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INNOVATION

STARTS HERE

Where Gulf South founders come for the talks and stay for the connections

Two days of intentional connections, founder-focused talks, and a live pitch showdown—Downtown Lafayette.

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Real People, Real Progress

Meet the mentors, partners, and investors who get what you’re building. 

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Action
Over Optics

No filler, no fluff — just practical insights and opportunities that move ideas forward.

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Community
That Lasts

The relationships you build here don’t end when the event does. 

InnovateSouth.2024.134.JPG

Real People, Real Progress

Meet the mentors, partners, and investors who get what you’re building. 

InnovateSouth.2025.Fri.041.JPG

Action
Over Optics

No filler, no fluff — just practical insights and opportunities that move ideas forward.

InnovateSouth.2024.123.JPG

Community
That Lasts

The relationships you build here don’t end when the event does. 

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This isn’t networking.
It’s connection by design.

From first-time founders to experienced tech leaders, Innovate South is built for people who want to make things happen.

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Skip the fluff
here’s how to dive in.

Meet the Innovators

Intentional networking

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Meet the Founders

Finalists, prizes, live showdown

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view our SPONSORS

Who backs the builders

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

Our speakers aren’t here to talk about innovation — they’ve lived it. They’ve built startups, led teams, raised capital, and navigated the same challenges you’re facing. Each one brings actionable insight, real-world experience, and a story that inspires progress.

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Terysa Ridgeway

M&A Data Integration Lead

Google

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Josh Sonnier

Director

CGI

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Colin Hurd

CEO

Mach Inc

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Johanna Dutton

Business Consultant

Robinson Ventures

SEE ALL SPEAKERS

This seriously is the best conference in Louisiana

A fantastic event, hosted by an amazing community.

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Incredible lineup of talent and innovation!

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Building a startup is tough, but having the right people around you makes all the difference.

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Loved being a part of this and can't wait to return!

This seriously is the best conference in Louisiana

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Loved being a part of this and can't wait to return!

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Building a startup is tough, but having the right people around you makes all the difference.

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A fantastic event, hosted by an amazing community.

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Incredible lineup of talent and innovation!

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Our speakers aren’t here to talk about innovation — they’ve lived it. They’ve built startups, led teams, raised capital, and navigated the same challenges you’re facing. Each one brings actionable insight, real-world experience, and a story that inspires progress.

blue.png
Terysa Ridgeway Headshot.jpg

Terysa Ridgeway

M&A Data Integration Lead

Google

Josh Sonnier Headshot.webp

Josh Sonnier

Director

CGI

Colin Hurd.jpg

Colin Hurd

CEO

Mach Inc

Johanna Dutton Headshot.jpeg

Johanna Dutton

Business Consultant

Robinson Ventures

SEE ALL SPEAKERS

Save the Date:

April 22–24, 2026 • Lafayette, LA

Our speakers aren’t here to talk about innovation — they’ve lived it. They’ve built startups, led teams, raised capital, and navigated the same challenges you’re facing. Each one brings actionable insight, real-world experience, and a story that inspires progress.

Early Bird Registration opens February 2

Spots fill fast — mark your calendar now and get ready to secure your ticket before they’re gone.

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This isn’t networking.
It’s connection by design.

InnovateSouth.2024.134.JPG

Real People, Real Progress

Meet the mentors, partners, and investors who get what you’re building. 

InnovateSouth.2025.Fri.041.JPG

Action
Over Optics

No filler, no fluff — just practical insights and opportunities that move ideas forward.

InnovateSouth.2024.123.JPG

Community
That Lasts

The relationships you build here don’t end when the event does. 

From first-time founders to experienced tech leaders, Innovate South is built for people who want to make things happen.

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At Innovate South, you don’t just attend — you belong.

I’ve never been in a room where so many people genuinely wanted to help me all at once.

— Grant S., Founder, Empath Legal

Intentional networking—real intros, real outcomes.

Meet the right people, on purpose

  • Pick your badge (Founder · Innovator · Curious)

  • Work the room with like-minded innovators 

  • Leave with momentum: 

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60+

Workshops and presentations from industry leaders

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$20k

total prizes awarded

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<200

Opportunities to network and inspire

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A multi-day program:

Founder-Focused · Built for Innovator Connections

OUR PARTNERS

All the networking opportunities, innovative speaker sessions, and collaborative experiences at Innovate South are made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Interested in becoming a sponsor for 2026? Drop us a note here!

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