MCITy hosts Dawg Tank startup pitch June 26; application deadline May 30

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mississippi State University at MCITy will host “Dawg Tank,” a startup pitch competition and qualifier event for the CoBuilders accelerator program, on Thursday, June 26, at 2 p.m. on the second floor of MCITy in Vicksburg.

The competition, which mimics a real investment environment, invites early-stage startups to pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges for a chance to win a share of $20,000 in prizes. Individual category awards will total $10,000.

MCITy’s Dawg Tank is a qualifier for CoBuilders, a statewide accelerator led by Innovate Mississippi. Innovation-based teams may become eligible for the program, which offers enhanced mentorship, funding, and investment opportunities. In addition, three lifestyle or service-based businesses will receive scholarships to the Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp, hosted by the Vicksburg Warren Partnership.

Applications are due by May 30. Individuals with a startup idea or startups with less than $25,000 in existing funding or sales are encouraged to apply.

Each team will have approximately eight minutes to pitch, followed by four minutes of questions from judges. Participants will receive mentorship, pitch templates, and networking opportunities in preparation for the event.

For more information or to apply, click here or contact Tasha Bibb, senior porgram manager, MSU office of technology management at tasha.bibb@msstate.edu.