Mississippi’s startup community continues to level up. Now in its 26th year, the Accelerate Conference powered by mTrade returned November 11–12, 2025—this time taking over the Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center. The move to a larger, more dynamic venue is a clear signal of how far Mississippi’s innovation ecosystem has come, and how much momentum lies ahead. Founders, funders, students, researchers, policymakers, and ecosystem partners from every corner of the state gathered to connect, learn, and keep building what’s next for Mississippi.
A Bigger Stage for a Bigger Community
After years of unforgettable gatherings at The Westin, this year’s venue offered more room, more energy, and a more immersive environment for collaboration. Every detail—from the staging and lighting to signage and breakout layouts—felt elevated. That heightened experience matched the vision behind Accelerate: a statewide celebration of entrepreneurship and the people pushing Mississippi forward.
Statewide Collaboration and Support
This year, Innovate Mississippi teamed up with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDCN) to bridge the full spectrum of business growth. Whether someone was launching a Main Street retail shop or scaling a high-growth tech company, the programming offered something valuable. Federal investment also played a key role, with support from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s SSBCI program; a reminder that Mississippi’s innovation economy continues to attract national backing.
Programming That Spurs Momentum
Across two days, attendees engaged in meaningful sessions designed to help companies grow. Discussions ranged from navigating non-traditional funding paths to building real software without writing code. Leaders in AI unpacked what responsible adoption looks like, while policy-focused conversations provided insight into how the state continues to support business investment, entrepreneurship, and tech-driven job creation. Investors and corporate partners showed up in force, signaling confidence in Mississippi founders and emerging industries.
Pitch Competitions That Fuel Growth
Innovation came alive on stage through pitch showcases that spotlighted Mississippi’s most promising companies. Early-stage and scale-up founders presented solutions in fintech, health, legal tech, climate science, and beyond. Judges, investors, and peers filled the room—proving that great ideas from Mississippi can compete anywhere.
A Win for Altude
One of the biggest highlights for our team at Gulf Coast Business Council was celebrating Altude, the Coast-based tech company we supported through Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator. Altude is simplifying blockchain for real-world business use, removing complexity so companies can adopt secure digital tools without crypto knowledge or technical barriers. Their innovative work earned multiple awards and checks during Pitch Day from BankPlus and Microsoft. We are proud to partner with founders like these who prove that world-changing companies can and do start here in Mississippi.
Championing Innovation
The conference concluded with a powerful luncheon keynote, featuring Jewel Burks Solomon—founder, investor, and national leader advancing entrepreneurship. Her journey from entrepreneur to fund manager encouraged attendees to keep building with purpose, widen the path for others, and ensure that opportunity reaches every part of our state.
The Path Forward
Mississippi’s innovation ecosystem has never been stronger. Accelerate 2025 demonstrated a unified belief: our founders, innovators, students, and visionaries are building real companies, solving real problems, and creating real economic growth. As Mississippi continues to rise, GCBC is honored to support a future where big ideas become transformative industries—right here at home.
