2026 America's Seed Fund Week
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-14
America’s Seed Fund Week is a free, virtual event that connects entrepreneurs with the country’s largest source of early-stage research and development (R&D) funding.
What Is America’s Seed Fund? America’s Seed Fund awards over $5 billion annually in non-dilutive funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Small businesses use this critical funding to develop their technologies and get them to market.
What Happens at America’s Seed Fund Week?

Hear from federal and private sector leaders on the importance of continued technology innovation
Learn how to navigate SBIR/STTR opportunities and apply for funding
Meet with SBIR/STTR federal agency representatives
Connect with Federal and State Technology (FAST) organizations and find other support resources
Build relationships with fellow innovators

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Small Businesses based in the United States that are building technologies and bringing them to market
Startup Accelerators, Business Incubators, University Entrepreneur Organizations, and other entrepreneur support organizations
Representatives from Federal Agencies, State and Local Government, and other members across innovation networks that support small businesses

Register Here: https://www.americasseedfund.us/america-s-seed-fund-week

Gulf Blue Innovation Week
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-21
Join us for three days of innovation, investment, and impact along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gulf Blue Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of the Blue Economy, from food security and coastal resilience to startup growth and national security.
May 19-21, 2026 in Gulfport, MS
Register Here: https://www.gulfbluenavigator.org/innovation-week/

Southern Spark 2026
2026-06-11 - 2026-06-12 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Join educators, technologists, community leaders, and innovators from across Mississippi and the South for three days of learning, connection, and practical exploration of AI in education, workforce development, business, and public service.
Includes:

Full access to all keynotes, panels, workshops, and breakout sessions
Admission to the evening reception at the Bean Barn
Conference materials and post-event resources
Lunch and refreshments during the conference

Who this is for:
Anyone attending Southern Spark to learn, connect, and bring ideas back to their organization or community.
Register Here: https://www.mississippiai.org/registration26
