Louisiana is looking to make a splash in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a new initiative under Louisiana Economic Development (LED). Announced at the Super Bowl LIX Innovation Day event in New Orleans, the initiative includes the creation of the Louisiana Growth Fund and the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
The Louisiana Growth Fund will initially receive $50 million in federal funding to support technology-driven startups across the state. Private equity and incubator partners will match this funding, increasing the total investment pool to $100 million. The fund aims to attract and scale high-growth companies, strengthening Louisiana’s position in the tech sector.
The Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence will serve as the state’s central hub for AI research, development, commercialization, workforce training, and policy initiatives. One of its first major projects will be helping 5,000 small businesses integrate AI tools to enhance their competitiveness and efficiency.
“Successfully positioning Louisiana to win demands that we not only attract new businesses, but grow new businesses from the ground up,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “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 is proof positive that a focus on innovation is the right strategy for our state.”
Louisiana Innovation will unite existing startup support networks, bringing together organizations such as Ochsner Louisiana’s Innovation Fund, Tulane University’s Innovation Institute, the New Orleans Startup Fund, Innovation Catalyst, Boot64 Ventures, The Idea Village, and Propeller. These partners will collaborate to provide funding, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs statewide.
“Facilitating the right connections and offering coaching to innovators and startups are just as vital as the funding that’s being made available,” said LED Chief Innovation Officer Josh Fleig. “Whether it’s linking startups to customers, resources, or guidance, these relationships can make or break a company’s journey.”
In addition to financial support, Louisiana Innovation will launch new networking and mentorship events aimed at fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs. Key startup organizations such as Idea Village in New Orleans, Opportunity Machine in Lafayette, and Startup Prize in Shreveport will play a role in organizing these initiatives, with plans to expand university partnerships in the future.
As part of the Innovation Day program, Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving technology, announced that New Orleans has been selected as one of 10 cities on its 2025 Waymo Road Trip tour. The program will expose Waymo’s autonomous vehicles to different road conditions and driving environments across the country.
With these investments in AI, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, Louisiana is signaling its commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in the years ahead.
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