Apply

Applications for the 2025 CoBuilders cohort are now open.

Founders can apply for a maximum of two pitch events which take place at least one month apart.

The Cobuilders Pitch Day for 2025 is set for November 11th and will kick off Innovate’s Accelerate Conference on Technology and Innovation.

Your participation in CoBuilders starts with a local partner. Click here for details about each statewide partner and how to get in touch to participate in a local qualifying pitch event or contact April Dixon at adixon@innovate.ms for more details.

You can also join the Innovate Mississippi newsletter to receive notifications and updates!

2025 Timeline

These pitch events are open to the public; if you would like to attend, click here to see our events page.

April 24th-25th

Pitch Event at MSU E-Center Starkville

May 5th

Pitch Event at The Bean Path

May 15th

Pitch Event at Higher Purpose Hub

May 15th

Pitch Event at Mississippi Polymer Institute 

June 10th
Apply here by April 30th

Pitch Event at Gulf Coast Business Council

June 12th
Apply here by April 30th

Pitch Event at Oxford / Lafayette Economic Development Foundation

June 16th
Apply here by May 2nd

Pitch Event at CDF

June 26th
Apply here by May 30th

Pitch Event at MSU E-Center Vicksburg

November 11th

Pitch Day kicking off  Innovate’s Accelerate Conference on Technology and Innovation

CoBuilders Starts with a Local Partner

The road to CoBuilders begins with our partners. Companies interested must first apply to pitch at one of their 8 regional pitch events. If selected, at the very least you will have the chance to win cash and exposure for your business. If you meet our CoBuilders requirements listed below, you will also be considered for a spot in the main cohort.  Each partner may have different criteria for their event, applications to apply are listed below and are also included in the partner’s information section on the partner’s tab.

Why would my company participate?

Benefits for your company begin immediately upon registering for a local partner event and with the assignment of a mentor and the chance to hone your pitch and work alongside a regional partner to build the plan and grow. Just being connected to the startup ecosystem in your region will show benefits, since connections are vital to startup growth, but the real benefits begin if a company is selected to participate in the statewide CoBuilders’ Cohort.

Companies selected to participate in the statewide CoBuilders’ Accelerator will join a 10-company cohort. Upon acceptance, companies will participate in a 12-week virtual intensive development program and will receive assistance and capital in various forms.

Companies selected for the statewide CoBuilders’ Cohort will join your fellow companies for an in-person kickoff event and a mid-term in-person event. The regular programming of the Accelerator is virtual, with the final Pitch Day as a big in-person event.

CoBuilders Requirements

Companies that will be targeted for Cobuilders MUST:

  • Be headquartered in Mississippi.
  • Commit to completing the cohort.

Ideal Companies:

  • A team of at least 2 founders is preferred.
  • Capability to achieve investor-ready status by the end of the 12-week cohort
  • Companies likely to target investor funding between $100k and $600k by Pitch Day
  • High-growth innovation and technology companies.
  • Capability to produce a sufficient minimally viable product or product representation within the first few weeks of the cohort for customer validation.
  • Able to use limited funding from the cohort to achieve meaningful progress.
  • Seeking structured development assistance to overcome technology, market, or financial risk.

Companies that are accepted into CoBuilders will:

  • Receive investment ($22k-$45k) in the form of a SAFE Agreement;

for more information on SAFE agreements, please see the y-combinator website ; use this link to read SAFE agreement document.

  • Have funding opportunities from local sponsors, MS Seed Fund, and other sources as applicable.
  • Participate in 12- week curriculum and receive invaluable coaching and mentorship.
  • Have the opportunity to pitch on November 19th to investors.

If you are a company ready to apply through CoBuilders or you are a mentor ready to lend your expertise, you can see a preview of the steps and processes we’ll be working on through the CoBuilders Accelerator through this recorded webinar.

Overview Videos