Four new companies are setting up offices at the University of Mississippi’s Innovation Hub at Insight Park, where they can access university resources while offering student opportunities. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
New tenants offer student, economic development opportunities to region
Four new companies are setting up offices at the University of Mississippi‘s Innovation Hub at Insight Park, opening the door to new internships, partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
The new companies represent a variety of fields, from technology, philanthropy and advanced construction to financial technology entrepreneurship. Having an office at the Innovation Hub at Insight Park means gaining access to research partnerships, talent pipelines and business support services, said William Nicholas, director of economic development and Insight Park.
“Each new tenant represents a different part of the economic engine we’re building,” he said. “From cybersecurity to philanthropy, construction and fintech – these companies will bring new jobs, internships and partnerships directly to the university community and the region.”
ScamZero, The Magee Foundation, and Unity Construction opened offices this fall, and a fourth – MS FinTech – will launch operations in January.
ScamZero is a cybersecurity startup created by Mike Guardalabene and Michelle Pigott that aims to protect users from online scams, digital fraud and identity theft. The company plans to collaborate with Ole Miss faculty and students in computer science, cybersecurity and data analytics, offering opportunities for research collaborations and student experience, Guardalabene said.
“ScamZero chose the Innovation Hub because our mission sits at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI and social impact, and Insight Park offers the perfect environment to bring those worlds together,” he said. “We see this location as a strategic launchpad that allows us to move at the speed of a startup while leveraging the depth of a research university.
“We are excited to collaborate with the university – working with the School of Engineering to advance our AI detection tools, and the Department of Psychology to research the cognitive biases that scammers exploit. By building these capabilities here in Oxford, we hope to demonstrate that Mississippi can be a leader in building world-class safety tools that protect vulnerable populations everywhere.”
The Magee Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing mental health challenges in rural communities. It will connect with the university’s existing community engagement initiatives to expand their impact across Mississippi.
“The Magee Foundation chose the Innovation Hub at Insight Park because it’s a place built for ideas and engagement that create impact,” founder David Magee said. “Our work lives at the intersection of storytelling, student and community well-being, and healthy connection, and Insight Park gives us the collaborative environment to grow that mission in meaningful ways.
“Being here allows us to work alongside caring researchers, students and other university partners who share our commitment to helping people heal and thrive. We see it was a strategic home base where we can develop programs, build digital resources and scale initiatives that reach students and families across Mississippi and beyond.”
Unity Construction, an Oxford-based construction company, specializes in aviation, energy and maritime sectors. Being on the Ole Miss campus will enable it to partner with the School of Engineering, providing students with opportunities while developing fresh perspectives in the field, Unity CEO Heston Powers said.
“By partnering with the business and engineering schools, we will offer internships in both the technical and business aspects of construction, complemented by guest lectures and classroom engagement,” he said. “These initiatives will provide students with hands-on experience on real projects while helping Unity Construction grow alongside the university community.
“Ultimately, our presence at Insight Park is intended to drive economic development, create jobs and foster innovative infrastructure solutions that benefit Oxford and the broader region.”
MS FinTech is a financial technology company that develops digital tools to help customers make payments and manage money.
Oxford-Lafayette Inc., the region’s economic development foundation, and AccelerateMS, the state’s workforce training and development office, also recently opened offices in Insight Park.
By Clara Turnage
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