Once again, the Accelerate 2024 conference highlighted the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in Mississippi. It was a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, ambitious startups, savvy investors, and dedicated stakeholders from all corners of our beautiful state, showcasing Mississippi's entrepreneurial spirit. For a quarter of a century, Innovate Mississippi…
Innovate Mississippi celebrates three years of partnership with Microsoft in supporting CoBuilders, a statewide startup accelerator that has become a launching pad for innovative Mississippi companies. This milestone reflects not only Microsoft's commitment as a sponsor but also the enduring impact of the CoBuilders program on Mississippi's economy. CoBuilders, managed by…
John Fair's professional journey began in high school when he worked summers at his father's gasoline and propane business in Louisville, Miss., as a "grease monkey," earning $20 a week. Initially employed at a lumber company, his father started a small distributorship called The Fair Oil Company near the mill in 1934,…
Innovate Mississippi would like to thank Susan Marquez of the Magnolia Tribune for her beautiful Pearl River Glass Studio article. Her piece highlights the remarkable journey of a Mississippi-based business that has reached national acclaim. Pearl River Glass Studio's story is one of passion, craftsmanship, and perseverance—qualities that we at Innovate…
At Innovate Mississippi, we're all about building teams and engaging communities to fuel entrepreneurial success. Our CoBuilders program is a testament to this belief, and it wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our eight regional partners. These organizations have supported innovation, provided invaluable resources, and nurtured entrepreneurs statewide.…
Innovate Mississippi continues to drive entrepreneurial growth and innovation across the state through its CoBuilders program and regional pitch competitions. Two partners, the Oxford/Lafayette Economic Development Foundation (EDF) and the Community Development Foundation (CDF), recently held their pitch events, concluding this year's series of regional competitions. Oxford/Lafayette Economic Development Foundation…
FoundersPlus is a six-week program designed to equip Mississippi startup founders with the knowledge and tools they need to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. The program, run by Innovate Mississippi, guides founders through a carefully curated curriculum that covers critical aspects of building a successful startup. How FoundersPlus Works…
The technology behind Glo Pals started in a classroom project at Mississippi State University, with the MSU E-Center playing a pivotal role in transitioning it from a student endeavor to a burgeoning startup. Water-activated light-up technology was initially developed to add a fun element to drinks at parties. However, it soon found…
Innovate Mississippi was awarded $50,000 in prize money for equitable access to entrepreneurship WASHINGTON– Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Innovate Mississippi as a Stage One winner for the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). Innovate Mississippi will receive a $50,000 cash prize for its impactful and inclusive…
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a hub for innovation in ocean conservation, with Gulf Blue Navigator leading the charge. Under the University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation, this program aims to accelerate late-stage startups toward revenue generation. Over four months, Gulf Blue Navigator provides expertise, collaboration opportunities, research facilities, testing…