Alabama A&M: Shaping the Future of FinTech

Selected for the Dollarcraft Program, our initial cohort of 12 business scholars has entered an intensive 12-week interdisciplinary incubator. We are spending these early weeks bridging business strategy and the mechanics of the Interledger Protocol (ILP). In Week 3, four computer science and engineering students will join our group, merging technical execution with strategic design to build functional prototypes to be presented at our final hackathon.

Weeks 1 & 2: From Core Concepts to Methodical Research. Entering the program, open payment rails were uncharted territory for most of our cohort. The trajectory shifted quickly when we hosted Bibi Souza, Interledger’s Community Lead. Bibi delivered a masterclass on ILP’s architecture, demystifying cross-network settlement and grounding us in Interledger's broader mission of universal financial access. Her session transformed abstract payment theory into a clear operational roadmap for our group.

Building on that momentum, Week 2 pushed us deep into discovery. Before writing code or finalizing product specs, we focused on rigorous data collection models. We established quantitative and qualitative research tools—mapping methodologies for user surveys, structured one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and observational field tests. Grounding our decision-making in empirical user data ensures that the financial solutions we build address genuine, documented friction points.

Moving forward, the energy across these first two weeks has set a high standard for what is to come. As our engineering teammates join us next week, we transition from strategic research to full-stack execution. The opportunity to build on open payment standards isn't just an academic exercise; it's a chance to influence how value moves across communities for years to come. We are heading into Week 3 focused, prepared, and ready to build tools that reflect the true potential of this technology.

Coauthor: Jayveun Williams