Technology, Innovation and R&D

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Innovate in Mississippi

It’s no secret that businesses, communities and cities thrive through shared learning. That’s why Mississippi puts a high value on education. With eight public universities and four research universities bridging the gap with the local business community, Mississippi businesses have fresh access to innovative talent in their industry.

The Mississippi Research Consortium (MRC) consists of Jackson State University (JSU), Mississippi State University (MSU), the University of Mississippi (UM) and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). All four institutions have made great strides in working with the local business community to commercialize research and development.

Just like our state tree, startups in Mississippi row tall, wide, and require very little to thrive. Even so, the state offers a plethora of services to help businesses succeed, including the Entrepreneur Center and a host of business incubators focused on providing young firms with funding and resources.

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Jackson State University Mississippi State University University of Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi Innovate Mississippi The University of Mississippi Medical Center V-Quad Incubator

Four Universities with heavy focus on research and development

Mississippi State reported $264 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2019

Nearly $16 million dollars in research and technical assistance through the NASA Cooperative Agreement in last two decades

Every commercial airliner holds at least one piece made in Jackson, MS

Making waves in scientific engineering

Innovative Mississippians are conducting research at the highest of calibers.

In 2020, USM conducted a market assessment to evaluate potential businesses for licensure of a unique biopolymer developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The Polymer Institute offers full-service technical and scientific resources for polymer-based material industries

University research benefitting the masses

From food safety to airspace tech, MSU conducts innovative research

Mississippi State University is a national leader in nuclear energy research, and the school recently received federal funding for scholarships to use for research on clean energy. The University was also approved to construct a new Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center designed to develop food safety and security for one of the region’s most profitable industries — seafood. MSU is also home to the Federal Aviation Administration Center for Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft systems, which supports the FAA’s demanding and expansive research needs in a collaborative effort to safely integrate UAS into the U.S. National Airspace System

Life sciences and manufacturing research prevails

Multiple research initiatives at UM advance state industry needs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Translational Research Center provides a dedicated incubator space for partnership with businesses in the Life Sciences sector. The Carnegie-designated research university also conducts research in manufacturing at its Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which provides training and support through all facets of manufacturing.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Using STEM programs to address tech challenges

Located at Jackson State University, the center leverages the best of the campuses STEM, business and entrepreneurial capabilities as well as a collaborative potential in addressing some of tech’s most pressing challenges