We’ve had five events in five cities so far this year, and founders from across the state are showing up to pitch, compete, and build. The 2026 Innovate Mississippi statewide pitch season is well underway, and the range of ideas that hit the stage this spring tells a compelling story about what entrepreneurs across this state are building.
Our statewide pitch network, in partnership with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, brings together entrepreneurs from across the state. Spanning seven regions and featuring two competition tracks — High-Growth Innovation & Technology and a Main Street track — the network is designed to meet founders where they are. Whether building the next tech breakout or growing a community-rooted small business, every entrepreneur has a place in this network.
Together, the seven events will award more than $200,000 in prizes to competing founders. But the value of participation goes well beyond the prize money. Each pitch event gives founders access to experienced judges, mentors, and investors, plus visibility for their companies, and the chance to build relationships across Mississippi’s growing startup ecosystem. Top performers may also earn an invitation to our CoBuilders Accelerator, which begins in August 2026.
The Results So Far
MCITy — Vicksburg
High-Growth Innovation & Technology: 1st: Precision Heat Technologies, 2nd: Clarus Labs, 3rd: Beibeaux Sol
Main Street: 1st: Hair Rich Project, 2nd: Butta Scrubs, LLC, 3rd: WESTRx
MSU E-Center — Starkville
Bulldog Business: 1st: Automatic AI, 2nd: Cuff Way, 3rd: NYCK AI
Mississippi Made: 1st: Reclaim, 2nd: Angkor Goods, 3rd: Amend
Mississippi Polymer Institute — Hattiesburg
High-Growth Innovation & Technology: 1st: Angkor Goods, 2nd: Senior Assist, 3rd: Mangrove Materials
Main Street: 1st: Complete Care Solutions, 2nd: Mother Goose Heirlooms
The Bean Path — Jackson
High-Growth Innovation & Technology: 1st: Litverse, 2nd: Veteran’s Drone Company, 3rd: VigilNet AI
Lifestyle Companies: 1st: The M Pad LLC, 2nd: Black Excellence Water, 3rd: Herbarn Skin Bar
StartUp Gulf Coast — Gulfport
High-Growth Innovation & Technology: 1st: Prosentra, 2nd: Codify AI, 3rd: BVY
Main Street: 1st: Light Carriers, 2nd: Smokin’ Guns Shooting Academy, 3rd: Tailor-Made Tours
Mississippi entrepreneurs are building across industries, regions and business models, spanning healthcare, advanced materials, consumer products, technology and community-focused services. The range of ideas taking the stage reflects both the diversity and the depth of what’s growing in this state.
From Vicksburg to Starkville to Hattiesburg to Jackson to the Gulf Coast, this season has made one thing clear. Entrepreneurial energy is not limited to any one city or region. It is statewide.
Two Events Remain
In June, the 2026 statewide pitch season heads into its final stretch. Two regional competitions are still to come, hosted by Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation (OLinc) in Oxford and the Community Development Foundation (CDF) in Tupelo. These events will complete the seven-region network and help identify the next wave of Mississippi founders advancing through the ecosystem.
If you’re a founder who hasn’t pitched yet, there is still time! Learn more about the remaining events and what it takes to compete at innovate.ms/statewide-pitch-events.
