About the Conference
November 8-10, 2026
Nashville, Tennessee
Peer-Reviewed Research. Published Proceedings. Real-World Impact.
The National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference is an academic conference exploring the transformative applications of blockchain, digital assets, financial technology, and artificial intelligence across business, finance, computer science, engineering, and related disciplines.
The conference brings together researchers, faculty, industry professionals, technologists, policymakers, and innovators to examine emerging technologies, infrastructure, governance, intelligent systems, and real-world applications shaping the future of digital and financial ecosystems.
Important dates
Submission Portal Opens:
May 25
Submission Deadline:
June 25
Notification of Acceptance:
July 10
General Registration:
July 20 - Aug 20
Conference Dates:
November 8-10
Our HBCU Commitment
This conference was founded at Morgan State University to elevate research from HBCU faculty and students, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and connect historically Black colleges and universities with industry leaders shaping the future of finance and technology. We especially welcome submissions from HBCU researchers at all career stages.
A Distinguished Forum for Emerging Financial Technologies
- Now in its seventh year, the conference has established itself as a recognized forum for scholarly dialogue in blockchain, fintech, digital assets, and related intelligent systems.
- The conference emphasizes rigorous peer review, high-quality research, and interdisciplinary collaboration across business, finance, computer science, engineering, and other fields.
- The conference explores real-world applications, infrastructure, governance, regulation, intelligent automation, and emerging digital ecosystems shaped by blockchain and AI-enabled technologies.
- Researchers, faculty, students, industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers come together to exchange ideas, present research, and examine technologies transforming global systems and institutions.
- The conference combines academic rigor with practical relevance, creating a collaborative environment focused on innovation, research impact, and the future of digital transformation.
FAQs
General Information
What is the purpose of the conference?
The conference brings together scholars, student, industry professionals, and policymakers, to explore emerging trends, present research, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration in blockchain, fintech, digital assets, and AI-enabled financial systems.
What makes this conference different from other blockchain and fintech conferences?
This conference is uniquely positioned at the intersection of blockchain, fintech, digital assets, and applied AI, with a strong emphasis on academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and HBCU leadership. Now in its seventh year, it has become a recognized forum for scholars, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers exploring the future of financial technologies.
Who should attend?
The conference welcomes faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, university administrators, industry professionals, policymakers, regulators, and entrepreneurs interested in emerging financial technologies and their societal impact.
What areas of focus will be highlighted at the conference?
Focus areas include blockchain infrastructure, digital assets, fintech innovation, decentralized finance (DeFi), AI applications in financial systems, cybersecurity, governance, regulation, responsible innovation, financial inclusion, analytics, digital identity, smart contracts, tokenization, and emerging technology ecosystems.
Why is Nashville an ideal location for the 2026 conference?
Nashville is rapidly emerging as a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and digital finance. Its vibrant business ecosystem, accessibility, and growing technology community make it an ideal host city for a national conference focused on the future of blockchain, fintech, and AI. In addition, several HBCUs are located within driving distance of Nashville, making the conference more accessible to faculty, researchers, and students from across the region.
Registration
How do I register?
Participants can register online through the official conference website. Registration details and links will be available soon.
What is the registration fee?
Registration categories may include full scholarship and partial scholarship, as well as regular participant registration. Additional details will be available on the registration page once registration opens.
Will there be funding support for accepted papers?
Yes. Authors of accepted papers selected for inclusion in the conference program will receive conference scholarships that cover airfare, hotel accommodations, conference registration, and conference meals. One scholarship will be provided per accepted paper.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
All scholarship recipients must submit a written cancellation notice at least 35 days prior to the conference start date. The scholarship recipients agree to reimburse the NFC for the airline tickets.
Notification Process:
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Amanda Ihegbe, Program Manager. Cancellations are not considered valid until confirmation is received.
Acknowledgment:
By accepting the scholarship, participants acknowledge and agree to the terms of this cancellation policy.
Submissions & Participation
How can I submit a paper?
Paper submissions can be made through the submission portal available on the Call for Papers page of the conference website.
What types of research papers are encouraged?
The conference encourages rigorous and innovative research related to blockchain, fintech, digital assets, decentralized systems, AI applications in finance, cybersecurity, governance, regulation, digital identity, smart contracts, tokenization, DeFi, financial inclusion, and related topics.
Are interdisciplinary papers welcome?
Absolutely. The conference strongly encourages interdisciplinary research that bridges business, finance, computer science, engineering, public policy, law, economics, analytics, and related disciplines.
Will the conference proceedings be published?
Yes. Accepted papers presented at the conference will be included in the official conference proceedings, which will be published in both digital and print formats.
When will authors be notified of acceptance?
Accepted papers and scholarship recipients are expected to be announced by July 10, 2026.
Can doctoral students and early-career researchers participate?
Yes. The conference strongly encourages participation from doctoral students and emerging scholars. The event provides an excellent platform for presenting research, receiving feedback, and building professional networks.
Travel & Accommodation
Are hotel accommodations available?
Yes. Conference hotel information and booking details will be listed on the Travel and Accommodation page of the conference website.
Will travel support be available?
Authors of accepted papers will receive full scholarship to participate. Limited partial travel support may be available for one faculty and one student from each HBCU on a first come-first-served basis, depending on availability of funds provided by our sponsors.
Conference Experience
Will sessions be in-person or virtual?
All conference sessions will be conducted in person.
Does the conference include industry and policy discussions in addition to academic presentations?
Yes. In addition to academic research presentations, the conference includes keynote speakers, expert panels, fireside discussions, and conversations involving industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators.
Will there be networking opportunities during the conference?
Yes. The conference is designed to foster meaningful collaboration among attendees through receptions, networking sessions, panel discussions, and informal gatherings throughout the event.
Technical & Logistics
What should presenters bring?
Presenters should send their presentation files in PowerPoint and PDF formats, and have them on a flash drive, laptops if preferred, and any necessary adapters or connectors. Standard audiovisual equipment will be provided in presentation rooms.
Will conference sessions be recorded?
Selected sessions may be recorded and shared with registered participants after the conference.
Contact & Support
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions regarding registration, submissions, scholarships, or conference logistics, please contact email: Info.Fintech@morgan.edu