Innovate Mississippi

UMMC’s Open House and CO | LAB
2025-06-19 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | UMMC CO | LAB, 2500 N State Street, TRC 315, Jackson, MS, 39216, United States
You are invited to UMMC’s Open House and CO | LAB co-working space showcase on Thursday June 19 at 10 am 2500 N State Street, TRC 315. This open house and showcase are open to the public, but require registration. Please register here.
The public is also welcome to attend a pitching / Storytelling session led by Permjot Valia. Permjot is an expert in commercialization and has worked with startups worldwide. The Storytelling session will be later that afternoon starting at 1:30pm in room CW106, and is also open to the public, but the session requires registration. Please register here.

MSU at MCITy Vicksburg Pitch Competition
2025-06-26 12:00 - 17:00 | MCITY Vicksburg, 1622 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, United States
Join us at the MCITy Pitch Competition for an action-packed event where bold founders will hit the stage to pitch their big ideas, compete for cash prizes, and connect with Mississippi’s vibrant entrepreneurial community.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or an investor scouting your next great prospect, you’ll find energy, innovation, and inspiration in every pitch. Come for the ideas, stay for the connections, and be part of the movement shaping Mississippi’s future.

Location: 1622 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS

This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network. Together, they provide two pitch pathways—one for high-growth startups and another for traditional small businesses. If a founder’s venture shows strong high-growth potential, they may even earn an invitation to join the CoBuilders Accelerator.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0003 awarded to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Pitch, Then Connect – Vicksburg Edition
2025-06-26 12:00 - 19:00 | MCITY Vicksburg, 1622 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, United States
Wednesday, June 26 at MCITy – 1622 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Vicksburg, MS 39180
🎤 12:00 – 5:00 PM: Cheer on Mississippi’s boldest founders as they pitch innovative ideas at the MSU @ MCITy Vicksburg Pitch Competition. It’s your chance to witness the next wave of high-growth startups and see who’s ready to take the leap toward investor readiness.
🤝 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Stick around for Connect Vicksburg, a relaxed networking happy hour inspired by Innovate Mississippi’s monthly CONNECT events. Enjoy food and beer from Key City Brewery while connecting with founders, mentors, investors, and fellow innovation enthusiasts. Whether you’re building a startup or just curious about the ecosystem, come share ideas and raise a glass to Mississippi’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Free and open to all—come for the pitches, stay for the people.

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-08-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
CONNECT is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
CONNECT is held the first Thursday of every month from 4:30 -6:30 pm. This month we will be meeting at the Fertile Ground, 800 Manship St., Jackson, MS.
Join us at Fertile Ground and enjoy a cash bar and plenty of food options available for purchase while you connect.
We hope to see you there!
Register here
Fertile Ground:
800 Manship Street #Suite 101 Jackson, MS 39202

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2025-08-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Building the Blue Economy networking series.
This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike.
We will feature a bluetech innovator each month!
Snacks, beer & wine will be served with the kind support Chandeleur Island Brewing.
Location: 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501
Date and time: Wed, Aug 13, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/585zdv9

3nd Annual Pine Belt Women Business Owner Summit
2025-08-14 - 2025-08-15 | PRCC Woodall Center, 906 Sullivan Dr,, Hattiesburg, 39401, United States
Thursday and Friday, Aug. 14-15, 2025
PRCC Woodall Center
906 Sullivan Dr., Hattiesburg
Our mission is to unite women business owners through connection, collaboration, and shared knowledge—empowering them to thrive personally and professionally.
We envision a thriving network of women entrepreneurs who uplift one another, drive economic growth, and create lasting legacies in their communities and beyond.
Learn More and Register Here: https://emergeevents.com/wbos/

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2025-08-21 16:00 - 17:30
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us for CONNECT, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
CONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together, they bring valuable connections, guidance, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place Thursday, August 21st at 4:00 PM at Glory Bound in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight, meet potential collaborators, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Glorybound
6174 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 · Hattiesburg, MS
Register Here: https://www.meetup.com/launch-mississippi/events/310275602/

Higher Purpose Hub's Community Update & Happy Hour
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:30 | The Matchbox, 311 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS, 38614, United States
You’re invited to Higher Purpose Hub’s Community Update & Happy Hour on August 21 at 5:30 PM at The Matchbox in Clarksdale, MS.
Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community as we share updates on our new direction.
This complimentary outreach event is open to guests 21 and older. We look forward to connecting with you!

