Innovate Mississippi

Graphene Innovation & Research Conference
2019-11-19 08:00 - 2019-11-20 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
This two-day conference will bring together leaders from academia, industry, and government funding agencies to focus on recent advances in graphene innovation and research, bridging the gap between lab and industry and enabling graphene-focused technologies.

During the event, leaders from the government, universities, national labs, and industries will convene to discuss strategies through which graphene can be leveraged to elevate already existing industries, create new high paying jobs, attract new companies and businesses and nurture and support spin off companies from the graphene academic and university network.
The conference will also incorporate a design competition with $15,000 in prizes for five companies. More info on the competition page.

Oceans in Action Workshop
2019-11-04 - 2019-11-06 | Courtyard Marriott Beachfront, 1600 Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
The local Section of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) invite you to attend the annual Oceans In Action Workshop. The event will take place at the Courtyard Marriott Beachfront in Gulfport, MS on Nov 4-6, 2019. Visit www.mtsociety.org/oceans-in-action/ to learn more about this event.
What’s Oceans in Action All About?
It’s the premier Gulf Coast regional marine technology event focusing on emerging technologies – bringing together federal, state, local, and private organizations for presentations, business-to-business/business-to-government meetings, exhibits of the latest technology, and pier-side demonstrations in association with the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise Gulf Coast.
NEW this year!

Expanded pier-side demonstrations supporting the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise Gulf Coast
High-level presentations and panels by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
More panels and meetings focused on how to do business with these and other federal agencies

To learn more contact Laurie Jugan at 228-688-1192 or at lajconsulting@bellsouth.net

Mississippi Capital Conference
2019-10-24 | Rick House, 717 Poplar Boulevard, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
McLaughlin, PC’s inaugural Mississippi Capital Conference will be held October 24, 2019 . This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear about the upswing in early stage finance for technology and innovation-based startups and emerging companies located in Mississippi. Attendees will also learn about what early stage finance opportunities exist in Mississippi, how to prepare for a successful investor pitch, and the nuances of the fundraising process.
Topics will include:

Where to find early stage capital in Mississippi
How to prepare for the fundraising process
The mechanics of closing the deal
What investors are looking for in investable companies

The Mississippi Capital Conference will be held at the Rick House located at 717 Poplar Boulevard in Jackson. The event will begin with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and include a keynote address from Joel Bomgar, the founder of Bomgar Corporation, a Mississippi based remote support solution.
The Mississippi Capital Conference will conclude late afternoon with a networking reception where company founders and investors will have an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. Attendees must preregister and space is limited. Click Here to register!

Mississippi New Venture Challenge 2019
2019-10-03 13:00 - 19:00 | Clyde Muse Center, 515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl, MS, 39208, United States
Innovate Mississippi will present it’s 11th Annual Mississippi New Venture Challenge on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Clyde Muse Center on the Hinds Community College Campus in Pearl.
If you would like more information, please contact Tasha Bibb at 601.960.3624 or tbibb@innovate.ms.
Date: October 3, 2019
Location: Clyde Muse Center, 515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl, MS 39208; 601-936-1860.

Southeastern Regional Opportunity Zone Summit
2019-09-30 - 2019-10-01 | Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
The purpose of this two day event is to examine how the new federal Opportunity Zone incentive can accelerate regional efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant and resilient Southeast economy, and strengthen equitable growth in communities across Mississippi, the region and the country.
Opportunity Zones is a new initiative created under the 2017 Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which provides incentives for qualified investors to invest capital gains in distressed communities across the United States. The idea is based on bipartisan legislation originally introduced by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Corey Booker (D-NJ). According to estimates from the U.S. Treasury Department, up to $6 trillion in sidelined capital could move into 8700 eligible census tracts.
Day 1 of the event will address a known gap inhibiting future Opportunity Zone (OZ) program success: the lack of a robust, investable pipeline of projects that Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds can invest in and achieve desired returns. Training will be offered to help Southeastern communities be OZ-ready and promote cross-sectoral collaboration leveraging Opportunity Zones to drive local economic development.
Day 2 of the event will feature elected officials, economic developers, community leaders, private investors, and U.S. administration officials to discuss the power and promise of the new federal Opportunity Zone incentive.

