This Week's Latest Tech News in New Orleans, LA - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

New Orleans continues its explosive growth as a tech hub, with projections showing 20,800 new jobs coming by 2025.

The city's tech transformation is powered by major developments, including Meta's $10 billion data center investment and a game-changing $50 million Growth Fund supporting local startups.

Tech salaries here average $104,227 while living costs stay 13% below the national average - talk about a win-win! The city ranks fourth nationally for women and African Americans in tech, showing how inclusive the scene is.

Plus, local success stories like Prokeep's recent $25M funding round prove our startup ecosystem is thriving.

With over 6,300 tech businesses now calling NOLA home and innovative programs at the Tech Hub offering affordable training in cloud computing and cybersecurity, the city is seriously crushing it in the tech game.

The combination of our unique culture, growing tech community, and strategic investments is creating unprecedented opportunities for both startups and established companies.

The grand opening of NOLA Tech Space in April 2025 showcases New Orleans' evolution into a major tech hub, with over 6,300 tech businesses now based in the city.

Located in the Warehouse District, this 100,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art amenities including co-working spaces, maker labs with 3D printers, and robotics stations.

• Major Investment: The $50 million investment, part of a broader tech growth initiative launched in early 2025, is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and boost startup creation by 20%.
• Infrastructure Needs: The space addresses critical infrastructure needs, as 62% of local startups previously cited inadequate facilities as a major hurdle.
• Notable Features: Features include the Innovation Kitchen food tech lab, reflecting New Orleans' unique cultural-tech fusion, and a 500-seat auditorium for events.

The facility's impact is already evident, with tech sector salaries reaching $120,000 while living costs remain 13% below the national average.

"This tech hub is transforming our digital landscape," notes Mayor LaToya Cantrell, highlighting its role in attracting diverse talent, with New Orleans now ranking fourth nationally for women and African Americans in tech.

The space's integrated approach to innovation, combining customizable work areas, business incubation suites, and university partnerships, positions New Orleans competitively among established tech centers, while maintaining its distinctive cultural identity.

The strategic partnership between Tulane University and the University of New Orleans (UNO) is transforming tech education in 2025. Tulane's Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence and UNO's innovative programs are creating a powerhouse of tech learning opportunities.

The collaboration has launched new ventures like "Taylor Your Life With AI", a groundbreaking course blending life design principles with AI literacy, and OpenAI Challenge programs that give students hands-on experience with enterprise-level AI tools.

Students are diving into practical applications, from developing AI-powered photography critique tools to creating healthcare translation systems. The partnership's impact is evident in the numbers - tech jobs in New Orleans are projected to reach 20,800 by year-end, with salaries hitting $120,000.

Both universities are contributing to a wider tech ecosystem where students can access state-of-the-art facilities and connect with industry partners. The collaboration has attracted major investments, including Tulane's $50 million AI research initiative and significant federal grants for diagnostic AI development.

This partnership isn't just about classroom learning - it's creating real opportunities in New Orleans' growing tech scene, where living costs are 13% below the national average.

With focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students are getting exactly what they need to jump into tech careers after graduation.

The Silicon Bayou Tech Conference 2025 in New Orleans brought together over 260 tech innovators and entrepreneurs, showcasing the region's rapid evolution into a dynamic tech hub.

Keynote speaker Ludo Fourrage, Nucamp's CEO, delivered a compelling address on digital transformation, while local tech pioneer Matthew Jones from GulfTech Innovations shared insights on AI implementation in Gulf Coast industries.

The conference, part of the larger Bioneers 2025 series, featured emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced data analytics, with Dr. Carrie Johnson from Tulane University leading sessions on sustainable urban development.

Karen White's presentation on blockchain applications in fintech drew particular attention, especially given Louisiana's growing status as a regional tech powerhouse.

The event highlighted impressive stats: a 7.5% annual tech job growth rate (compared to the national 4.3%), and projections showing the local tech sector could generate $1.2 billion by 2030.

Interactive workshops on AI, robotics, and cybersecurity provided hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, while networking sessions facilitated valuable connections - 92% of attendees reported expanding their professional network.

The conference wrapped up with panel discussions on green tech solutions and the announcement of a new $15 million investment in local tech infrastructure, reinforcing New Orleans' position as an emerging leader in sustainable technology development.

New Orleans' tech scene is hitting new milestones with major funding developments. Louisiana's new $50 million Growth Fund is supercharging the startup ecosystem, while GulfTech Innovations and BioBiz Solutions have secured an additional $25 million in combined funding.

This investment surge aligns with the city's impressive 124% tech sector growth, where average startup revenues reached $1.65 million in 2022.

GulfTech Innovations landed $15 million for eco-friendly tech solutions, planning to grow their workforce by 30%. BioBiz Solutions netted $10 million for health tech initiatives, targeting a 20% team expansion.

