Finance New Orleans' Housing Innovation Challenge, sponsored by Elemental Excelerator, & Ballard Spahr LLP, is designed to introduce new construction and climate technologies that will increase the supply of affordable and sustainable housing in New Orleans. The leaders of both organizations will engage in a fireside chat to announce the challenge and discuss the long-term desired community impacts for the people of New Orleans.
This panel explores how major corporations, investors, and universities are embracing the creativity of technology startups to harness disruption and expand opportunities in a rapidly changing business environment. Through case studies and strategies, the discussion highlights how startup–corporate partnership models enable companies to stay agile in evolving markets. From strategic investments to collaborative initiatives, the panel offers actionable takeaways for navigating the intersection...
How can New Orleans balance economic growth with climate resilience? In this panel discussion, industry leaders explore the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and community resilience. Courtney Nicholson (Entergy New Orleans), Michael Hecht (GNO Inc.), Kris Khalil (New Orleans BioInnovation Fund), and Rebecca Conwell (UNO Beach) share insights on how businesses, policymakers, and local initiatives are shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region. Tune i...
Louisiana and the Gulf Coast are at the forefront of a historic effort to decarbonize the industrial sector and lead the world in new technology and private partnerships that will help reach the net zero global climate goals by 2050. Join this opening fireside chat to talk about the current landscape and opportunities ahead.
This episode showcases the IDEAfuel panel, exploring the barriers BIPOC entrepreneurs face and how The Idea Village’s IDEAfuel program is making strides to overcome them. Supported by the Regions Foundation and other generous donors, IDEAfuel provides non-dilutive capital, mentorship, and unique growth opportunities. The panelists unpack the program’s impact and how it’s shaping a more inclusive ecosystem in Louisiana and beyond.
This episode features Edrizio De La Cruz’s story, titled "From the Barrio to Silicon Valley." Known for his grit and vision, Edrizio takes us on his path from the Dominican Republic to launching Arcus, where he overcame countless challenges and carved his path in tech. It's a powerful look at what it means to be a true 'underdog founder'.
Explore how New Orleans is activating its Climate Plan through the Resilient New Orleans Finance Framework. This panel of public sector leaders dives into key project targets, private sector opportunities, and the long-term vision for a more resilient city. Speakers: 🔹 Moderator: Holly Horsley, Ballard Spahr 🔹 Damon Burns, Finance NOLA 🔹 Jeff Schwartz, City of NOLA Economic Development 🔹 Greg Nichols, City of NOLA Resilience
Supply chain emissions account for an estimated 5.5 times an organization's direct emissions, making them a critical focus for sustainability efforts. To effectively reduce carbon footprints, organizations must first measure and understand their emissions. Join Tamra Olin, co-founder and Head of Partnerships at Green Project Tech, and Liz Maxwell, Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Idea Village, as they explore the complexities of carbon accounting. They’ll discuss key types o...
This special episode recaps the Statewide Innovation Strategy event, held at The Nieux in New Orleans on October 2, 2024, where industry leaders and policymakers discussed the future of Louisiana’s startup ecosystem and how a statewide innovation strategy could drive the state's economy forward. Speakers included Josh Fleig (Louisiana Economic Development), Dino Paternostro (SBIRC), Aimee Quirk (Ochsner Ventures), Hailey Bathurst (SeaAhead), and Representative Matt Willard (Louisiana Ho...
In the coming decades, resilient Gulf Coast communities will learn to adapt to a radically transformed water-inundated intercostal zone to preserve their rich cultural heritage and way of life. Marine-based floating infrastructure and related ‘Blue’ technologies will replace current infrastructure, services, and residential construction forms. You'll hear from Greg Delaune of the Deep Blue Institute and Elliot Metzger, founder of Talisea. Listen to discover how New Orleans can become a...
Meet two founders who have broken the mold and created industry leading companies in unique marketplaces. Join Walter Isaacson (Tulane) as he interviews Ryan Williams (Cadre) who is revolutionizing commercial real estate investing, and Scott Wolfe (Founder of Levelset) who created the number one construction payment platform, based here in New Orleans. Hear firsthand accounts from innovators who have created Third Wave Industries by finding opportunities in and disrupting well-established ma...
The hospitality industry has undergone massive changes in the past few years and has had to shift and innovate as the world became uncertain. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with some of New Orleans' top restauranteurs as they share their insights on the future of hospitality in a post-pandemic world. Our panelists will share their experiences of navigating the challenges of the pandemic and their visions and plans for the future inside a “new normal.” Speakers: Ti Martin, Comma...
Commander’s Palace Co-Proprietor Ti Adelaide Martin joins Christine Albert of the non-profit LCMC Health for a panel that will speak to the power of hospitality in New Orleans and how this approach can be applied across industries for meaningful impact. Speakers: Christine Albert, LCMC Health Ti Martin, Commander's Palace
On this episode of the EATrepreneurs season, four founders share insights about the opportunities to harness technology for the growth of their food and/or hospitality businesses. These speakers delve deep into how the use of technology can create a safe and advantageous environment for business and how technology is helping their businesses prepare for the future. Additionally, the speakers discuss the wide variety of tools they employ, including data management, analytic platforms, and spec...
Get inspired and learn from Greg Tillery, CEO of We Dat's Chicken and Shrimp, entrepreneurial journey with his resturant. His story is an inspiring tale of ambition, resilience, and business success. On this episdoe, Greg delves into the challenges he faced, the strategies he employed, and the lessons he learned along the way to build a successful food business. Whether you're a food enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode promises to be a captivating ex...
On this episode, you'll hear a conversation between Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Walter Isaacson - renowned author and thought leader- , and Steve Case - AOL co-founder and startup investor - discuss how Louisiana is embracing the climate tech transition, share insights on how entrepreneurship can foster innovation in climate and related industries like health and biotech, and highlight the various ways Louisiana supports startups in these sectors. This conversation illuminates ...
WThis special episode puts the spotlight on one of our nation’s leading entrepreneurs and investors: Steve Case….one of America’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and philanthropists, and a pioneer in making the Internet part of everyday life. Joined by Walter Isaacson - former editor of Time Magazine, CEO and Chairman of CNN, and CEO of the Aspen Institute - you'll hear Steve discuss the core pillars for building a thriving and robust startup ecosystem, the investment opportunities for foun...
In this session, the panel will share stories and explore electric vehicle transportation – what’s working, where are the gaps, and identifying where the industry is headed. Join us for some quick insights into the burgeoning electric vehicle industry and the unique challenges presented as society moves toward embracing this technology.
Complex real world problems require even more innovative solutions. Once the glacially paced cousin of software-based tech, "hard tech" has emerged as the forefront of innovation driving solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges including climate change. Local hard tech founders share their journey as startups tackling huge problems. As the ambition of hard tech startups grows, what is needed to continue to fuel this industry, and what new tools are needed to promote disruption ...
Investment in climate tech startups doubled from 2020 to 2021. With over $40B deployed across 600 deals in 2021 alone, climate tech investing is one of the hottest growth areas within venture investing. What is driving this trend and where is the opportunity frontier for climate tech going? Chante Harris is a leading pressed and seed-stage investor, go-to-market expert, and supporter of early stage climate tech startups. Hank Torbert is an experienced executive, operator, and private equity i...