MS HB1188

Changes the name of the Mississippi Technology Alliance (MTA) to Innovate Mississippi (IMS) throughout technology business assistance programs.

Renames the Mississippi New Technology Business Program-Level 1 to the Proof of Concept Loan Program and increases maximum assistance from $10,000 to $25,000 per business.

Converts the Rural Innovation Program-Level 1 to the Proof of Concept Grant Program, changing it from a loan program to a grant program with no repayment requirement unless the business violates agreement terms or submits false information.

Increases the maximum aggregate assistance for the Research and Development Program from $200,000 to $250,000 per business.

Authorizes issuance of up to $2,000,000 in general obligation bonds before July 1, 2027, allocated as follows: $750,000 for Research and Development Program, $550,000 for Proof of Concept Loan Program, $500,000 for New Technology Business Program-Level 2, and $200,000 for Proof of Concept Grant Program.