Details

WHEN
September 30 & October 1, 2019
Day 1 | State & Local Opportunity Zone Boot Camp
Day 2 | Regional Opportunity Zone Strategies Summit
*Option to choose to attend single days or both.
WHERE
Jackson Convention Complex
105 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson, Mississippi
COST
Free to attendees

For more information, agenda and to register, please click the link below:
Opportunity Zone Summit 2019

Lobaki Open House
2019-09-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Lobaki, 736 S President St., Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Come Tour Lobaki’s New Headquarters!

Meet the Team
Preview Lobaki’s newest applications
light snacks and drinks
open to all partners, collaborators, and friends of Lobaki
Oculus Quest Giveway!!

Please RSVP!

Mississippi Digital Government Summit
2019-09-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Jackson Marriott, 200 East. Amite Street, Jackson, 39201, United States
Government Technology’s passion is helping spread best practices and spurring innovation in the public sector. The Mississippi Digital Government Summit is designed to do just that. The summit has an advisory board that gathers public sector and private sector leaders to create an agenda that is relevant and actionable to the state and local government organizations attending the summit. Participants tell us they use the inspirational keynotes, leadership discussions, networking breaks, and timely topics discussed in the numerous breakout sessions to help advance the goals of their organizations and their own career paths.
Topics Include:

Navigating the Cloud
Cybersecurity Resources – You’re Not Alone
Data Revolution
A Workplace Culture for the Future
Emerging Trends and Technologies
Digital Transformation
Project Management Best Practices

Rural Rise Summit 2019
2019-09-17 - 2019-09-19 | Pine Bluff Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Dr, Pine Bluff, AR, 71601, United States
Committed to the rise of entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Exploring Innovative Partnerships
Increasing Access to Opportunity
Measuring Success Differently
Considering Multi-Generational Approach
Changing Mind Sets, Building Capacity
Making Entrepreneurhsip Language Accessible
Identity Programs that work and Scale
Developing and Sharing Rural Success Stories

USACE Innovation Summit 2019
2019-09-17 - 2019-09-18 | U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, United States
A high-profile networking event with national visibility, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Innovation Summit 2019 will attract industry, government, and academic participants by featuring presentations, exhibits, tech challenges, and opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

Agenda
All activities will be held at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) at the Waterways Experiment Station (WES), Headquarters Building. For the most up-to-date information, please download the 2019 USACE Innovation Summit Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. (Mobile App Coming Soon) or visit https://www.erdcwerx.org/agenda.html

4th Annual "Money Purpose Success" Summit
2019-09-07 | Greenville Higher Education Center, 2900 MS-1, Greenville, MS, 38701, United States
The “Money Purpose Success” (MPS/#MoneyPurposeSuccess) Summit was started by Higher Purpose Co. over four years ago, and continues to celebrate Black women and provide a positive space to learn and grow.
We know business ownership is one way families can build generational wealth. Higher Purpose Co. brings together resources and nationally recognized entrepreneurs to help Black women entrepreneurs.
The MPS Summit was also recently recognized by the Mississippi Development Authority for creating a unique experience for local residents and tourists from across the region.

UM Tech Summit
2019-08-28 08:00 - 13:00 | Gertrude Castellow Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 100 University Avenue, University, MS, 38677, United States
The Summit will bring together leaders from government, business, and higher education to explore trends in technology and to stimulate discussions about technology-related needs in industry and education.
Guest of Honor
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker
Chairman, Senate Commerce Committee
Keynote Speaker
David Cohen
Senior Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation
Guest Speaker
Ajit Pai
Chairman, United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Register here: http://techsummit.olemiss.edu/register-now/

The Health Innovation and Transformation Forum (HIT Forum)
2019-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Norman C. Nelson Student Union, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, United States
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s 2nd Annual Health Innovation and Transformation (HIT) Forum is an interactive event where health innovators from UMMC and across the state will share their ideas for improving the health of Mississippians. The HIT Forum will feature a startup pitch competition for innovative health care solutions from anywhere in the world.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is looking towards home grown innovation and partnerships with leading innovators from around the globe to reach that goal. Please enter and/or attend if you are interested in learning how Mississippi is innovating in health care or if you are interested in working with us to move the needle towards a healthier Mississippi.
Schedule:
10:00am Welcome and Keynote Speakers
10:45am Break
11:00am Startup Catfish Tank
12:00pm Keynote Speaker/Lunch
1:00pm Innovation Working Session
2:30pm Innovation PITCH Competition
3:30pm Fireside Chat
4:30pm Reception

MagnoliaJS
2019-04-17 - 2019-04-18 | MS
MagnoliaJS is Mississippi’s inaugural JavaScript and coding conference. If you are interested in JavaScript or other topics related to web development, this conference is for you. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a bootcamp or college student, a self-taught dev, or anywhere in between, this conference is for you.

