List Of Major Startups Events In Louisiana
Louisiana's startup scene is growing rapidly, with numerous events happening throughout the year that offer valuable opportunities for networking, funding, and growth. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge, entrepreneurs can find conferences, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to help turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. Startups in Louisiana can access resources like the Build-A-Way Inc. finalist recognition in the 2025 Nexus Louisiana competition and various tech events in New Orleans that connect founders with investors and industry experts.
These startup events range from small meetups to large conferences, each providing unique benefits for businesses at different stages of development. The calendar for 2025 is already filling up with opportunities, including the recently announced Startups Mentorship Program scheduled for July and university-backed initiatives like Startup LSU that pair students with professional mentors to experience the startup process firsthand.
1) AAMI eXchange Conference
The AAMI eXchange 2025 healthcare technology event is scheduled for June 20-23, 2025, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This four-day conference serves as a hub for medical technology professionals and businesses.
Over 2,500 healthcare technology management professionals are expected to attend. The event offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential clients in the medical technology sector.
Startups can benefit from the conference's special features. One notable highlight is the startup spotlight section where new companies can showcase their innovations to industry decision-makers.
The event includes immersive tech demos in New Orleans that allow businesses to experience cutting-edge healthcare technologies firsthand. This gives startups a chance to see current market trends and competitors.
For companies looking to hire talent, AAMI offers an onsite Career Center. This resource connects businesses with qualified healthcare technology management professionals, helping startups build their teams.
The convention center's location in downtown New Orleans provides easy access to accommodations and local attractions for attendees.
2) Louisiana Startup Week
Louisiana Startup Week is a major gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders across the state. The event features workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to help new businesses grow.
The week-long festival typically takes place in the spring months, rotating between major Louisiana cities including Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Attendees can connect with potential investors and learn from successful business founders.
Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW) is one of the key components, organized by Nexus Louisiana. This premier annual event showcases local entrepreneurs and brings coaching, capital, and connections together.
For startups looking to scale their marketing efforts, the event offers specialized tracks in marketing and branding sessions. These sessions provide valuable insights on customer acquisition and brand development.
The program includes pitch competitions where startups can present their business ideas to potential investors. Winners often receive funding, mentorship, and increased visibility in the Louisiana business community.
3) New Orleans Tech Summit
The New Orleans Tech Summit stands as a key event for startups and tech businesses in Louisiana. This gathering brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the region.
The summit features specialized workshops, networking sessions, and expert panels focused on emerging technologies and business growth strategies. Attendees can gain valuable insights directly applicable to their ventures.
According to recent schedules, the summit includes popular sessions like the "What the Hack: State of Security" workshop held at NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co. This session specifically addresses critical security concerns for growing tech companies.
The summit is part of the broader New Orleans tech events calendar that runs throughout the year. Business owners particularly value the direct access to potential investors and partners at these gatherings.
For 2025, the summit has expanded its startup pitch competitions, giving new companies valuable exposure to venture capitalists. The event now includes dedicated tracks for fintech, healthcare technology, and sustainable tech solutions.
Registration typically opens three months before the event, with early bird discounts available for startup teams.
4) Silicon Bayou Festival
The Silicon Bayou Festival is one of Louisiana's premier tech gatherings held annually in Lafayette. This event brings together tech professionals, startups, and industry leaders under one roof for networking and knowledge sharing.
The festival features keynote speeches from tech innovators, interactive workshops, and startup pitch competitions with real funding opportunities. Many Louisiana startups have secured initial investments after presenting at this platform.
For entrepreneurs looking to connect with potential investors, the tech enthusiasts and industry leaders attendance makes this event particularly valuable. The casual yet professional atmosphere encourages meaningful conversations that often lead to partnerships.
The next Silicon Bayou Festival is scheduled for September 2025, with the inaugural Silicon Bayou Gala taking place in Baton Rouge as part of the expanded programming. Registration typically opens three months before the event, with early bird discounts available.
Participating businesses should prepare promotional materials and clear pitches. The festival also offers exhibition spaces for companies to showcase their products and services directly to attendees.
5) TechNOLA Innovation Conference
TechNOLA Innovation Conference stands out as a premier event for tech startups in New Orleans. Held annually in September, this conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts for two days of networking and knowledge sharing.
The event features tech startup pitch competitions where early-stage companies can present their ideas to potential investors. This provides a valuable platform for Louisiana startups to gain visibility and funding opportunities.
Keynote sessions focus on regional tech growth, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. Industry leaders share insights on market trends specific to the Gulf Coast region.
Specialized breakout sessions cover topics like securing venture capital, scaling operations, and entering new markets. These practical workshops offer actionable strategies that attendees can implement immediately.
The conference also hosts a digital transformation exhibition showcasing the latest technologies from both established companies and startups. This offers valuable partnership opportunities.
Registration typically opens three months before the event, with early bird discounts available until six weeks prior. The conference venue rotates between downtown New Orleans locations, with accommodation packages available for out-of-town attendees.
