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X-WR-CALNAME:Innovate Mississippi
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.innovate.ms
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Innovate Mississippi
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260223
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260307
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260126T174233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T174233Z
UID:937259-1771804800-1772841599@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:MPI Sustainability Challenge
DESCRIPTION: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. \nLocation: Mississippi Polymer Institute\, 46 Shelby Thames Dr\, Hattiesburg\, MS 39402\nDate and time: Feb 23\, 3:00 PM – Mar 6\, 3:00 PM \nRegister Here
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/mpi-sustainability-challenge/
CATEGORIES:Summit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sustainability-Challenge-Banner.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T183000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20251126T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T164549Z
UID:936240-1772728200-1772735400@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
DESCRIPTION:CONNECT is an opportunity for entrepreneurs\, mentors\, investors and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to network and form meaningful relationships. \nCONNECT 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. \nJoin us at Fertile Ground and enjoy a cash bar and plenty of food options available for purchase while you connect. \nWe hope to see you there! \nRegister here \nFertile Ground:\n800 Manship Street #Suite 101 Jackson\, MS 39202
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-networking-for-entrepreneurs-35/
LOCATION:Fertile Ground Beer Co.\, 800 Manship St Suite 101\, Jackson\, MS\, 39202
CATEGORIES:Connect,Jackson
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/connect-2026_6.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260310
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260313
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260205T162858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T162858Z
UID:937412-1773100800-1773359999@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:3rd Coast Venture Summit
DESCRIPTION: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. \nEncompassing Texas\, Louisiana\, Mississippi\, Alabama\, and Florida\, the 3rd Coast is establishing itself alongside the East and West coasts as a credible\, investable startup region. \n3rd Coast Venture Summit convenes founders\, investors\, and corporate partners at the center of this momentum\, creating a focused environment for connection\, capital\, and scale. \nLearn more- https://3rdcoastventuresummit.com
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/3rd-coast-venture-summit-2/
CATEGORIES:Summit
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3rd-coast-venture2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T190000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260223T182806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T182115Z
UID:937603-1773252000-1773255600@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:FoundersPlus Spring Cohort – Now Accepting Applications
DESCRIPTION:Applications Open: Monday\, February 23\nApplications Close: Friday\, March 6 at 8:00 AM\nProgram Kickoff: Wednesday\, March 11 at 6:00 PM\n\nFoundersPlus will meet each Wednesday virtually at 6:00 PM from March 11 through April 8 (five consecutive weeks). \n\n\nThis structured webinar series is designed to help early-stage founders gain clarity\, traction\, and momentum as they build and grow their ventures. \nApplication link: https://airtable.com/appA3cnVKTqDfNuMC/pagyxhbct4Xd2zuT9/form
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/foundersplus-spring-cohort-now-accepting-applications/
CATEGORIES:Launch/Startup Challenges
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/founders-plus-apps-2026_3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260319T160215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160215Z
UID:937974-1773925200-1773932400@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Canva Basics for Beginners
DESCRIPTION:A hands-on class that shows you how to design simple\, eye-catching graphics using Canva. Create a flyer or social post from scratch and work on a design you’re proud to share. No experience needed—computers provided\, or bring your own laptop \nRegister here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/canva-basics-for-beginners-day-class-1-3pm-10
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/canva-basics-for-beginners/
CATEGORIES:Jackson
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bean-path-canva.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T183000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260224T190520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T155056Z
UID:937625-1773937800-1773945000@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Hattiesburg CONNECT
DESCRIPTION:Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Come network at our CONNECT event\, a monthly informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in our 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. \nWhether 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. \nMake connections\, seek and give guidance\, and strengthen the local startup community on Thursday\, March 19th at 4:30 PM at Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg\, MS. \nCONNECT 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. \nRSVP HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7f87d494-00bc-49c6-923d-d1f8079921bf
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/hattiesburg-connect/
CATEGORIES:Connect
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mpi-connect_3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260325
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260326
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260205T162213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T162251Z
UID:937409-1774396800-1774483199@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:IDEA Institute
DESCRIPTION:Got a startup idea—or ready to take your business to scale? Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 IDEAinstitute cohort at The Idea Village. \nIDEAinstitute is a 12-week hybrid accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs ready to level up. Whether you’re refining a new concept or finally bringing that idea to life\, this program gives you the structure\, support\, and startup fundamentals to launch with confidence. \nWhat you’ll get:\n✅ Weekly founder sessions & 1:1 coaching\n✅ Tools and frameworks to launch a scalable venture\n✅ Training in the Lean Startup Method\n✅ A shot at Spring Pitch Night\n✅ A community of founders\, investors\, and mentors \nAlumni have gone on to raise funding\, grow revenue\, and join later-stage accelerators—starting with the foundation they built in IDEAinstitute. \nApply by March 25\, 2026 by submitting a founder profile here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDjiG1_lG4CElu4TD9GZQUdHaK1ALQJ-f5ZAyO-OstpmKbgg/viewform?mc_cid=2d84e3e571&mc_eid=5e1a4a661f
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/idea-institute/
CATEGORIES:Launch/Startup Challenges
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/idea-institute-wide.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260209T231243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T215851Z
UID:937458-1774530000-1774544400@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:MSU at MCity Pitch Competition
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the DAWG Tank 2026 Pitch Event 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. \nThe 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. \nThis 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.
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/msu-at-mcity-pitch-competition/
LOCATION:MCITY Vicksburg\, 1622 Washington St\, Vicksburg\, MS\, 39180\, United States
CATEGORIES:Vicksburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pitch-Day-Vicksburg-Wide.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260331T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260331T130000
DTSTAMP:20260602T132057
CREATED:20260323T192723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T214608Z
UID:938016-1774958400-1774962000@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Financing to Fit your Business
DESCRIPTION:The wrong money can cost you more than no money at all\, and chasing the wrong money costs you your time. High-growth companies must align their financing strategy with their stage\, business model\, and long-term vision. In this webinar\, Tony Jeff of Innovate Mississippi will break down debt\, equity\, and alternative funding options and share what investors truly look for when evaluating opportunities. Whether you’re scaling a venture-backed startup or building a strong growth company\, you’ll learn how to pursue capital strategically. \nRegister here: \n\nhttps://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10676\n\n \nThis 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.
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/financing-to-fit-your-business/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/connect-ms-webinar-3-31_3.jpg
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