Bean Path AI Month
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-26
AI Month 2026: A Month of Innovation, Built for Everyone
Join the Bean Path in June for a citywide experience designed to help Metro Jackson explore how artificial intelligence is shaping everyday life, careers, and businesses.
From networking with industry leaders to hands-on learning experiences, AI Month is your chance to engage, learn, and grow in today’s digital world.
What to Expect:
AI Month Luncheon (June 3) – Connect with leaders and explore AI’s impact
Southern Spark + AI Afterhours (June 11–12) – Innovation, insights, and networking
OATS Scavenger Hunt (June 17) – AI made accessible for older adults
Youth Events (June 22–23) – Fun, engaging AI conversations for kids & teens
AI Digital Storytelling Camp (June 24–26) – Creativity meets technology
Register for Events

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-08-06 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-10-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-11-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-12-03 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | 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

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

Oxford Lafayette Incorporated Pitch Competition
2026-06-11 13:00 - 18:00 | Oxford Conference Center, 102 Ed Perry Blvd, Oxford, MS, 38655, United States
Join us at the OLinc Pitch Competition in Oxford for a high-energy event where founders pitch their businesses, compete for cash prizes, and connect with Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, bringing together entrepreneurs from across the state.
The competition features two pitch tracks—Scalable Business and Traditional Business—and is one of eight regional pitch events held statewide, with over $200,000 in total prize money available across all eight events. Participants gain access to experienced mentors, receive valuable feedback from judges, and ventures with high-growth potential may be invited to join Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator, beginning August 2026.
Apply here – https://airtable.com/appEXKLwQ5oSAorxH/paguujTrAxob42H6z/form
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.

The Community Development Foundation Pitch Competition
2026-06-15 13:00 - 18:00 | Renasant Center for Ideas, 398 E Main St, Tupelo, MS, 38804, United States
Join us at the Community Foundation Pitch Competition for a high-energy event where founders pitch their businesses, compete for cash prizes, and connect with Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, bringing together entrepreneurs from across the state.
The competition features two pitch tracks—Scalable Business and Traditional Business—and is one of eight regional pitch events held statewide, with over $200,000 in total prize money available across all eight events. Participants gain access to experienced mentors, receive valuable feedback from judges, and ventures with high-growth potential may be invited to join Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator, beginning August 2026.
Apply here. https://airtable.com/appEXKLwQ5oSAorxH/pagHxTFjhnv9UqF3v/form
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.

Sloss.Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition
2026-06-24
Funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation

Sloss.Tech/Ideas is a platform for early-stage companies in the Southeast U.S. to present their groundbreaking solutions in Agtech and foodtech; Healthtech and biotech; Talent and Productivity Tech; and Emerging tech to investors and industry experts.

When:
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Location:
Lyric Theatre
1800 3rd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Why Apply to Sloss.Tech/Ideas?
$135,000 in total prizes, including a $100,000 Best in Show Grand PrizeAt least 25% of finalists walk away with cash prizes$375 travel stipend for every finalist company to support participationVIP access to Sloss Tech, unlocking curated exposure to investors, customers, partners, and collaborators across the SoutheastPre-event and on-site pitch coaching to sharpen your story before you step on stageHigh-signal founder-funder touchpoints, including the Startup Showcase and Founders & Funders programming
Proof point: 100% of finalists in Year 1 reported meeting at least one investor, customer, or partner they planned to follow up with after the conference.
If you’re a Southeast-based early-stage founder looking for capital, credibility, and real conversations that move your company forward, Sloss.Tech/Ideas is built for you.

Categories
Sloss.Tech/Ideas, funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation, is currently accepting applications from startups from the Southeast, focusing on the following technology.

Agtech and Foodtech
Innovative technologies and solutions transforming agriculture, aquaculture, and food industries, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. This includes advances in genomics-improved crop varieties, cold storage capacity, eco-friendly bio-stimulants, and innovations in food processing and supply chain resilience. Cutting-edge methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture enable growers to enhance productivity and address emerging challenges while exploring opportunities in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and value-added food manufacturing.

Healthtech and Biotech
Innovative technologies revolutionizing healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences by advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and clinical trials with diverse populations. This category also highlights breakthroughs in diagnostics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, supported by workforce training and technology transfer. These innovations foster collaboration and growth in fields like drug development, medical devices, and environmental health.