These developments are happening alongside the launch of Louisiana's Innovation Institute, which aims to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

• GulfTech Innovations: Secured $15 million for eco-friendly tech solutions; aims for a 30% workforce increase.
• BioBiz Solutions: Received $10 million for health tech initiatives; targets a 20% team expansion.

The combined initiatives are expected to create over 200 new jobs in engineering, marketing, and product development by year-end.

Local partnerships with organizations like Ochsner Louisiana's Innovation Fund and Tulane University's Innovation Institute are strengthening the support network for these growing companies.

"This funding round isn't just about growth metrics," says Ludo Fourrage, GulfTech's CEO. "It's about establishing New Orleans as a Southeast tech hub."

With 69% of companies planning to hire and remote work options expanding from 33% to 54%, these investments are positioning New Orleans as a major player in sustainable and health tech industries.

The New Orleans tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 6,300 tech businesses now calling the city home and projections showing 20,000 new tech jobs being added in 2025 alone.

Leading this charge are innovative startups like BayouTech and Crescent Code, which exemplify the city's evolution into a major tech hub. BayouTech's IoT ecosystem platform has expanded its reach beyond its initial 15,000 local business users, now serving as part of the infrastructure supporting Meta's new $10 billion AI data center project.

Their success mirrors the city's broader tech growth, where the average tech salary has reached $120,000. Crescent Code continues to innovate in the edtech space, with their STEM learning platform now integrated into Louisiana's Small Business Development Center's training programs, reaching beyond their initial 200 educational institutions.

Their "Code for Kids" initiative has become a model for inclusive tech education, helping establish New Orleans as the 4th ranked city in the U.S. for inclusion of women and African Americans in tech.

Both companies are positioning themselves for explosive growth, with BayouTech expanding its IoT solutions nationally and Crescent Code preparing to launch its gamified learning app.

These developments reflect New Orleans' transformation into a vibrant tech ecosystem, where innovation and cultural heritage combine to create unique opportunities for growth.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration is reshaping New Orleans' tech landscape through a $30 million investment in justice tech modernization, marking a significant step in the city's digital transformation.

To address the digital divide, the administration has launched initiatives to provide technology education, internet-accessible devices, and connectivity support to residents, particularly targeting underserved communities.

The city's tech advancement strategy includes modernizing systems dating back to the 1980s, implementing efficient digital processes, and creating a more connected municipal infrastructure.

Mayor Cantrell has also secured additional funding through partnerships with organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies, demonstrating her commitment to innovative solutions.

The 2025 budget allocates significant resources to digital infrastructure improvements, focusing on public safety technology upgrades and smart city initiatives.

Under Cantrell's leadership, New Orleans is establishing itself as an emerging tech hub, with programs designed to create jobs, support local tech businesses, and develop a skilled workforce.

“The administration's efforts aim to ensure that technological advancement benefits all residents while positioning New Orleans as a competitive player in the digital economy.”

The initiatives include:

• Basic digital skills training: Provides essential knowledge to enable participation in the digital world.
• Tech workforce development programs: Develops a capable labor force to meet the demands of the tech industry.
• Device repair services: Offers support for maintaining functionality of essential technology.

These initiatives aim to ensure that technological advancement benefits all residents while positioning New Orleans as a competitive player in the digital economy.

Academic-industry collaboration in New Orleans is reaching new heights in 2025, with groundbreaking partnerships reshaping the tech landscape. Tulane's Research Innovation Summit, sponsored by Ochsner Health and Sanofi/Regeneron, showcases the city's commitment to building robust academic-industry partnerships.

The University of New Orleans has expanded its reach through a strategic partnership with Academic Partnerships to boost its online graduate programs, while local tech firms continue investing in university research initiatives.

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week 2025 is set to unite industry leaders and academic innovators at Loyola University, featuring groundbreaking pitch competitions and networking events that bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

The event's IDEApitch Competition highlights the growing synergy between academic research and startup innovation, offering substantial funding opportunities for emerging tech ventures.

The University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP) has recognized New Orleans as a model city for successful academic-industry collaboration, noting how these partnerships have generated over 2,000 tech jobs in the past year.

The city's strategic focus on biotech, AI, and renewable energy research has attracted major corporate investment, with companies like IBM and Google establishing research partnerships with local universities.

These collaborations have resulted in significant breakthroughs, including advanced AI algorithms, sustainable energy solutions, and cutting-edge cybersecurity measures.

The success of these partnerships has not only accelerated technological innovation but also strengthened New Orleans' position as a leading tech hub in the Southeast, creating a sustainable ecosystem for continued growth and development.

New Orleans is transforming into a fintech powerhouse, with projected growth of 22% and over 20,800 tech jobs by 2025.