Oceans in Action 2025 Workshop
2025-08-26 - 2025-08-28 | Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39531, United States
Join the Marine Technology Society for Oceans In Action 2025 Workshop, an in-person event featuring the marine science and technology research efforts along the Gulf Coast that transform into operational missions worldwide.
Following the success of the larger OCEANS 2023 Conference, the workshop will host presentations from locally based federal agencies, state-led initiatives, and high-tech companies. This year’s event will once again highlight the results of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) vignettes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2024. In addition to the Department of the Navy, these vignettes are supported by NOAA, USM, and LSU and are the results of testing new technologies in an operational scenario.
Hosted by the Marine Technology Society’s Gulf Coast Section and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, the workshop takes place along the thriving Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a number of networking opportunities for marine science and technology companies.
When: August 26-28, 2025
Where: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi MS. Ballroom A
Register Here: https://mtsociety.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2217165#!/

August Tech Talk: The Power of UX Writing with Brianna Davis
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:30
Join the Bean Path’s August Tech Talk featuring Brianna Davis, a Senior Content Designer and UX Writer with a passion for crafting clear, impactful digital experiences. With a background in Human Communication and years of experience shaping content for web, mobile, email, and ads, Brianna knows what it takes to guide users through seamless digital journeys.
In this session, Brianna will share how UX writing and content design are critical tools for enhancing usability, accessibility, and engagement. She’ll break down real-world examples, walk through her approach to user journey mapping, and discuss how teams can collaborate to create content that works smarter—not harder.
Whether you’re a designer, developer, marketer, or curious about content strategy, this talk will leave you with practical insights to improve your next digital project.
Register here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/august-tech-talk-the-power-of-ux-writing-with-brianna-davis

Bean Path - Homegrown
2025-08-28
Got a business idea ready to grow? The Bean Path is here to help. The Home Grown Entrepreneur Cohort is here to help you turn it into reality! Whether you’re in tech or a traditional industry, this program gives you the tools, mentorship, and community to thrive.
Applications are open now—secure your spot before we kick off on August 28th! Apply today at getbean.info/cohort.

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-09-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Sheraton Refuge Conference Center, 2200 Refuge Blvd, Flowood, MS, 39232, United States
CONNECT is making a one-time move this September—to the future home of the 2025 Accelerate Conference!
Join us Thursday, September 4th, at The Sheraton for an evening of networking, celebration, and exciting updates. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, mentor, supporter, or Main Street business owner—this is your space to connect.
We’re grateful to PILEUM for sponsoring the evening—thanks to their support, you’ll enjoy light bites and sips while connecting at a beautiful rooftop bar with an unforgettable view.
Raise a glass with us, build meaningful connections, and discover where we’re headed and the remarkable people driving us forward. We can’t wait to tell you all about it! Space is limited, so please RSVP and let us know you are coming.
CONNECT is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
We hope to see you there!
Register here

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Building the Blue Economy networking series.
This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike.
We will feature a bluetech innovator each month!
Snacks, beer & wine will be served with the kind support Chandeleur Island Brewing.
Location: 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501
Date and time: Wed, Sept 10, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uh6k9e3

Mississippi AI Collaborative SPARK Chat September
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:00
The Mississippi AI Collaborative is launching SPARK Chats: a monthly virtual gathering where community, technology, and innovation come together.
🎙️ Hosted by Krystal Chatman, EdS, with inspiring special guests each month, SPARK Chats is your chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of AI in Mississippi. Open to all, nationwide!
📅 First Session: September 16
🕕 Time: 6–7 PM
💻 Location: Online
Let’s build community around AI, spark new ideas, and open doors to opportunities across our state.
👉 Register now at https://lnkd.in/gDeKUG9u

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2025-09-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Southern Prohibition Brewing, 301 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, United States
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs in the Hattiesburg area? Join CONNECT, a monthly networking event for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt. Whether starting out or scaling up, it’s your chance to share ideas, solve challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the journey.
Co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Polymer Institute at USM, CONNECT offers tools, guidance, and resources to strengthen the startup community. The next event is Thursday, September 18 at 4 PM at Southern Prohibition in Hattiesburg.
Location: Southern Prohibition Brewing, 301 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Date and time: Thu, Sep 18, 2025 4:00 PM
RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/67a17550-b0b7-4ec5-95be-0ea9e2e59329

DelTech 2025
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-10
DelTech is a premier regional conference dedicated to advancing technology and innovation across the Delta region. By bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, DelTech fosters collaboration and accelerates solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. With inspiring keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and startup showcases, DelTech is the hub for those passionate about driving a culture of innovation.
Epicenter Memphis
Oct 8 – 10, 2025
Learn more: https://whova.com/web/63P5WAhbUiPmJjutmc7Ij6dTh3I2ccbU2OaE1-giDfw%3D/
Register: https://whova.com/portal/registration/9Nh1lB6WCiO79WBm0czC/

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Building the Blue Economy networking series.
This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike.
We will feature a bluetech innovator each month!
Snacks, beer & wine will be served with the kind support Chandeleur Island Brewing.
Location: 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501
Date and time: Wed, Oct 8, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kg542s6

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Keg & Barrel, 1315 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, 39401, United States
CONNECT at Keg & Barrel
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us at Hattiesburg CONNECT, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
CONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together, they bring valuable connections, guidance, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place on Thursday, October 14th at 4:00 PM at Keg & Barrel Downtown in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight, meet potential collaborators, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward.
Register Here! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4ced561f-d39e-4788-be36-cf4285f95d67

The Bean Path Tech Talk (7th Anniversary Edition)
2025-10-17 12:00 - 14:00
Join The Bean Path Tech Talk (7th Anniversary Edition): Bean Path Then, Now & Next! Founding board members Dr. Amber Johnson Avery, Ivan Walker, and Dr. Nashlie Sephus will share the story of how The Bean Path began, how technology has evolved along the way, and their vision for the future.
Register here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/day-5-7th-anniversary-tech-talk

