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Innovate Mississippi

Innovate Mississippi accelerates startups and drives entrepreneurship throughout the state.If you’ve got a business idea, we’d like to hear about it.

Jackson, MS, USA

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Description

In 2026, Innovate Mississippi continues as a private non-profit dedicated to technology-based economic development in Mississippi. It functions as a critical bridge between early-stage founders and professional capital through coaching, strategic matchmaking, and management of specialized state funds. 
  • Target Stages: Primarily focuses on Pre-Seed through Series A.
  • Commercial Maturity: Supports companies from the "ideation" phase through to those generating revenue.
  • Focus: It acts as the only group in the state specifically focused on assisting companies in securing early-stage private equity. 
  • Method: Founders must complete a Confidential Intake Form on the Innovate Mississippi portal to become a client startup.
  • Strategic Pathway: Upon review, the team schedules a meeting to assess development and create a "path to market," connecting founders to the most appropriate internal or external resources.
  • Regional Pitch Pathway: For 2026, a single shared application allows entrepreneurs to compete in regional events across eight partner organizations, with a specific track for High-Growth Innovation & Technology Companies.

Eligibility

  • Geography: Startups must be headquartered in Mississippi or have substantial operations within the state.
  • Sector: Industry-agnostic but focused on high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, energy, healthcare, and technology.
  • Business Profile: Aimed at for-profit companies with scalable, technology-driven business models. 

Process

  1. Entrepreneurial Development: Founders use the Venture Capital Tools framework to reach "investor-ready" status.
  2. Mentorship & Coaching: Access to world-class coaching and a network of mentors to guide business development.
  3. Capital Formation: Investor-ready companies are matched with the Mississippi Angel Investor Network or the Mississippi Seed Fund.
  4. Special Programs: For 2026, the Startup Expedition (Vicksburg office) follows a three-phase journey: a two-day "Launchpad" in January, a six-week "Guided Build" through mid-March, and a final "Pitch & Showcase".

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Capital: Access to various funding pools including the Mississippi Seed Fund and private angel investor networks.
  • Network Access: Strategic connections to a mentor network of seasoned executives and experts.
  • Visibility: Opportunities to pitch at public forums and high-profile regional events like Accelerate Conference and CONNECT.
  • Resources: Help navigating federal SBIR/STTR funding through programs like MS-FAST.