By: Dr. Nashlie Sephus | June 30, 2025
As the founder of The Bean Path and engineer, I’ve always believed that Mississippi has the potential to be a leader in technology and innovation. This belief was reinforced recently when we had the honor of hosting U.S. Representative Congressman Bennie Thompson at The Bean Path. This was the first time the Congressman has visited The Bean Path and Tech District. His visit marked a significant milestone in our journey to bridge the digital divide and empower our community through technology.
During his tour, Congressman Thompson expressed his admiration for the strides we’ve made. He stated, “I’m very impressed. I know a lot about this area. I’ve represented it for quite a while, and I’ve seen the highs and the lows. Now we are back moving toward the top.” His words resonate deeply, affirming that our efforts are not only recognized but also pivotal in shaping the future of our region.
Our mission at The Bean Path is to ensure that as Jackson grows, our community isn’t left behind in the technological advancements that drive modern economies. We aim to provide access to resources, education, and opportunities that enable individuals to thrive in a digital world.
One of the ways we foster innovation is through our recent pitch competition that we host in partnership with Innovate Mississippi, Succeed and Elevate and the MS Small Business Development Center Network. We had more than 40 applications from innovators and business owners from Central Mississippi, in which 10 remarkable entrepreneurs were selected to showcase their businesses. These individuals presented groundbreaking ideas to a panel of judges, vying for a share of $15,000 in prizes.
Among the standout participants was Omar Morris, who won first place in the tech and innovation category with his Eversol Solar project—a solar-based mobile energy system designed to power homes off the grid. Another notable entrepreneur, Trenton Robinson, introduced the TechDesk, a smart desk aimed at enhancing educational experiences for high school students.
These innovators exemplify the creativity and determination that exist within our community. Their success stories are a testament to what can be achieved when talent is nurtured and given a platform to flourish.
As our state looks to the future, I’m convinced that tech is growing here and Mississippi’s next big industry is innovation.
While agriculture and manufacturing have long been the backbone of Mississippi’s economy—feeding our families and fueling our identity—it’s time to recognize that innovation is poised to be the state’s next defining industry. The world is changing rapidly, and the jobs of tomorrow will be centered around technology, data, and creative problem-solving. With over 60,000 jobs already tied to the creative economy in Mississippi, and industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming increasingly tech-reliant, we have a unique opportunity to position our communities at the forefront of this transformation. Investing in innovation isn’t about replacing our roots—it’s about nurturing them. By cultivating tech talent, supporting startups, and ensuring access to digital tools, Mississippi can evolve from being a consumer of innovation to a producer of it. The time to plant those seeds is now.
Congressman Thompson’s visit and the success of our pitch competition underscore the momentum building in Mississippi’s tech scene. It’s an exciting time, and I am filled with optimism about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Together, we can continue to drive innovation, create opportunities, and ensure that Mississippi is not only part of the technological revolution but at its forefront.
Dr. Nashlie H. Sephus is the founder of The Bean Path, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the tech gap in Mississippi through education, innovation, and community engagement and developer of The Bean Path Tech District. Additionally, she is the Principal Applied Scientist For Amazon Artificial Intelligence (AI) focusing on fairness and identifying biases in these technologies. She formerly led the Amazon Visual Search team in Atlanta, which launched visual search for replacement parts on the Amazon Shopping app in June 2018. This technology was a result of former startup Partpic (Atlanta) being acquired by Amazon, for which she was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
