booker T. Washington, the symbiotic relationship between the Institute (now University) and the surrounding community has been acknowledged as critical for both entities and this opportunity to further enhance that relationship is a sure win-win!"
Norma McGowan Jackson
District 1 - Councilwoman of City of Tuskegee
"We are thrilled to be part of the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge. This opportunity aligns beautifully with Morrisville's vision for advancing smart city solutions.
By collaborating with HBCUs and Pathway Community Foundation, we aim to leverage our smart city expertise to create initiatives that not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also contribute to the broader Smart Cities movement."
Billy Whitehead
Smart City Program Manager, Town of Morrisville
""I had the privilege of working with the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge teams over a couple of months, and every meeting with them was amazing. We would talk about the challenges, the technology, the people and process of our communities, and their ideas and execution never ceased to amaze me.
The opportunity to work with these bright minds has been a great experience for myself and our city."
Tom Kureczka
Chief Information Officer, City of Winston-Salem
Contact Us
Pathway Success Stories
Hear firsthand accounts of how our guidance and support have led to tangible outcomes, driving growth, and making a positive impact on communities.
"Overall, I'm exceptionally grateful for this experience as it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and prepare me for success within the business world. During this marvelous program, I networked with other HB CU students and various city council members of emerging smart cities in North Carolina.
Additionally, I learned how to complete a business plan and present it effectively. I also had the opportunity to attend weekly workshops on various topics and applications aimed at expanding my resource network."
Markel Alston
NC A&T, Civil Engineering
"The past couple of months in the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge have been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration. As this chapter closes, I'm filled with gratitude for the connections made and the lessons learned.
The HBCU Smart Cities Challenge has not only equipped us with the skills to thrive in urban development but has also instilled in us a sense of responsibility to drive positive change."
Emarryah Wilson
NC A&T, Graduate Student
"The HBCU Smart Cities Challenge has helped me to better understand that even though we live in an unpredictable world, our ability to learn and adapt to change can make us better innovators. I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to reinforce my problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills alongside like-minded HBCU students who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community.
Norma McGowan Jackson
District 1 - Councilwoman of City of Tuskegee
"As the council person for District 1 in the City of Tuskegee, which represents Tuskegee University, as the Council liaison for the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, as a Tuskegee native, and as a Tuskegee Institute, (now University) alumnae, I am delighted to be a part of this collaboration.
Norma McGowan Jackson
District 1 - Councilwoman of City of Tuskegee
Register for the next year’s Challenge
Register now for next year's HBCU Smart Cities Challenge to join a community dedicated to innovative and sustainable urban development.