For decades, Mississippi has struggled to build a thriving technology startup ecosystem. Now, Innovate Mississippi, a statewide nonprofit, is aiming to change that by connecting entrepreneurs with the funding, mentorship, and resources they need to grow.
Through its 12-week accelerator program, CoBuilders, Innovate is supporting seven Mississippi-based tech startups with business training and $25,000 in seed investment each. The program helps founders refine their ideas, strengthen their business models, and prepare to pitch to investors.
From Ideas to Investment-Ready Businesses
Among the participants are Alex Bucklew and Johnathan McAdory, co-founders of SimpleScript, a startup that aggregates prescription drug discounts to find the lowest prices for consumers.
“Scaling a business can be intimidating when it’s your first time,” Bucklew said. “The CoBuilders program gave us the guidance we needed to go from concept to funding-ready.”
Innovate Mississippi’s CEO, Tony Jeff, said the nonprofit’s mission is to “connect the dots” across the state’s startup ecosystem. With a population of just over 3 million, Jeff noted that it takes deliberate effort to link entrepreneurs with mentors, accountants, and investors. Without these connections, he added, many founders would seek opportunities in other states.
Building the Foundation for Mississippi’s Tech Future
The seven startups in this year’s accelerator will showcase their products on Nov. 11, each seeking to raise $100,000 or more from investors. Unlike traditional small businesses, Jeff said, tech startups are designed for rapid growth and scalability, often seeking early backing from angel investors and venture funds.
Jeff emphasized that beyond strong pitches, founders must understand their markets and test their products with users.
Innovators Solving Real Problems
One of the standout startups in this year’s cohort is Vertical Take-Off Reading, co-founded by Leta Palmiter and Ben Stasa. Their software assesses students’ oral reading skills, providing teachers with real-time performance data.
Palmiter, a speech therapist and nonprofit executive who works with dyslexic students, developed the idea after realizing that teachers lacked tools to measure reading fluency effectively.
The app records students reading aloud and generates detailed progress reports for teachers. “Our tool doesn’t replace teaching — it enhances it,” Palmiter said. “The data helps teachers target the specific sounds and words each student struggles with.”
Palmiter partnered with Stasa, a doctoral computer science student at the University of Southern Mississippi, who shared her passion for improving literacy. Their collaboration helped bring the idea from prototype to classroom use, where over 130 students are now testing the software.
Universities Join the Startup Pipeline
Innovate Mississippi works closely with colleges to host pitch competitions, mentor student founders, and fund research-based ventures. These partnerships help identify new innovations and nurture entrepreneurial talent.
Ricky Romanek, founder of ClaimTra, a healthcare analytics platform that helps hospitals recover unpaid insurance claims, credits the program with connecting him to the right resources.
“There’s so much startup potential in Mississippi that’s untapped,” Romanek said. “Most people don’t realize how many tools and mentors are available to help them launch.”
Fighting “Brain Drain” With Startup Opportunities
Jeff believes that a stronger startup ecosystem could help combat Mississippi’s brain drain, where young professionals leave the state in search of better opportunities.
“These startups offer a chance for Mississippians to stay, work, and innovate right here at home,” Jeff said. “They can build companies that not only thrive locally but also attract new talent to the state.”
While finding the right early-stage companies can be challenging, Innovate Mississippi’s goal is clear — turn innovative ideas into investable businesses and make Mississippi a startup destination.
“We actually have more money looking for deals than qualified deals themselves,” Jeff said. “That’s why our job is to prepare every startup to compete for that funding and grow.”
