DOVER — The Propel Center, committed to advancing equity in education by serving as a global leadership and innovation hub for historically Black colleges and universities, has selected Delaware State University as one of 15 institutions to share $3 million for student and research-centered projects.

DSU has been awarded a grant of $300,000 to develop a vertical farm to positively impact produce supply chain and sustainable urban agriculture in underserved communities. The farm will employ programming in areas such as plant genomics and precision agriculture, as well as the emerging technologies of artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning.

DSU president Dr. Tony Allen said the university is well-positioned for such research.

“Our College of Agriculture, Science and Technology not only has the expertise between the life sciences and agriculture, but they are merging those disciplines with unique business opportunities that could have material effect on many low-resource communities,” he said. “At Delaware State University, we (set) high bars for our own sense of excellence and support. We expect the same from our partners. Propel, and its founders Apple and Southern Co., have been strong examples.”

Dr. Charles Gibbs, president of the HBCU Consortium at the Propel Center, said DSU’s proposal stood apart from over 50 that were received. “The team ... and the proposal that was submitted demonstrated the gravitas, the intellect and, most importantly, the enthusiasm to address a major issue across our global landscape of food insecurities in our urban communities,” he said. “It is our intent to amplify the great work that is being done at Delaware State University.”

Propel Center funding disbursements and grantee events began in January.