Magnolia Conference
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Join us for a spine-tingling journey through the latest in software development, where code meets Halloween magic in the heart of Mississippi.
October 21-23, 2025
Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, MS
Learn more and register here: https://2025.magnoliaconf.com/

Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium 2025
2025-10-22 - 2025-10-24 | Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 22-24, 2025

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 13
The Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium (MADS) is an annual event, co-hosted by Mississippi Enterprise for Technology and the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi. MADS rotates between the state’s different research institutions to highlight business opportunities across the industry and bring together industry executives, academic institutions, government officials and economic developers. MADS features networking opportunities, presentations on industry forecasts and highlights Mississippi’s assets including research centers, workforce training programs, and contracting opportunities.
Learn more here: https://mset.org/mississippi-aerospace-and-defense-symposium-2025/

TEDx Southern Miss
2025-10-30 13:00 - 17:00 | The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus Fleming Education Center, 730 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS, 39560, United States
TEDx Southern Miss is coming to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach on October 30.
This milestone marks the first-ever TEDx event hosted along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and at USM, creating an inspiring stage for innovation, leadership, and regional progress.
This year’s program will shine a global spotlight on the groundbreaking work, opportunities, and ideas emerging from our coastal region. You can get involved by attending in person, hosting a livestream viewing party, or supporting the movement as an event sponsor.
Learn more, view the flyer, and get involved: usm.edu/tedx

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2025-11-20 16:00 - 18:00
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs in the Pinebelt?
Join CONNECT in Hattiesburg, a monthly networking event for small business owners and startup founders. Whether starting out or scaling up, it’s your chance to share ideas, solve challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the journey. Co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Polymer Institute at USM, CONNECT offers tools, guidance, and resources to strengthen the startup community. The next event is on November 20th at 4 PM at the Brass Hat in the Hotel Indigo in Hattiesburg.
The event is free. RSVP and let us know you are coming. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/1d68d49f-88f8-4c87-b814-91bd65681f41

Connect on the Coast
2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:00 | CRAVE Food Hall, 1515 Government Street Suite B100, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, United States
Join our partners at StartUp Gulf Coast on Wednesday, December 3rd, from 5-7 PM at CRAVE Food Hall in Ocean Springs for the first-ever StartUp Gulf Coast Ecosystem Mixer!
Calling all entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and service providers! Join us for the inaugural StartUp Gulf Coast Ecosystem Mixer, a casual evening designed to connect the people driving innovation across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether you’re building, funding, advising, or supporting startups, this event is your chance to meet like-minded peers, share ideas, and strengthen our regional entrepreneurial network.
Event Details
• Date: Wednesday, December 3rd
• Time: 5:00-7:00pm
• Location: CRAVE Food Hall @ os1515 Downtown
• Address: 1515 Government St Suite B100, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
• Cost: Free to attend (registration required)
Food & Drinks
Enjoy access to CRAVE Food Hall and PROOF Cocktail Bar, the Coast’s first and only food hall experience. Choose from eight chef-driven dining concepts and a vibrant indoor/outdoor bar offering globally inspired bites and handcrafted cocktails—all within one dynamic, community-centered space.
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-gulf-coast-ecosystem-mixer-tickets-1969395926230?aff=oddtdtcreator
About StartUp Gulf Coast
StartUp Gulf Coast is a regional initiative powered by the Gulf Coast Business Council and funded through Innovate Mississippi. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across South Mississippi by connecting early-stage founders, innovators, and visionaries with the resources, mentors, funding, and community they need to bring bold ideas to life—and to scale them sustainably.

Winter Practice Pitch
2025-12-09 13:00 - 16:00
Get a head start on your big ideas! Our Winter Practice Pitch is an opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to test their concepts in front of a supportive audience before the main pitch competition in May. Participants will receive constructive feedback to strengthen their presentations, refine their messaging, and boost their confidence. Whether you’re polishing a business plan or exploring a new idea, this practice round is designed to help you grow and prepare for success.
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fhm67w9

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2025-12-09 16:30 - 18:30
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us in Hattiesburg for CONNECT, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
CONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together, they bring valuable connections, guidance, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place after our Winter Practice Pitch event on Tuesday, December 9th at 4:30 PM at Patio 44 in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight, meet potential collaborators, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward.
RSVP here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/075a79d2-20d3-4bb0-8e22-ae9421833366

MSU at MCity Holiday Social
2025-12-16 16:00 - 18:00
Join us as we bring together founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners for an evening of connection and celebration at MCity. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, Key City beer, and plenty of holicay cheer as we wrap up an incredible year of innovation in Vicksburg.
RSVP Here

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2026-01-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Building the Blue Economy networking series.
This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike.
We will feature a bluetech innovator each month!
Snacks, beer & wine will be served with the kind support Chandeleur Island Brewing.
Location: 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501
Date and time: Wed, Jan 14, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/32hfhpa
