We back founders
who build here.
Connecting high-growth, high-tech founders with coaching, resources, capital, and the statewide network to launch and scale in Mississippi.
Accelerated
Jobs Created
Investment Raised
Ecosystem Partners
Three ways we move founders forward.
Whether you need expertise, connections, or capital — we have a pathway built for exactly where you are right now.
Coaching
Expert mentorship, accelerator programs, and structured coaching to sharpen your business model, team, and pitch from idea to investment-ready.
Connections
Statewide events, ecosystem introductions, and a growing network of founders, investors, and university partners spanning every corner of Mississippi.
Capital
Pitch competitions, SBIR/STTR guidance, investor introductions, and clear pathways to seed and early-stage funding for Mississippi-based ventures.
Find the right program for your stage.
FoundersPlus
FoundersPlus supports women and minority entrepreneurs by providing the resources, guidance, and network they need to grow.
CoBuilders
CoBuilders is Mississippi’s first statewide accelerator, fast-tracking early-stage startups toward growth and investment readiness.
Statewide Partner Pitch Events
Innovate Mississippi, its Partners, and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network co-host eight regional pitch competitions to support entrepreneurs and promote innovation across the state.
CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
Typically held on the first Thursday of each month, CONNECT offers an informal environment for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and others interested in innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
Accelerate: The Conference on Technology Innovation
Now in its 26th year, Accelerate offers Mississippi stakeholders an annual gathering to network, explore, learn, and be inspired.
Pitch Day
Pitch Day is the culminating showcase of Mississippi’s most promising startups.
FoundersPlus
FoundersPlus supports women and minority entrepreneurs by providing the resources, guidance, and network they need to grow.
Statewide Partner Pitch Events
Innovate Mississippi, its Partners, and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network co-host eight regional pitch competitions to support entrepreneurs and promote innovation across the state.
CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
Typically held on the first Thursday of each month, CONNECT offers an informal environment for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and others interested in innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
Statewide Partner Pitch Events
Innovate Mississippi, its Partners, and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network co-host eight regional pitch competitions to support entrepreneurs and promote innovation across the state.
Pitch Day
Pitch Day is the culminating showcase of Mississippi’s most promising startups.
FoundersPlus
FoundersPlus supports women and minority entrepreneurs by providing the resources, guidance, and network they need to grow.
Our ecosystem spans every corner of Mississippi.
Our statewide partners share our vision of a thriving Mississippi built on innovation and entrepreneurship, fueling economic development by transforming ideas into impactful businesses.
Statewide Pitch Events
Our statewide partners share our vision of a thriving Mississippi built on innovation and entrepreneurship, fueling economic development by transforming ideas into impactful businesses.
Regional Pitch Events Are Happening Now
Our Regional Pitch Events are officially underway across the state. Don’t miss your opportunity to pitch or attend!
| Partner | Event Date | Location | TimE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Polymer Institute | April 30th | Mississippi Polymer Institute Hattiesburg, MS | 10 AM - 4:45 PM |
| The BeanPath | May 5th | JSU College of Business, The Pittman Auditorium | 10 AM -12 PM |
| Gulf Coast Business Council | May 19th | Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Gulfport, MS | 9 AM - 2 PM |
| OLinc | June 11th | Oxford Conference Center Oxford, MS | 1- 6 PM |
| CDF Tupelo | June 15th | Renasant Center for Ideas Tupelo, MS | 6 - 8:30 PM |
Pitch Day
Tuesday, November 19
Mississippi Museum of Art
What's Happening in the Ecosystem
Workshops, webinars, and networking events happening across Mississippi.
Now in its 26th year, Accelerate offers Mississippi stakeholders an annual gathering to network, explore, learn, and be inspired. Convened by Innovate Mississippi—this year in collaboration with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDCN)—the event brings together attendees, vendors, and sponsors from across the state and the country to help build Mississippi’s future economy.
Typically held on the first Thursday of each month, CONNECT offers an informal environment for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and others interested in innovation to network and form meaningful relationships. In collaboration with our statewide partners—who also host similar events—we’re growing a connected, inclusive startup community across Mississippi.
Inside the Ecosystem
Founder spotlight stories, press updates, and innovation news from across Mississippi.
Ecosystem Sponsors
Pitch Day
Tuesday, November 19
Mississippi Museum of Art
Thanks to our
Annual Sponsors