Talent and Productivity Tech
Technologies that power how work is organized, managed, and delivered across modern organizations. This category includes platforms that support hiring, workforce planning, training, scheduling, compliance, productivity, and performance across a wide range of industries. Solutions often leverage data, automation, and AI to help organizations and workers operate more efficiently, adapt to changing skill demands, and succeed in evolving models of work.

Emerging Tech
Innovative technologies at the forefront of industry transformation, serving as a home for startups that defy traditional categories. This includes advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things (IoT), software as a service (SaaS), edtech, fintech, and Tech for Good initiatives. It also spans breakthroughs in chemical manufacturing, advanced engineering, forestry innovations, clean energy, and sustainability solutions. From real-time monitoring and smart infrastructure to energy-efficient data centers and sustainable materials, these technologies enhance connectivity, drive automation, and address global challenges. This category captures pioneering ideas shaping the future of tech and tech-enabled industries, bridging the gap between emerging needs and innovative solutions.
Sloss Tech will accept applications from February 3rd, 2026, to April 10th, 2026. To learn more and apply, click HERE.

ConnectMS Webinar: 10 Steps to Legally Start Your Business
2026-06-30 12:00 - 13:00
Starting a business the right way begins with understanding the legal, financial, and operational steps needed to build a strong foundation. Join ConnectMS and the Mississippi SBDC Network for a practical webinar designed to help entrepreneurs better understand what it takes to legally and properly establish a business in Mississippi.
Whether you are preparing to launch a new business or want to ensure your current business is set up correctly, this session will provide practical, actionable insight. Gene Finley, Center Director of Mississippi SBDC @ MS Delta, will walk participants through 10 key startup steps, including business structure, operating agreements, EINs, licenses, tax IDs, bookkeeping, insurance, and business banking.

Register here: Startup Space

Pitch at IDEAfuel
2026-07-06
IDEAfuel (by IdeaVillage), supported by the Regions Foundation, is a venture accelerator designed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the region’s startup ecosystem by addressing known gaps in early-stage capital access for Black founders and founders of color.
The program provides a select number of competitively chosen startups with $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with 1:1 mentorship and structured workshops to support venture development and growth.
IDEAfuel is designed to help close systemic access gaps in early-stage entrepreneurship by providing capital, guidance, and targeted support to founders at a critical stage of company building.
IDEAfuel is open to alumni of IDEAinstitute or to founders who commit to completing IDEAinstitute upon acceptance into the program.
Apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/6ce553ab06f271e852ad34c619a03e1b?r=use1
Deadline to apply is July 6.

GulfBlue Happy Hour
2026-07-17 16:00 - 18:00
Join GulfBlue for a Happy Hour with Yi Chao from Seatrec as they share some exciting news on expanding manufacturing in Mississippi! Please register here.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cbr95c5

Launch Your Startup Webpage with Vibe Coding
2026-07-28 12:00 - 13:00
Your idea needs to be public before you ask for meetings, customers, signups, or money.
Day: July 28 | Time: 12-1
In this session, we will help you use AI tools to build and publish a simple webpage for your startup idea.
Register here: https://hub.catalyzerapp.com/public/events/launch-your-startup-webpage-with-vibe-coding-with-222-133

StartUP Gulf Coast Summer Ecosystem Mixer
2026-08-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Hen House, 122 Blaize Ave, Bay St. Louis, 39520, United States
The StartUP Gulf Coast Summer Ecosystem Mixer is happening on Wednesday, August 19th, from 5-7 PM at Hen House.
Calling all entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and service providers! The StartUP Gulf Coast Summer Ecosystem Mixer is 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 opportunity to meet like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Event Details

Date: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Hen House
Address: 122 Blaize Ave, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Cost: Free to attend (registration required)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-gulf-coast-summer-mixer-tickets-1994901377722

