[Jackson, Miss.] Innovate Mississippi is pleased to announce the Accelerate 2024 Conference, celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mississippi.
The Accelerate conference takes place November 19-20, 2024, bringing together startup founders, investors, and business leaders from across the state to explore innovative solutions and drive the next wave of high-growth entrepreneurship. This year’s conference promises a dynamic agenda packed with exclusive investor training, pitch presentations, networking opportunities, and more.
The conference starts on Tuesday, November 19, with CoBuilders Pitch Day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art in downtown Jackson. This “shark tank”-style showcase highlights Mississippi’s most promising startups emerging from the 2024 CoBuilders program. Founders will present their ventures to a panel of investors, mentors, and potential partners. Attendees will have the chance to hear from high-impact Mississippi entrepreneurs and support their journey toward success.
Day 1 wraps with a Speaker and Sponsor Reception at The Westin Jackson from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The reception offers speakers, sponsors, and special guests an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
On Wednesday, November 20, the main Accelerate conference day starts with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 8:00 a.m. Breakfast Keynote featuring Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, who will present a look at the 2025 Legislative Agenda.
After the breakfast session, attendees can then attend several thought-provoking breakout sessions on two tracks from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Plus “Coffee and Contacts” at 9:15 to 9:30 and 10:30 to 10:45 am.)
• The Road To Funding (9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Oxford Room): Moderated by Lindsey Benefield, this panel features Joe Graben, Tony Jeff, Sharon Nichols, and Willie Watson. They will discuss the new InvestMS services and other funding pathways, including angel investments, venture capital, grants, and alternative financing options available to Mississippi startup companies.
• Pitch Competition – “Pitch Perfect” (9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Natchez Room): Led by Anna deTiege, this high-energy event will showcase innovative Mississippi startups raising $200,000 or more. Founders will deliver quick 10-minute pitches, giving the audience a glimpse into some of the state’s most promising business ideas and opportunities for potential investment.
• Sustainable Futures: Investing in AgTech, BlueTech, and Climate Tech (10:45 – 11:45 a.m., Oxford Room): Moderated by Kwamena Aidoo, with panelists Barry Knight, Sadie Henderson, and Neil Chen, this session explores emerging trends in sustainable industries. Panelists will discuss how Mississippi startups can leverage opportunities in AgTech, BlueTech, and Climate Tech, where the state has a competitive advantage.
• Mississippi’s AI Revolution: Actionable Strategies for Today’s Businesses (10:45 – 11:45 a.m., Natchez Room): Dr. Brittany Myburgh moderates this panel with experts Dr. Nashlie Sephus, Krystal Chatman, Bob Buseck, Dr. Alisa Mosley, and Tiffiney Carter-Washington. The expert panel explores how AI transforms businesses across the state, offering actionable strategies for local companies to enhance operations, boost efficiency, and personalize customer interactions.
Throughout the morning, attendees are invited to Cafe Copilot, sponsored by Microsoft, where attendees can engage with hands-on demonstrations of Microsoft AI Copilot.
The conference concludes with our Luncheon Keynote featuring Kevin Decker, CEO of Ocean Aero. Decker, an industry leader with over 20 years of experience in global team-building and commercial strategy, has steered organizations across various industries toward growth and customer-focused solutions. A Boston University graduate with a Six Sigma black belt certification, Decker’s keynote will provide valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and building resilient, growth-oriented teams—essential knowledge for any Mississippi entrepreneur or investor.
For more information and to register for the conference, please visit accelerate.innovate.ms.
