Launch, Learn, and Connect
The Startups hub is your entry point into the Mississippi Polymer Institute’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you are preparing to pitch, refining your business idea, or looking to build meaningful connections, this is where you get started. Explore opportunities like our Pitch Competition, Winter Practice Pitch, and other events designed to support founders at every stage. From first idea to real traction, these programs are built to help you take the next step with confidence.
MPI Ignition Pitch Competition
Our annual Pitch Competition brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to present their business ideas in a high-energy, professional setting. Contestants pitch their ventures to a panel of judges composed of investors, industry experts, and seasoned mentors. Finalists compete for prizes including seed funding, mentorship packages, and visibility within the regional entrepreneurship community. To be considered for this year’s event, be sure to complete the signup form linked below.
Winter Practice Pitch
Get a head start on your big ideas! Our Winter Practice Pitch is an opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to test their concepts in front of a supportive audience before the main pitch competition in May. Participants will receive constructive feedback to strengthen their presentations, refine their messaging, and boost their confidence. Whether you’re polishing a business plan or exploring a new idea, this practice round is designed to help you grow and prepare for success.
Entrepreneur Ecosystem
The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) plays a vital role in Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through its collaboration with Innovate Mississippi, including participation in the CoBuilders™ Accelerator program. Through this partnership, MPI helps move early stage ideas toward scalable businesses by hosting pitch events, offering mentorship, and connecting startups to statewide resources that feed into Innovate Mississippi’s broader pipeline. These efforts give entrepreneurs access to structured programming, funding opportunities, and investor networks while strengthening the state’s innovation economy. MPI also brings unique value through its technical expertise, providing product development, testing, and scale up support for startups, particularly in advanced materials and manufacturing.
If you are building something and want to get connected to Mississippi’s startup network, click the link to the right:
