Innovate Mississippi

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 (America/Chicago) | 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

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-10-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-05 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

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

CONNECT Hattiesburg
2026-01-22 16:30 - 18:30 | Glory Bound Gyro Co., 6174 US Hwy. 49, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, United States
Attention Startups and Entrepreneurs: Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join MPI in Hattiesburg for a CONNECT event, a monthly, informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in the area.
This is 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. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your opportunity to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with like-minded individuals who understand the entrepreneurial journey. Make connections, seek and give guidance, and strengthen the local startup community on Thursday, January 22nd at 4:30 PM at Glory Bound in Hattiesburg, MS.
CONNECT is brought to you collaboratively by the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for inventors and businesses, and by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s driver for entrepreneurial growth.
Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/a0418899-008c-4851-98b6-c0b9b1293389

DoW SciTechCONNECT Mississippi Regional Pop-Up Event
2026-01-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
The Department of War (DoW), in collaboration with the Applied Research Institute and Jackson State University, is hosting a SciTechConnect Regional Pop-Up event in Jackson, Mississippi, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.
With the goal of breaking down barriers of entry, this event is designed to educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War to grow the national security innovation ecosystem.
This one-day event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the DoW through engaging sessions led by DoW officials and staff. Additionally, participants will have the chance to ask questions and get answers directly from DoW leadership.
Register here: https://events.bizzabo.com/780508/home

Ignite 2026 Leadership Conference
2026-01-29
Ignite is a half-day leadership experience designed to ignite your potential and elevate your impact, whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging talent, or part of a team that wants to grow together. Hosted by the Community Development Foundation, this conference brings world-class speakers, energizing peer-to-peer interaction, and practical takeaways all under one roof right here in Northeast Mississippi.
Expect a high-energy morning filled with powerful insights from dynamic keynote speakers, real-world leadership strategies you can implement immediately, and meaningful connections with other professionals who are passionate about growth, community, and influence. Ignite is more than just talks — it’s an opportunity to expand your network, sharpen your leadership skills, and come away inspired to lead with confidence.
What’s included:
✨ Insightful presentations from top leadership voices
✨ Networking with local and regional leaders
✨ Free coffee, soft drinks & snacks
✨ Practical tools and action steps for your leadership journey
✨ Optional continuing education credit information available onsite
Whether you’re building influence in your organization, developing your team’s leadership capacity, or simply ready for a spark that pushes you forward, Ignite 2026 delivers inspiration and practical value in a collaborative, upbeat environment.
Register here: https://www.igniteleadership.com/

MSU Startup Expedition
2026-01-30 - 2026-01-31
Startup Weekend is now Startup Expedition!
MSU’s Startup Weekend is now a 3-part journey—Startup Expedition—designed to take ideas from spark to showcase.

Startup Basecamp (Jan 30–31, 2026 @ MCITy, Vicksburg): A two-day launchpad where participants form teams, explore technologies, and begin the climb toward Startup Summit.
Startup Elevate (February – mid-March): A hybrid 6-week guided program covering customer discovery, technology development planning, competitive research, business model design, financials, and pitch prep.
Startup Ascent (late March): Teams pitch at the local DAWG Tank pitch competition, presenting newly developed commercial opportunities to a panel of judges. Winners advance to Startup Summit, (April) Mississippi State University’s statewide showcase of top startups alongside student founders from across the country.

Register Here

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference 2026
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00
The Mississippi Health Innovation Conference is a collaboration between the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi and some of the most renowned physicians, innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Register here: www.mshic.org

MEDC 2026 Legislative Reception
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
Join economic developers, Chambers of Commerce and industry partners from across Mississippi to connect with peers and state leaders during the legislative session. This reception provides a pertinent opportunity to promote and raise awareness of key legislative priorities that impact economic development statewide.
Date & Time:
February 5, 2026
5 – 7 PM

Location: Fertile Ground
800 Manship Street, Jackson, MS 39202

Cost: Free to attend – registration required. Register here: https://medcms.memberzone.com/events/details/medc-2026-legislative-reception-1201

MPI Sustainability Challenge
2026-02-23 - 2026-03-06
Help tackle hard-to-recycle plastics, including polystyrene, PVC, PET, films, and plastic bags. Choose your track. Create a scalable and market-ready solution in the Innovation Track, or turn plastic waste into powerful artwork in the Art Track. This challenge is your chance to rethink plastic, reduce landfill impact, and show how creativity and innovation can drive sustainability.
Location: Mississippi Polymer Institute, 46 Shelby Thames Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Date and time: Feb 23, 3:00 PM – Mar 6, 3:00 PM
Register Here

Mastering Your Books: Essential Accounting for Mississippi Small Businesses
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
Empower your Mississippi-based business with foundational financial skills in this interactive webinar from ConnectMS, a partnership between the Mississippi SBDC Network and InnovateMS. Discover the critical difference between bookkeeping and accounting, explore key reports like Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheets, and learn practical strategies to avoid cash pitfalls, make informed decisions, and prepare for growth. Ideal for entrepreneurs aiming to boost financial literacy and readiness—join us to turn your numbers into success!
Tuesday February 24th 12-1pm CST
Register here: https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10600

3rd Coast Venture Summit
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-12
The Gulf South, known as the 3rd Coast, is an emerging center of venture activity where experienced talent and global-caliber resources fuel the next generation of high-growth companies.
Encompassing Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, the 3rd Coast is establishing itself alongside the East and West coasts as a credible, investable startup region.
3rd Coast Venture Summit convenes founders, investors, and corporate partners at the center of this momentum, creating a focused environment for connection, capital, and scale.
Learn more- https://3rdcoastventuresummit.com
