Ole Miss Alumnus Develops Social Media Platform

Michael Davis, a senior management information systems major at the university, found his place in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship through competing in the various competitions the center sponsors.

Davis had an idea for a new social polling application where users could post their plans and choices, and others using the application can vote on the decision they should make. He knew he had an idea worth pitching.

Davis then decided to participate in Start-Up Weekend, an event the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosts in conjunction with the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Innovate Mississippi. The event centers on teaching participants how to develop and grow innovative entrepreneurial ideas.

“Working with the staff at the center is a great opportunity to work with great people.” Said Davis. “Their door is always open and they’re willing to help you, motivate you, and make sure that you stay on top of your game when you start.”

He won Start-Up Weekend. And he won several other competitions and received seed money grants from the Rebel Venture Capital Funds with the help of the CIE. That’s when he decided to take on partners and grow his idea. The app, which he named Impster, is set to launch at the beginning of 2016.

“It’s a great opportunity and they are great people,” said Davis. “The CIE is a great program and it’s only growing.”