15th Annual Conference on Technology Innovation to feature Tufts University robotics education expert and entrepreneur, Dr. Marina Bers

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Innovate Mississippi will host the 15th Annual Conference on Technology Innovation November 4-5 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

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“The breadth of topics and themes for this year’s conference is really great – from STEM education to technology commercialization and existing industry – all focused on the deployment of innovation,” said Tony Jeff, president and CEO of Innovate Mississippi. “I’m expecting this to be our best conference ever.”

 

Mayo Flynt w blue bkgrd “This conference showcases the entrepreneurs who are creating and innovating throughout our state right now, and celebrates the development of Mississippi’s innovation culture,” said Mayo Flynt, president of AT&T Mississippi and chairman of the Innovate Mississippi board of directors. “It is exciting each year to hear about what may be the next ‘big thing’ to come from the Magnolia State.”

 

The conference begins Tuesday, November 4, with the annual Company & Investor Spotlight event, held from 1:30 until 5:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, and will feature the latest technologies and innovations from Mississippi entrepreneurs and include information about private equity investing from angel investors. A sponsor and speaker reception will be held from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 5, begins with a breakfast program at 8:00 a.m. featuring Jay Moon of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association and Tim Mask of Maris, West & Baker Advertising examining how the brain drain and need for knowledge workers are affecting the workforce in Mississippi – and what steps can be taken to ensure knowledge workers are a key component of manufacturing and workforce development. Breakout sessions will follow, covering a variety of topics such as tools to help you work smarter, better and faster; the reshoring Make It In America Initiative; resources for entrepreneurs, including information on IP, prototype, market validation and legal securities; innovations in health care; and more.

Marina Bers
Marina Bers, Ph.D., Tufts University researcher and designer of innovative learning technologies, will serve as the keynote luncheon speaker. Dr. Bers will present on her experience conceiving, designing and evaluating diverse educational technologies ranging from robotics to virtual worlds and how, as a university researcher, she spun out two businesses that were both funded through Kickstarter campaigns.

 

“Our focus on innovation within existing industry also provides a valuable draw for companies already in operation, but looking for additional innovation resources,” said Jeff. “Entrepreneurs and investors will get a lot out of the conference, but many other groups, like mentors and service providers that provide work to the state’s innovation companies – or who want to get in on these ground-floor opportunities – will get a lot out of it as well.”

The event also features an exhibit hall, a robotics exhibition by members of BEST Robotics, FIRST LEGO League and VEX Robotics teams, and prime networking for attendees.

Tickets to the Conference on Technology Innovation are $75. Click here to view the complete agenda and register.