6) Louisiana Venture Capital Conference
The Louisiana Venture Capital Conference brings together investors and startup founders from across the Gulf South region. This annual event typically takes place in New Orleans during the spring months and features pitch competitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Startups seeking funding can connect with venture capital decision makers from the 3rd Coast region, which includes Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The conference attracts both early-stage and growth-stage companies looking to secure investment.
The 2025 conference is scheduled for May 15-16 and will include specialized tracks for technology, healthcare, and energy startups. Registration typically opens three months before the event date.
Attendees can participate in one-on-one meetings with potential investors through a matchmaking platform. The conference also features workshops on pitch preparation, valuation strategies, and term sheet negotiations.
Past conferences have resulted in over $30 million in investments for participating startups. The event is organized by the Louisiana startup ecosystem organizations with support from regional economic development groups.
Founders should prepare concise pitch decks and clear business models before attending. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to gain visibility within the Gulf South investment community.
7) Bayou Innovators Expo
The Bayou Innovators Expo takes place annually in Lafayette, Louisiana. This event brings together startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts to showcase innovative products and services from across the state.
Startups can apply for exhibition booths where they can demonstrate their products directly to potential investors and customers. The expo offers a prime opportunity for new businesses to gain visibility in the Louisiana market.
One of the most valuable features is the pitch competition, where selected startups present their business models for a chance to win funding and mentorship. Winners receive not only financial support but also connections to experienced business advisors in Louisiana.
Networking sessions are structured to maximize meaningful connections. The organizers use a matchmaking app to pair startups with relevant investors based on industry and investment criteria.
The expo also includes workshops on critical business topics like securing funding, marketing strategies, and scaling operations. These sessions are led by successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.
The next Bayou Innovators Expo is scheduled for August 2025 at the Innovate South Conference in Lafayette, making it a key event for any Louisiana startup looking to grow their business.
8) Startup Grind New Orleans
Startup Grind New Orleans is a key player in Louisiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of a global community spanning 120 countries, it connects local entrepreneurs with valuable resources and opportunities.
The organization hosts monthly startup events focused on teaching, inspiring, and connecting business founders. These gatherings help new ventures find potential employees, investors, and partners.
For entrepreneurs in New Orleans, these events provide a platform to showcase ideas and gain feedback from experienced business leaders. The community aspect creates a supportive environment for startups at any stage.
Visitors to the city can also benefit from these meetups. New Orleans startup events regularly appear on platforms like Eventbrite, making them accessible to locals and travelers alike.
The organization focuses on practical education and networking rather than theory. Attendees gain actionable insights they can immediately apply to their businesses.
For maximum benefit, entrepreneurs should come prepared with questions and business cards. The connections made at these events often lead to partnerships, investments, and mentorships that help startups grow.
9) Digital Bayou Conference
The Digital Bayou Conference has become a key event for tech startups in Louisiana. This annual gathering brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals in Baton Rouge to share ideas and build connections.
The conference features expert panels, workshops, and pitch competitions designed specifically for early-stage companies. Attendees can learn about emerging technologies and gain practical advice on growing their businesses.
One highlight is the startup showcase where new companies can present their innovative solutions to potential investors. This platform has helped many Louisiana startups secure critical funding.
Networking opportunities abound with dedicated sessions for making meaningful business connections. Many startups report finding partners, mentors, or clients during these structured networking events.
The 2025 edition will take place at the Louisiana Technology Park in September, featuring keynote speakers from successful tech companies. Registration typically opens three months before the event, with early bird discounts available.
The conference also includes the Louisiana Digital Government Summit sessions, where startups can learn about public sector opportunities and government contracts.
10) Crescent City Startup Fest
Crescent City Startup Fest is a two-day event held annually in New Orleans that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. The event typically takes place in the fall and features pitch competitions, networking sessions, and workshops focused on startup growth.
Local and national investors attend this festival looking for promising Louisiana startups to fund. The event creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to secure funding and form valuable business connections in a relaxed New Orleans setting.
The festival includes specialized tracks for different industry sectors including healthcare, fintech, and entertainment technology. Each track offers tailored content that addresses unique challenges and opportunities in these fields.
Startup entrepreneur events in New Orleans attract hundreds of participants each year, with Crescent City Startup Fest being one of the largest. The organizers work closely with local business incubators to showcase the best of Louisiana's innovation ecosystem.
Tulane University's Innovation Institute often participates in the festival, providing resources and mentorship opportunities. Registration typically opens three months before the event, with early bird pricing available for startups on limited budgets.
Impact of Startup Events on Louisiana's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Startup events in Louisiana have transformed the state's business landscape by creating pathways for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow their ventures. These gatherings serve as catalysts for economic development across various regions from New Orleans to Shreveport.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
Startup events create environments where entrepreneurs can share ideas and form partnerships that might not happen otherwise. In Baton Rouge, programs like the Level Up Lab for digital media startups have helped new companies develop innovative products through collaborative workshops and mentorship sessions.
These events break down geographic barriers between Louisiana's different tech hubs. When entrepreneurs from Lafayette meet peers from New Orleans, they often discover complementary skills and resources.
