Technical.ly DC by Tajha Chappellet-Lanier

Howard University announced on Monday that it is now seeking applications for an operator to launch and manage a new startup incubator space on campus. The space is part of a collaboration with Mayor Muriel Bowser and that was unveiled in March.

The incubator is envisioned as way to support the District’s growing tech scene in general, and to provide a space for underrepresented entrepreneurs in particular.

The District has awarded a $1 million grant to Howard for the development of 6,200 square feet at 2301 Georgia Ave., according to Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development spokesman Joaquin McPeek. Additionally, rent for the space will be subsidized by contributions from the District for the first three years of the lease.

Would-be operators and tenants must be incubators, venture capital firms or programmatic partners that support diverse tech startups. They must also be approved by both Howard University and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

McPeek told Technical.ly that the hub aims to “complement incubators that already exist” in D.C. with its unique focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs. The companies that occupy the space won’t just be about creating the latest app — they’ll be interested in exploring “how to use innovation as a tool to help the underserved.”

Operating proposals are due Nov. 5.