The city's tech scene is getting a major boost from events like the Future Digital Finance Connect conference, happening February 24-25 at the InterContinental New Orleans, where industry leaders are dropping knowledge on digital transformation strategies.

Local startups like BayouPay continue crushing it, with their platform seeing 150% transaction growth this past year.

The latest AI innovations are revolutionizing everything from credit scoring to fraud detection, making financial services way more accessible and secure.

The city's got some serious advantages too - living costs are 13% below the national average, and tech salaries are hitting up to $120K. Plus, with major players like DXC Technology creating thousands of jobs and the city ranking 4th nationally for diversity in tech, NOLA's fintech scene is seriously heating up.

Local universities are all in, with Tulane scoring a $50 million investment for AI research and launching programs like "AI Unleashed." The ecosystem's support is wild - there's a $50 million Growth Fund for startups, and initiatives specifically helping women entrepreneurs get access to capital.

This mix of innovation, talent, and support is making New Orleans a must-watch spot for anyone interested in where fintech's headed next.

• Projected Growth: New Orleans aims for a 22% growth in the tech sector by 2025.
• Event Boost: The Future Digital Finance Connect conference drives tech innovation and strategy.
• Local Startup Success: BayouPay expands with 150% increase in transactions.
• AI Transformations: Latest innovations make financial services more secure and accessible.
• Economic Advantages: Lower living costs and high tech salaries benefit the local economy.
• Support Ecosystem: Initiatives and funds are boosting startups and women entrepreneurs.

University	Investment	Program
Tulane	$50 million	AI Unleashed

The Silicon Bayou's tech scene is getting a major security upgrade in 2025! New Orleans' cybersecurity job market is projected to grow 28%, with entry-level positions starting at $75K - perfect timing since cyber threats are evolving faster than ever.

The recent surge in AI-powered attacks has everyone on high alert, with Gartner predicting AI will be behind 75% of cyberattacks by year's end. Local businesses aren't just talking about security - they're actively investing in it.

Zero Trust is becoming the new standard, with 70% of companies ditching traditional VPNs for more secure architectures.

What's super interesting is how New Orleans is positioning itself as a cybersecurity hub - we've got companies like Ready and Resilia leading the charge in secure tech solutions.

The average startup revenue hit $1.65 million in 2022, showing there's serious money in the local tech scene.

For students and career changers, the timing couldn't be better - there's expected to be over 20,800 new tech jobs by 2025, with cybersecurity specialists in particularly high demand.

Between the growing startup ecosystem, increasing salaries, and the urgent need for security pros, New Orleans is quickly becoming the place to be for anyone interested in tech and cybersecurity.

New Orleans has evolved into a dynamic force within the Southeast tech ecosystem, establishing its presence alongside established hubs like Atlanta and Miami.

The city's strategic position at the Mississippi's mouth facilitates logistics crucial for tech hardware operations, while its affordability and cultural vibrancy draw young talent.

According to recent data, New Orleans ranks fourth among Southeastern cities for tech industry growth, with a 14% increase in tech-related jobs in 2024. The city's momentum aligns with broader trends, as startup ecosystems across the Southern U.S. show record growth.

What sets New Orleans apart is its innovative approach to tech development, combining traditional industries with emerging technologies. The city has particularly excelled in fostering academic-industry partnerships, with Tulane and UNO leading research initiatives in AI and sustainable tech.

Mayor Cantrell's NOLA Tech Space initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to nurturing tech talent, while new tax incentives attract startups and established companies alike.

Despite infrastructure challenges, New Orleans is positioning itself as a key player in the Southern startup landscape, with particular strength in fintech, biotech, and cybersecurity.

The city's success in cultivating cross-industry innovation and maintaining a steady pipeline of tech graduates through local universities has created a sustainable ecosystem for continued growth.

Looking ahead, New Orleans' focus on collaborative development and strategic industry partnerships suggests a promising trajectory in the Southeast's expanding tech scene.

New Orleans has emerged as a dynamic tech hub, with over 6,300 tech businesses now calling the city home.

The transformation is backed by significant developments, including Meta's $10 billion AI data center investment and the establishment of Copado's innovation office, bringing new jobs with average salaries of $80,000.

The city's appeal is enhanced by living costs running 13% below the national average, while tech salaries reach up to $120,000. Most notably, New Orleans ranks third nationally for African Americans and seventh for women in tech, demonstrating its commitment to diversity in the technology sector.

The city's growth trajectory is further supported by Louisiana's competitive incentives, including a 25% tax credit on qualified payroll and an 18% credit on production expenditures.

With projections showing 20,800 new tech jobs by year-end 2025, New Orleans is solidifying its position as a major technology center, blending innovation with its unique cultural heritage.