Tech JXN 2019
2019-04-16 - 2019-04-17 | MS
Tech JXN is a two-day presentation of the value inherent in the City of Jackson and its geographic region as an attractive business hub for Tech.
Overview:
TECHNOLOGY – Highlight the region as a connected business community with high-speed
broadband and an active entrepreneurial tech-innovation ecosystem
EDUCATION – Highlight 7 local institutions of higher education as Talent Development
Pipelines producing a STEM-educated workforce prepared for a global Innovation Economy
CREATIVITY – Highlight the creative arts as an economic driver in the Innovation Economy
HEALTHCARE – Highlight the region’s strong focus on health technologies and innovation, including the Jackson Medical Mall and UM Medical Center

2019 Innovate Mississippi Legislative Open House
2019-03-05 16:30 - 18:30 | Innovate Mississippi’s Jackson Office, 121 North State Street, Suite 500, Jackson, MS, United States
Held at the Innovate Mississippi offices in downtown Jackson, we invite Mississippi legislators and area leaders to learn more about Innovate Mississippi and our initiatives for growing the innovation ecosystem in 2019. Hors D’oeuvres, beverages on the rooftop patio; meet our entrepreneurs; experience virtual reality.

Startup Weekend Jackson 2019
2019-03-01 - 2019-03-03 | Coalesce, 109 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
SAVE THE DATE! Startup Weekend allows individuals or teams to go through the process of creating a company, validating a product and presenting to the group. Great practice and experience—and it’s tons of fun!
Register here >>

TEDx Jackson 2019
2019-02-14 09:00 - 15:00 | MS
The TEDxJackson team returns this year to bring you “The Next 200,” an exploration of “ideas worth spreading” about the next 200 years of our city, our state and the world at large. Speakers will examine the ideas, perspectives, challenges and solutions that will shape our future, from both a near term and far-reaching point of view. They are planning a day filled with exciting ideas, captivating speakers and unique experiences. The one-day event will be held at the auditorium of the new Two Mississippi Museums complex in downtown Jackson.
The TEDxJackson team brought Mississippi’s first TEDx event to Jackson in 2014 with a conference themed “Fertile Ground.” The event featured the celebrated return of Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog to Mississippi to give the muppet’s first-ever TEDx talk. Since that time, the team has produced two additional TEDx events, “Lift Off,” in 2015, and a TEDxJacksonWomen conference in 2016.

Fish 2.0 Gulf Coast Workshop - Reception and Pitch Sessions
2019-02-13 15:00 - 18:00 | GCRL Marine Education Center, 101 Sweet Bay Drive, Ocean Springs, 39564, United States
The USM Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center is helping host the Fish 2.0 Gulf Coast Workshop in conjunction with Monica Jain, founder and Executive Director of Fish 2.0 and MS-AL Sea Grant.
You’re invited to attend the pitch session and the reception. The event begins at 3pm February 13th at the USM Marine Education Center, Conference Room (101 Sweet Bay Drive Ocean Springs, MS 39564). If you would like a tour of the Aquaculture Center, it will begin at 2pm and conclude by the start of the event.
Fish 2.0 is a unique opportunity to grow small businesses focused on various types of aquaculture including technologies, feeds, traceability, consumer product innovation and other topics. As a participant in the industry and investors event, it is an opportunity to hear the workshop participants pitch their ideas, gain access and insights into innovations and network.

2018 Company and Investor Spotlight
2018-11-13 15:00 - 17:00 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
The 2018 Company and Investor Spotlight is a session dedicated to showcasing some of the cool and interesting startups being developed in Mississippi. Throughout the showcase, we will feature investor panels with educational info for both investors and entrepreneurs on topics such as the investment process and access to remote investors and opportunities.
Networking opportunities are built in to allow for further discussion. We invite investors, service providers, mentors, economic developers and other entrepreneurs to this session. The Spotlight offers an opportunity for Mississippi entrepreneurs to gain some exposure for their venture while making valuable connections with mentors, potential investors and others in the innovation ecosystem.
The event is free to the public and part of Accelerate: The Conference on Technology Innovation.

