Louisiana’s economic development has launched Louisiana Nino Innovation, a new division of LEDs dedicated to growing Louisiana higher and becoming a leader in the development of technology-enabled startups.
The first “LA.IO” initiative was the creation of the Louisiana Growth Fund, with the first federal funds that innovators can use to launch and scale Louisiana startups to $50 million.
“One of La.io’s first initiatives is the development of the Louisiana Institute of Artificial Intelligence,” reads the news release. “This 501C3 will serve as the state’s lead anchor for statewide AI strategies focusing on applied research and development, commercialization, workforce development and policy. The Institute’s first project will be the 5,000 Louisiana project. Upgrading small and medium-sized businesses with AI tools. This will help you grow your business and improve your competitiveness.”
“There is a demand for Louisiana to successfully attract new businesses as well as grow new businesses from scratch,” Susan B. Bourgeois, secretary to economic development in Louisiana, said in a news release.
“Louisiana Innovation is dedicated to working with startups as well as existing companies to grow Louisiana’s innovation economy. Meta’s $10 billion Richland Parish Data Center project focuses on innovation. “The idea of this proves that it is a good strategy for our state. We are redefine the opportunities in Louisiana by investing in the next industrial revolution.”
Louisiana Innovation brings together partners who already support innovators.
LED is currently participating in seven seed capital funds in Louisiana, with plans to add more in 2025.
Partners include the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund. Tulane University’s Institute of Innovation. New Orleans Startup Fund. Innovation Catalyst; boot64 venture; Idea Village and propellers.
Using previously established funding sources such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), these partners will provide additional capital to startups, increasing the total available funds to more than $100 million.
“Promoting the right connection and providing coaching to innovators and startups is just as essential as the funds available through innovation in Louisiana,” Chief Innovation Director Josh Freig said in a news release. “Whether or not you link your startup to customers, resources, or guidance, these relationships can create or destroy company journeys, so Louisiana innovation can create new events and startup communities. I will bring you a connection with it.”
A partner at the forefront of Louisiana’s innovation events is New Orleans’ Idea Village. Lafayette opportunity machine. Shreveport’s EAP and Startup Awards.
“All of these partners are building shocking and respected startup events in the region. Now united under the Louisiana Ninnovation Initiative, these partners will be able to offer dedicated staff, sharing tools, real-time collaboration and more. Working together, we create an innovation ecosystem that is greater than the sum of that portion,” Freig said. “The success of La.io is that these and future partners in other regions provide the expertise they need to coach entrepreneurs through complex challenges, from creating business models to preparing investors’ pitches. It’s important for you.”
At a press conference, autonomous driving technology company Waymo parked one of its autonomous driving cars outside Louisiana, now outside the pavilion, and as one of the 10 cities on the 2025 Waymo road trip tour has been announced that it has been selected. The cross-country learning program aims to help Waymo exposes autonomous navigation systems to a variety of unique driving environments.
LED is responsible for capital investment, job creation and economic opportunities in Louisiana.
