🚀 Mississippi Tech Startup Weekend: Sparking Innovation!

Techstars Startup Weekend DeepTech Mississippi: Igniting Innovation

Mississippi’s first-ever Techstars Startup Weekend DeepTech MS brought together passionate entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough research into real-world solutions. With cutting-edge technologies from the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC), Mississippi State University (MSU), and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), teams worked relentlessly to define market needs, validate opportunities, and build scalable business models.

A Catalyst for Innovation

Our collaboration with Techstars provided participants access to world-class tools, frameworks, and mentorship, amplifying their ability to turn research-driven ideas into viable startups.

Before the event, ERDC, MSU, and Ole Miss contributed patented technologies to our growing catalog, now featuring 21 breakthrough innovations available for licensing. This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to connect research institutions with entrepreneurial talent and provide the resources needed to bring deep-tech solutions to market.

The Startup Weekend Experience

On Friday night, attendees arrived with energy and dedication, forming teams around three cutting-edge technologies:

• Modular Bathymetry Technology – ERDC

• Chemical Environmental Modeling – ERDC

• Video-Based Seismocardiography Tool – MSU

Throughout the weekend, teams conducted market research, customer discovery, and business model development, focusing on:

✔️ Identifying the core problem their technology solves
✔️ Pinpointing the most valuable target market
✔️ Defining a sustainable business model

And the Winners Were... 🏆

🥉 3rd Place – Team Bathymetry
🔹 Identified an alternative application for their technology
🏅 Award: $500 project voucher from the Mississippi Polymer Institute
💡 Next Steps: Exploring a technology license

🥈 2nd Place – Team Rapid Hazard Modeling
🔹 Developed a SaaS business model with a defined market and revenue strategy
🏅 Award: 3 months of free office space at MSU@MCITy + $1,000 in marketing assistance

🥇 1st Place – Team HealthView
🔹 Focused on a smart health-monitoring platform for underserved communities
🔹 Developed an MVP roadmap, market entry plan, and healthcare provider partnerships
🏅 Award: A flex desk at MSU E-Center CoWork, $1,000 in legal consultations, and a victory dinner at 10 South or Key City in Vicksburg
💡 Next Steps: Engaging with the Mississippi State Tech Transfer Office for licensing opportunities

The Road Ahead

With continued mentorship, resources, and Techstars perks—including Google Cloud credits, AWS credits, and SaaS discounts—participants are well-equipped to advance their innovations.

Mississippi Tech Startup Weekend is more than an event; it’s an ongoing initiative to fuel innovation, support startups, and bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

Stay connected and be part of Mississippi’s innovation ecosystem! 🚀

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