When you visualize the top technology epicenters fueling America‘s information economy, states like California, Washington, New York, and Texas likely come to mind first. But quietly over the past few decades, Mississippi has transformed into a southern star – attracting and cultivating homegrown tech companies that fuel industries from entertainment to national defense.
Bolstered by business-friendly policies, research partnerships with top state universities, and exponential growth in skilled tech workers, both global names and scrappy startups have found fertile ground to plant roots across Mississippi. This article will showcase some of the pioneers, analyze key ingredients fueling the boom, and predict where the Magnolia State goes from here.
Becoming a Magnet for Tech Investment
So how did Mississippi accelerate from a relatively small blip to surpassing tech sector growth rates even in already-established hubs like Silicon Valley? An attractive cocktail of incentives coupled with sangfroid leadership helped lay the foundation.
Governor Tate Reeves has doubled down on positioning Mississippi as a premier destination for forward-thinking industries. In 2022 alone, the state announced major project wins landing investments from aerospace leader Pratt & Whitney, cybersecurity firm Hunter Technology, and medical manufacturer Proferential Diagnostics. The stability and infrastructure afforded companies here fuels consistent innovation cycles not disrupted by big city headaches around real estate availability or providing employee perks.
Pratt & Whitney Director of Operations Erin Krawczyk echoes why global brands feel at home, stating the Magnolia State “offers ready access to talent, supply chain, existing infrastructure, and a strong pipeline of future workers from schools nearby.”
Beyond leadership declarations, the data proves Mississippi punching far above its weight class across tech sector job growth, startup density, and productivity benchmarks:
58% tech industry job growth over last 5 years – the #1 rate nationally
Over 1,100% increase in software developer job postings since 2012
6.4% higher productivity of Mississippi tech workers versus national average
The welcoming environment couples with targeted incentives like the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program which supports role creation by covering a portion of payroll for eligible new hires. This catalyzes companies to expand their footprints as they scale.
Spotlight on Some of Mississippi‘s Largest Tech Innovators
So which companies form the vanguard of Mississippi‘s tech revolution? Global brands and scrappy startups alike driving advancement across industries have sunk roots here:
Homegrown Heavyweights
VSS – Founded in Jackson in 1990, manages critical IT infrastructure, security, and cloud solutions for hundreds of enterprise brands. With over 600 employees, it ranks Mississippi‘s largest private tech company.
Bomgar – Its secure remote access software enables support teams worldwide to troubleshoot technology issues in real-time. Bomgar maintains major software development centers in Mississippi after acquisition by cybersecurity giant Axonius.
Peavey Electronics – This iconic music equipment manufacturer has pushed boundaries in amplifier, instrument, and audio gear design from its Mississippi headquarters since 1965. Still family-owned, Peavey gear powers over 10,000 live shows daily.
Navagis – A geospatial analytics pioneer, its custom visualization solutions leverage complex data to drive growth for firms in agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and other fields. Core technologies specialize in predictive modeling and machine learning applications.
Rising Startups
HyperLuxe Gaming – Founded in 2020, this premium gaming gear manufacturer crafts sleek, customizable controllers and accessories for core gamers. It controls the entire design process in-house to ensure top quality standards.
WISPR Systems – Located among drone research clusters near Starkville, this manufacturer offers commercial-grade customizable and rugged drones. Their specialty applications from infrastructure scans to emergency response made WISPR a startup to watch.
EdgeTheory – Harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to solve complex business problems. Born in Columbus in 2012, its technology enables predictive analytics, computer vision, and data visualization capabilities for leading organizations.
Rocketing Systems – Creator of BukRocket, a platform automating influencer campaigns for ecommerce merchants on Shopify. Already powers over 1,000 brands by integrating directly with Shopify‘s API to scale affiliate and ambassador efforts.
Legacy Innovators That Paved the Way
Modern giants stand on the shoulders of Mississippi tech pioneers that laid the foundation for current success. Many stemmed from humble beginnings before relocating to tech epicenters once scale called for reinvention.
Telecommunications revolution MCI Communications was born in Mississippi in 1963 before eventually being acquired by Verizon. Early electronic payment enabler MoneyGram also traces its roots back to Mississippi, where it began transferring money orders via telegraph in 1940s Jackson.
On the gaming front, Casino Magic transformed from a plucky startup in 1992 to a regional hospitality powerhouse. It gained renown for showcasing the latest slot machines and interactive entertainment experiences until its purchase by Hollywood Park/Pinnacle Entertainment in 1998.
These stories and others remind us that global tech influence can spring from unlikely places when the conditions allow. And Mississippi‘s formula has empowered both homegrown and adopted companies here to thrive.
Key Ingredients Fueling Mississippi‘s Rise
So beyond competitive tax incentives, what underlying assets provide the fertile soil for Mississippi‘s technology ascension? A few crucial ones stand out:
1. Universities Prioritizing STEM Education – Mississippi is home to cutting-edge research centers and technology incubators closely integrated with companies. The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi and others actively collaborate with innovators translating ideas into practice.
2. Accelerating Tech Workforce – With nearly 9,000 STEM graduates per year and growing coding bootcamps, Mississippi cultivates talent aligned to industry needs. Engineers and developers are sticking around too – with 80% of Mississippi State tech grads remaining in state, largely due to alignment with employers.
3. Business Community Embracing Digital Transformation – Industry groups like Innovate Mississippi directly engage business leaders through conferences, networking events and addressing hurdles around modernization. This supports a culture of technology adoption fueling ideas.
4. Southern Small Town Charm – Mississippi offers the affordability, safety and warmth of tight-knight communities lacking in major metros. Coupled with cities like Jackson, Hattiesburg and Starkville punching above their weight class food-wise, Mississippi brings a balanced lifestyle.
The Forecast Calls for Continued Growth
With all indicators pointing up and a strong foundation laid for innovation across sectors, expect Mississippi‘s technology impact to continue opening eyes nationally.
Michele Conroy, Executive Director of the Mississippi Technology Association projects that “firms will create at least 13,000 additional high-paying tech jobs over the next five years.” She cites the combination of investments in digital infrastructure, business incentivization, and public-private partnerships fueling the rosy outlook.
From powerhouses like VSS and Bomgar leading the way to scrappy startups harnessing emerging technologies, companies and talent have flocked to Mississippi as an unlikely engineering mecca. And the Magnolia State seems primed to maintain momentum in its next chapter as a destination for technologists and inventors across disciplines charting tomorrow‘s landscape.