ConnectMS Webinar: Financial Planning for Business Growth
2026-08-25 12:00 - 13:00
Join ConnectMS, Innovate Mississippi, and the Mississippi SBDC Network for “Financial Planning for Business Growth,” a practical webinar designed to help business owners better understand the numbers behind sustainable growth. Featuring Dr. Flint Brent, Business Counselor with the Mississippi SBDC Network.
During this one-hour session, participants will learn practical strategies for:
• Building realistic budgets and financial projections
• Managing cash flow
• Evaluating pricing and profitability
• Preparing for financing
• Planning for future expansion
Whether you’re preparing to grow, pursue financing, improve profitability, or simply gain greater control over your business finances, this session will provide actionable insight you can put to work.
Register here: https://loom.ly/MKQbJDI

Mississippi Aerospace & Defense Symposium
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-04 | Sheraton Refuge Conference Center, 2200 Refuge Blvd, Flowood, MS, 39232, United States
THE ROOM WHERE MISSISSIPPI’S LEADERS IN AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE COME TOGETHER.
MADS 2026 brings industry, government, and academia together to advance aerospace and defense innovation across Mississippi and the region.
Three days in the heart of the Magnolia State—expert-led panels, keynote presentations, curated facility tours, and a showcase of the state’s strengths in research, workforce, and technology.
Register here: https://www.msaerodefense.org/events/mississippi-aerospace-and-defense-symposium-mads-2026/register

Launch Tennessee's 3686 Conference
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-16
This September in Tennessee, go bigger.
Next starts now. We always say 3686 is the best way to get to know Tennessee startups—the leading-edge innovators, bold thinkers, and fearless pioneers shaping the future frontier across the Volunteer State. 3686 is Tennessee’s flagship entrepreneur conference: named for Nashville’s geographic coordinates, rooted in Music City, and a leading destination for the Southeast’s innovation ecosystem. It’s built for breakthroughs, where ideas gain traction and connections spark the momentum to power the year ahead.

What to Expect
For over a decade, 3686 has brought together leading voices and fresh perspectives to explore the ideas, trends, and challenges shaping what’s next—paired with high-impact networking that puts founders and innovators face-to-face with investors from across the country.
Now in 2026, we’re going even bigger—expanding the week’s lineup and introducing new can’t-miss events, from a tech and startup job fair connecting the state’s top talent with opportunities at dynamic companies and corporate powerhouses, to Tennessee Innovation Night with the Nashville Sounds as they face off against the Memphis Redbirds. Plus, Startup Homecoming, an evening bash and unforgettable 3686 celebration bursting with capital, corsages, and cover bands.

Get updates here: https://www.attend3686.com/

Pitch at Venture Atlanta
2026-10-14 - 2026-10-15
Venture Atlanta is looking for tech-enabled, Southeast-based companies that are passionate about innovation, and are looking to raise within the next 18 months. Once you’re selected to pitch, you’re a VA alumnus forever, and you’ll continue to receive benefits beyond the conference, like invites to the Alumni Dinner and exclusive packages for future conferences.
Connect with hundreds of active investors and gain live exposure on stage. It’s free to apply and takes less than 15 minutes to hit submit.
Venture Atlanta serves as a platform for companies located in the greater Southeast as noted by the 13 states below. If your company is completely virtual you must have some affiliation with one of these states in order to participate.
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC.
Apply to pitch here: https://companies.ventureatlanta.org/apply/
Deadline to apply is August 7th.
Learn more: https://www.ventureatlanta.org/pitch/

DelTech Conference 2026
2026-10-14 - 2026-10-16
Three days, tons of innovation.
Join us for the second annual DelTech Conference October 14–16, 2026
The Delta is more than just rich in history — it’s a powerhouse of innovation. DelTech is a two-day experience showcasing the talent, ingenuity, and cultural forces driving this region forward. The conference brings together the best minds in tech and entrepreneurship to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the groundbreaking work happening in Memphis and the Delta as a whole.
DelTech 2026 Experiences:

Showstopping Speakers
Can’t-Miss Workshops
Dynamic Programming
Community Connections

Get Tickets here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/TGXwySO1BRZcseiV9VIb/
Pitch at DelTech!
Ready to take the stage? Apply to pitch your startup at DelTech and compete for a $5,000 prize in Entertainment and Tourism Innovation, MedTech, or General Tech and Innovation.
Apply Here: https://zealous.co/epicentermemphis/opportunity/deltech-pitch-competition-2026/
