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US (MD): Students win $100K prize for AI-powered modular hydroponic farming system

A team of four graduate students from Morgan State University 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.

© Morgan State University

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.

The AgroVision team is composed of members with diverse expertise from various disciplines at Morgan. Leading the team is David Nyarko, who holds a Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering. Dapiriye Briggs is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer and Electrical Engineering, also from the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering. Obiageli Nwachukwu contributes her knowledge with an M.S. in Bioinformatics from the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Additionally, Marvellous Ododoh is pursuing an MBA at the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management. Together, their varied academic backgrounds enable them to approach their work from multiple perspectives.

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.

© Morgan State University

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.

Source: Morgan State University

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