Accelerate: 19th Annual Conference on Technology Innovation
2018-11-13 13:00 - 2018-11-14 13:30 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Join us in November for our annual conference featuring “big ideas” speakers, breakfast and luncheon keynotes, Innovation Alley and much more.

SBIR Pitch Night
2018-10-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Great Southern Club, 2510 14th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Featuring a “pitch” competition for cash plus a $2500 in-kind award to the winner of the competition.
Technology companies, SBIR-STTR candidates, and technology investors including Angel funds and private equity will be invited to participate in this unique event. Learn what investors are expecting and looking for, valuable networking opportunities, and ideas on how to give you the edge to move your technology forward…!!
$25 registration fee. Free for members of the SBIR Consortium.
For questions and further information please contact:
inquire@sbirc.org

Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala
2018-09-13 18:00 - 22:00 | The Country Club of Jackson
The Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala will honor Wade H Creekmore, Jr., and James H. Creekmore, Sr., and celebrate a number of other people and companies that represent excellence in innovation in Mississippi. The event takes place on September 13, 2018, at the Country Club of Jackson.
2018 Inductees in the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame: Gail Pittman; Leo Seal, Jr. (posthumously); Ernest Burdette, Robert Sandoz and Frank Wilem, Jr.
Innovation Impact Award Recipients: Algix, Brighter Health Network, Kopis Mobile, EdgeTheory.

Mississippi Choctaw Hackathon: Between the Earth and Sky
2018-07-13 08:00 - 2018-07-15 17:00 | MS
All participants ages 16-26 are welcome as part of the Hackathon.
The program includes three days of exciting content, leadership development programming, hacking with hands-on mentorship, a final pitch competition, a VR and gaming gallery, and a special afterparty. All meals are included with the program. The required contribution is $25 for students and $50 for professionals. For those from out of town, two nights of accommodation at the Golden Moon Resort are available for $100 ($50/night). Scholarships are available, more information is included in this application.
100 Developers. Global Tech Leaders in Aerospace, Augmented Reality and IoT. $10,000+ in Prizes.
Some of the most important aspects of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ first Hackathon are the exciting technical talks and hacking sessions supported by hands-on technical and business mentors with real-world experience and specialized expertise in our core subject areas. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has invited world-class speakers and mentors from locally and around the world to participate, and more are always welcome.
Be Part of the First Hackathon on the Reservation.
Date: JULY 13-15, 2018
CHOCTAW, MISSISSIPPI

The Health Innovation and Transformation Forum (HIT Forum)
2018-05-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Norman C. Nelson Student Union, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, United States
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s inaugural Health Innovation and Transformation (HIT) Forum is an interactive event where health innovators from UMMC and across the state will share their ideas for improving the health of Mississippians.

The HIT Forum will feature a startup pitch competition for innovative health care solutions from anywhere in the world,, with a $25,000 prize and additional benefits in the form of piloting the solution at UMMC and access to their accelerator space.
The forum will also feature a poster presentations and a business plan competition that is open to students and faculty of any Mississippi IHL college or university.
Finally, the forum will feature a “fireside chat” with clinicians and researchers who will discuss their innovation journeys.

Schedule:
10-11 a.m.: Introduction and keynote speaker
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Pitch competition
12 p.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch and poster presentations
1 p.m.-2 p.m.: Fireside chat
2 p.m.-3 p.m.: Announcement of winners, awards, and closing remarks
3 p.m.-4 p.m.: Networking reception

Lunch with the Source - Jackson - "Delivering Your Pitch"
2018-05-10 11:30 - 12:30 | BankPlus @ The District at Eastover, 1200 Eastover Drive, 3rd Floor, Jackson, MS, 39211, United States
“Pitch Perfect: Delivering Your Pitch”

Greg Word has spent over a dozen years in the economic development industry, where delivering pitches is a way of life.
He brings a design and marketing mindset to developing, fine-tuning and delivering a message crafted to reach and resonate with your target audience.
Whether it’s for a small project or a billion-dollar deal, Greg will help make you pitch perfect.

