Once again, the Accelerate 2024 conference highlighted the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in Mississippi. It was a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, ambitious startups, savvy investors, and dedicated stakeholders from all corners of our beautiful state, showcasing Mississippi’s entrepreneurial spirit.
For a quarter of a century, Innovate Mississippi has been a critical force in nurturing innovation and driving economic growth. This milestone—25 years—made our celebration even more exciting, featuring inspiring sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and heartfelt recognition of the achievements within our entrepreneurial community.
The conference launched on Tuesday afternoon with CoBuilders Pitch Day, during which the founders of the 2024 CoBuilders Cohort showcased their innovative ideas to an audience of investors and other professionals looking for high-growth investment and mentorship opportunities.
Food Scout won two awards: a $3,000 Microsoft AI Award and a $1,000 sponsored by MWB. Home Tours Pro LLC earned a $2,500 Microsoft AI Award. Automatic Mosquito Ovitrap LLC earned a $1,000 prize funded by gener8tor. To recognize their outstanding mentoring efforts, mentors Trevor Acy and Michael Lane each received $500 checks sponsored by JonesWalker.
After the excitement of Pitch Day, participants gathered at the Westin for a delightful Speaker Sponsor Reception on Innovation Alley. There, sponsors, founders, investors, and attendees connected in a warm atmosphere enhanced by the soothing sounds of live jazz performed by Raphael Semmes, all under a canopy of twinkling lights.
The following morning, the conference officially launched with an informative legislative update from Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann. After his remarks, we honored him for his significant contributions to fostering innovation in Mississippi.
Kevin Decker, CEO of Ocean Aero, stole the show with his keynote presentation. He shared his vision for the future of autonomous underwater vehicles and revealed the exciting reasons behind his company’s decision to relocate its innovative business from California to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Watch a live interview with Decker by Mississippi’s SuperTalk radio network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYftIic9NIk
With over 300 attendees from various industries, you could feel the electricity in the air at Accelerate 2024. Together, we explored practical ways to empower the next generation of Mississippi entrepreneurs through two specialized programming tracks focused on innovation and practical strategies for business success.
Expert panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on the latest national trends in AgTech, BlueTech, and ClimateTech. The Innovate Mississippi team announced a new partnership with the MS SBDC Network, which will introduce new services in 2025 to help prepare entrepreneurs for funding opportunities in Mississippi. They also explored how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses across the state.
The Wednesday sessions also included a second pitch competition, where past CoBuilders took the stage to share what their companies offer. RebornC from the CoBuilders 2023 cohort won a check for $2,500.
Throughout our two-day celebration, the Whova conference app made networking a breeze, allowing participants to share ideas and insights and collaborate on future projects. Attendees left the event with newfound knowledge, meaningful connections, and collaborative prospects that will propel innovation forward in our beloved state.
Thanks to all our speakers, sponsors, founders, investors, mentors and participants for Accelerate 2024. Together, we are excited that the future of entrepreneurship is bright in Mississippi.
