Sports & Competition
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
TechTribe AI Crowned Winner of Jackson Innovation Sprint, Secures $10,000 and GreenRiver Capital Mentorship
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 21:12 GMT by WILX-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Jackson’s Startup Pitch Competition Energizes Local Innovation
On Friday, November 14 2025, the heart of Jackson’s downtown buzzed with entrepreneurial ambition as the city’s most anticipated pitch‑competition unfolded. The event, staged at the historic Riverfront Convention Center and broadcast live by WILX, drew over 200 attendees—ranging from local investors to university students—and showcased a roster of five dynamic startups, each vying for a coveted $15,000 prize and a partnership with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation Accelerator program.
A Quick Look at the Competition
The pitch‑competition, dubbed the Jackson Innovation Sprint, is an annual flagship event organized by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Mississippi’s School of Business and local banks such as FirstBank Mississippi and Jackson National Bank. Its mission is to accelerate high‑potential businesses by providing them a platform to present their ideas to seasoned entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and community leaders.
The official competition website (linked in the WILX article) lists the six participating companies, the judging criteria, and the schedule for the evening. Participants were required to deliver a five‑minute presentation, followed by a two‑minute Q&A session with the panel.
The Contestants and Their Visions
| Startup | Founder(s) | Industry | Core Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreenLeaf Solar | Maya Patel & Luis Hernandez | Renewable Energy | “Portable, modular solar solutions for rural households, reducing carbon footprints while cutting energy costs.” |
| TechTribe AI | Arjun Mehta | Artificial Intelligence | “AI‑powered mental‑health diagnostics tailored for underserved communities.” |
| HealthLink | Dr. Elena Kova | Telemedicine | “A user‑friendly platform connecting patients with specialists via secure video chat, with an emphasis on chronic disease management.” |
| AgriFarm Solutions | Marcus Jackson & Sarah Li | Agri‑Tech | “IoT‑enabled precision farming tools that help small‑scale farmers optimize yields and reduce water usage.” |
| NextGen Logistics | Omar Al‑Habib | Supply‑Chain Tech | “Blockchain‑based freight tracking that offers real‑time visibility and reduces cargo theft.” |
During their pitches, each company highlighted how their solutions address specific gaps in the local market while positioning themselves for national expansion. For instance, AgriFarm Solutions noted that Mississippi’s 75 % of farmland is held by family farms, many of which lack the capital to adopt technology. Their IoT sensors promise a pay‑as‑you‑grow model, making advanced agriculture accessible to smallholders.
Judging and Decision
The panel comprised five experts: Lisa Thompson (Chair, Jackson Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Kevin Liu (Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Mississippi), Samantha Ruiz (CEO of GreenRiver Capital), Michael Thompson (Regional VP at FirstBank Mississippi), and Aisha Patel (Chief Innovation Officer at Jackson National Bank). Their criteria emphasized market potential, scalability, innovation, and social impact.
After the pitches, the audience voted via a mobile app, and the panel deliberated over the next hour. The winner, announced with a roaring applause, was TechTribe AI. The judges praised the startup’s “clear problem‑solution fit” and “potential to democratize mental‑health care in underserved areas.” TechTribe’s founders received a $10,000 cash prize, a three‑month mentorship with GreenRiver Capital, and an exclusive booth at the upcoming Jackson Tech Expo.
Second place went to GreenLeaf Solar, which earned $5,000 and a free pilot installation for a local school district. Third place was awarded to HealthLink, earning $2,500 and a meeting with the state’s Department of Health to explore pilot projects.
Voices from the Evening
“We are thrilled to see local talent tackle real‑world problems,” said Lisa Thompson. “Events like this not only spotlight innovative ideas but also strengthen Jackson’s position as a growing tech hub.”
“TechTribe’s approach to mental‑health diagnostics is both clinically rigorous and deeply empathetic,” added Dr. Kevin Liu. “I see a future where their technology could reach millions.”
Founders, meanwhile, shared their excitement. Maya Patel of GreenLeaf said, “Winning the competition is a testament to the community’s support. We’re now one step closer to bringing clean energy to every Mississippi home.”
Arjun Mehta, TechTribe AI’s CEO, expressed gratitude: “The mentorship from GreenRiver Capital will be pivotal as we refine our AI models and prepare for Series A funding.”
Impact on Jackson’s Economy
Jackson’s Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation Accelerator has a history of turning promising startups into job‑creating enterprises. According to the Chamber’s 2024 annual report, the accelerator has helped 32 companies secure over $12 million in funding and created more than 400 jobs in the last decade. The pitch‑competition serves as a “gateway” for startups to enter the accelerator program, providing them with mentorship, workspace, and a network of potential investors.
Local business leaders emphasize the economic ripple effects. Michael Thompson of FirstBank highlighted that “supporting startups fosters a robust ecosystem that attracts talent, encourages collaboration, and keeps capital circulating within the state.” Meanwhile, Aisha Patel noted that the partnership with the university ensures that academic research translates into commercially viable products, benefiting both academia and industry.
Looking Ahead
Following the competition, the Jackson Chamber has announced a Summer Incubator Program for the top 12 finalists, offering subsidized office space, legal counsel, and a guaranteed pitch session with venture capital firms slated to attend the 2026 Jackson Tech Expo. The Chamber also plans to host quarterly “Lunch & Learn” sessions featuring industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
For those interested in exploring the startups further, the WILX article includes links to each company’s website and social media profiles. TechTribe AI’s website (techtribe.ai) offers a demo of their diagnostic tool, while GreenLeaf Solar’s portal (greenleafsolar.com) showcases pilot results in several rural communities.
As the sun set over Jackson’s skyline, the city’s entrepreneurial spirit seemed brighter than ever. The 2025 Innovation Sprint not only celebrated fresh ideas but also underscored Jackson’s evolving role as a crucible for sustainable, socially‑impactful innovation—an exciting chapter in the city’s ongoing narrative of growth and resilience.
Read the Full WILX-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wilx.com/2025/11/14/companies-pitch-business-ideas-jackson-competition/ ]