C Spire MVMT 2018 Conference
2018-05-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
The day-long C Spire MVMT 2018 conference, the flagship event which is bringing to life the company’s tech movement initiative designed to help transform the region for future success, is set for Tuesday, May 8 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, in downtown Jackson.
“As the region’s technology leader, we want individuals to step out of their comfort zone and experience for one day a technology-filled future that C Spire and its partners are helping bring to life right here in our state,” said C Spire CEO Hu Meena. “It’s a future you’ve got to see to believe.”
MVMT will include a half-day information security summit for businesses from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. featuring thought leaders and industry experts from C Spire, Apple, Cisco, Hitachi Vantara, Horne Cyber and Dell Technologies in a series of talks and breakout sessions about the latest security trends and threats in the information technology world.
“Technology workforce development and recruiting more IT workers for Mississippi businesses are crucial factors in the future growth and diversification of our state’s economy,” said Scott Waller, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. “With the growing importance of cybersecurity, this summit will help businesses of all sizes and stripes get the answers they need.”
A two-hour interactive technology expo aimed at consumers and high school students also is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as part of MVMT 2018, featuring 3D food printing from Sue’s Tech Kitchen, virtual reality technologies from Exit Reality, Intel and Lobaki and a connected car demonstration from Nokia.
“Technology is transforming the way we live, work and play,” said Tony Jeff, president and CEO of Innovate Mississippi. “We’re excited that C Spire is giving consumers and students an opportunity to get up close and personal with applications like robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, virtual reality and the Internet of Things.”
The afternoon session, which begins at 12:30 p.m., will feature a trio of renowned speakers at the forefront of technology and culture, including Randi Zuckerberg, founder of Zuckerberg Media and in association with Sue’s Tech Kitchen, Sarah Bond, general manager of business development for Microsoft and Howard Wright, vice president of Global Business Development for the Intel Sports Group.
Exhibits and special breakout sessions are planned in the afternoon for educators, teachers and employers on computer science education in the classroom, teacher training in information technology subjects and a modern workplace panel discussion focusing on how workplace and workforce changes impact business operations.

Mississippi Robotics 2018 Annual Statewide Competition
2018-04-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Nissan North America Plant, 300 Nissan Drive, Canton, MS, 39046, United States
The STEM Advancement / Mississippi Robotics 2018 “STEM/SUMO” Annual Statewide Competition will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Nissan – Canton, MS.
The time will be 8am – 5pm. Seven individual events and three team events will be included in the competition.
Mississippi Robotics is a non-profit organization involved in training youth and teachers in science, technology, math, and engineering through practical hands-on activities. This STEM/SUMO Competition is designed to exercise and measure the students’ ability in several important areas involving skill, critical thinking, and strategy. Experience is not required.
Awards. As we have done in our last two competitions students will be awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places per event with STEM Points that can be redeemed at our STEM Store at the end of the competition. We expect over $4,000 in STEM gifts to be in the store.
Registration. Groups of four or more must sign up to be eligible for the team events. After serving over 1000 youth and after five years of competitions at no cost we will begin charging a fee of $10 a student. This competition is expected to be limited to 300 students due to facility space. All fees are attached to a particular student and are non-refundable.

Startup Weekend Jackson - 2018
2018-04-20 12:00 - 2018-04-22 12:00 | Coalesce, 109 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
A Weekend Accelerator for Ideas! The hardest part of starting up is starting out. At Startup Weekend, you’ll be immersed in the ideal environment for startup magic to happen. Surrounded by smart, passionate people and with the best tools and approaches at your disposal, you’ll take giant leaps toward creating a business, becoming a founder, and connecting with the right people and resources.
Learn more and register at Eventbrite >>

SBIR Road Tour at Jackson State University
2018-04-19 | Jackson State University, 1400 Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217, United States
The SBIR Road Tour is a national outreach effort to convey the non-dilutive technology funding opportunity provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Federal and State Program Managers representing the $2.5 billion in early stage funding have been invited to attend a series of events alongside technology entrepreneurs and innovation supporters from across the United States.
The highly competitive SBIR/STTR programs together account for more than 160,000 awards totaling approximately $40 billion. These awards have helped U.S. innovators advance new technologies that help make the U.S. more globally competitive.
Click here to RSVP for the SBIR Road Tour.
Contact Crystal Kehtel for more information.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Technology Expo
2018-04-16 08:30 - 15:00 | Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
Learn the tools of technology and trends of tomorrow at the 2018 Technology Expo. From social and digital trends in the workplace to understanding “The Cloud”, this technology event will not be one to miss. Gain all of the tools you need to strive in a technology-growing world at the inaugural Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Technology Expo. Keynote speakers will present during breakfast and lunch, and there will be breakout sessions on specific technology topics for discussion.