Industry-specific gatherings enable focused problem-solving. Healthcare innovation meetups in Shreveport, for example, have led to new medical technology startups addressing regional healthcare challenges.
University partnerships with events like pitch competitions help students turn academic research into commercial products, strengthening the pipeline of new ventures in the state.
Access to Funding and Resources
Louisiana startup events directly connect entrepreneurs with potential investors and funding opportunities. The BRF's Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program in Northwest Louisiana helps underserved entrepreneurs access capital through networking events and pitch competitions.
Many events include one-on-one sessions with potential investors, giving startups valuable face time that might otherwise take months to arrange. These meetings have resulted in millions of investment dollars flowing into Louisiana companies.
Resource providers like Nexus Louisiana use events to help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory hurdles and build sustainable customer bases. These practical workshops address common startup challenges.
Events targeting specific demographics, such as women founders or minority entrepreneurs, help create more inclusive funding pathways. This approach has helped diversify Louisiana's startup ecosystem.
Technical assistance programs introduced at these gatherings provide entrepreneurs with tools for business plan development, financial modeling, and market analysis—essential skills for securing investment.
How to Prepare for a Startup Event in Louisiana
Effective preparation is key to getting real value from Louisiana startup events. The right approach to networking and showcase planning can significantly impact your results.
Networking Strategies for Founders
Create a concise elevator pitch that explains your startup in 30 seconds or less. Practice until it feels natural but not rehearsed. Business cards remain essential in Louisiana's relationship-focused business culture.
Research attendee lists before the event. Identify 5-10 key people you want to meet and learn about their backgrounds. The Startup LSU venture challenge and similar events often publish participant information in advance.
Set clear goals for each event. Examples:
- Connect with 2 potential investors
- Meet 3 possible mentors
- Find 1 strategic partner
Follow up within 48 hours after the event. Send personalized messages referencing specific conversation points. This timing is crucial as people quickly forget connections.
Maximizing Exposure for Your Startup
Develop visual materials that communicate your value proposition instantly. This includes:
- Professional banner/signage
- Product demos ready on tablets
- One-page handouts with QR codes
Prepare for startup pitch competitions by practicing your presentation repeatedly. Time yourself and get feedback from others not familiar with your business.
Consider participating in Louisiana-specific events like Startup NOLA Now, which energizes both founders and investors through monthly meetups. These local connections often prove more valuable than national contacts.
Leverage social media before, during and after the event. Create event-specific hashtags and tag organizers in your posts. Share real-time updates during the event to attract attention from attendees browsing their feeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana hosts many startup events throughout the year that connect entrepreneurs with resources, funding, and networking opportunities. Here are answers to common questions about the startup ecosystem in Louisiana.
What are the upcoming startup events in New Orleans for this year?
New Orleans will host several major startup events in 2025. The Silicon Bayou Festival returns in September, featuring pitch competitions and workshops for tech entrepreneurs.
TechNOLA Innovation Conference is scheduled for August 2025, bringing together industry leaders and investors.
AAMI eXchange Conference will take place in October, focusing on healthcare technology startups and innovation.
Which organizations host entrepreneurship weeks and networking opportunities in Louisiana?
Several key organizations run entrepreneurship programs across Louisiana. The Idea Village coordinates New Orleans Entrepreneur Week each spring, offering workshops, pitch competitions, and networking events.
LSU's Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute hosts Startup LSU weekends where participants pitch ideas and form teams.
Louisiana Economic Development sponsors Louisiana Startup Week in multiple cities, connecting founders with resources.
How can one find startup job opportunities in the New Orleans tech sector?
Job seekers can find tech positions through several channels in New Orleans. Local job boards like WorkNOLA specialize in tech and startup positions throughout the region.
Attending industry meetups such as the monthly Tech Tuesday events helps with networking and discovering unadvertised positions.
Many Baton Rouge tech startups are actively hiring in 2025, offering opportunities in fields from time tracking to IT support.
Can you list notable business incubators and accelerators supporting startups in New Orleans?
New Orleans has several established incubators for startups. The Idea Village runs an accelerator program providing mentorship, workspace, and potential funding for early-stage companies.
Launch Pad offers coworking space and community support for entrepreneurs at various stages.
BioInnovation Center specializes in life sciences startups, providing lab space and specialized equipment for biotech innovations.
Where can emerging startups connect with angel investors and venture capitalists in Louisiana?
Startups seeking funding can connect with investors through organized events. The annual Louisiana funding programs include pitch competitions where startups present directly to potential investors.
New Orleans Angel Network holds monthly meetings where selected startups can pitch to member investors.
NO/LA Angel Network focuses specifically on Gulf Coast startups with high growth potential.
What resources does The Idea Village offer to startups in the New Orleans area?
The Idea Village provides comprehensive support to New Orleans entrepreneurs. Their VILLAGEx Accelerator program offers a structured 16-week curriculum with mentorship from successful founders and industry experts.
They manage a network of over 200 business mentors who volunteer their expertise to startups in the program.
The organization also hosts IDEApitch during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, where selected startups compete for significant investment opportunities.
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