Alabama A&M University student Bryson Hannah is turning a personal internship experience into a business opportunity after winning $5,000 for Internably, a networking platform designed to help college interns connect with one another and develop professional relationships.

The platform seeks to address an often-overlooked part of the internship experience: building a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar workplace. By connecting students with fellow interns, Internably aims to make it easier for young professionals to establish friendships, exchange experiences, and grow their networks as they begin their careers.

Hannah, a mechanical engineering major, won the grand prize at the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition in Birmingham, Alabama, on Oct. 29, according to AfroTech. His first-place finish earned him $4,000, bringing his total winnings to $5,000 after receiving $1,000 in an earlier round.

The idea for Internably grew out of Hannah's internship at Alabama Power. As reported by AfroTech, Hannah enjoyed his workplace experience but struggled to form connections with other interns. Recognizing that students entering new professional environments may face similar challenges, he began developing a platform focused on bringing them together.

With the prize money, Hannah plans to continue developing Internably and introduce a campus ambassador program to help bring the platform to colleges and universities nationwide.

His win came during a competition that showcased student entrepreneurship across Alabama's HBCUs. According to Alabama A&M University, the event featured 51 teams from 10 HBCUs, with participants presenting business ideas for a chance to secure funding and receive entrepreneurial support.

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Co-hosted by the Alabama Collective and Digital Undivided, the competition was supported by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, HBCU C.A.R.E.S., and Nebius. Organizers awarded $20,000 in cash prizes and provided students with opportunities for mentorship and business development.

Hannah was among several Alabama A&M students recognized for their ventures. Mechanical engineering students Munachimso Arubaleze, Danylah Branch, and Bukata Mubanga received $3,000 for their project, Fuel Trip, bringing their total winnings to $4,000 after earning $1,000 in an earlier round. Another team, consisting of Amarachi Ezekiel, Omotolani Bello, and Osionela Ogiogwa, earned $2,000 for NexU, bringing their total to $3,000 after also receiving $1,000 previously.