Nexus Louisiana and LA.IO Launch Tech Tailgates to Strengthen Statewide Innovation Ecosystem

BATON ROUGE, La. — Nexus Louisiana, in partnership with Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), is launching Tech Tailgates, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to strengthen Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem by bringing together innovators, industry partners, investors, university representatives, and community leaders in curated game-day networking experiences.

Hosted on LSU’s campus during every home game this season, these exclusive gatherings are more than tailgates; they represent a new cornerstone in Louisiana’s innovation infrastructure, an intentional effort to expand the state’s talent pipeline, connect founders with decision-makers, and surface innovators capable of solving Louisiana’s most pressing challenges.

“In Louisiana, culture drives connection. Just as New Orleans has festival season and Lafayette pairs Innovate South with Festival International, Baton Rouge has football, and tailgating is one of our city’s greatest cultural exports," said Tony Zanders, president and CEO of Nexus Louisiana. “By aligning Tech Tailgates with this tradition, we’re creating a bucket-list experience that not only celebrates what makes Baton Rouge unique but also spotlights our local tech founders.”

This initiative builds on programming by Nexus Louisiana that has accelerated Louisiana’s innovation economy in tangible ways. From competitions that showcase emerging talent to accelerator programs that help tech founders scale their companies, Nexus Louisiana delivers strategic initiatives that bridge industry needs with entrepreneurial solutions. Tech Tailgates extend this track record of impact into a new space, one that fuses Louisiana’s cultural traditions with its economic aspirations.

“Louisiana Innovation is excited to stand behind Tech Tailgates as a new way to showcase and connect our state’s creative thinkers. When we bring the state’s brightest talent together, we create the connections that fuel big ideas and drive Louisiana’s innovation economy forward,” said Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Economic Development.

As the exclusive Tech Tailgate partner, LA.IO is advancing Louisiana’s innovation infrastructure in alignment with Nexus Louisiana’s goal of creating 1,000 tech founders by 2030. This new approach represents an integral step in building the networks and resources necessary to empower the state’s next wave of innovators. By convening industry leaders, higher education institutions, and the entrepreneurial community around Louisiana’s strategic industries, Tech Tailgates will serve as a launchpad for collaboration, talent recruitment, and breakthrough solutions that will shape the state’s economic future.

Each Tech Tailgate will spotlight one of Louisiana’s key industries, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore emerging opportunities, and build strategic connections with stakeholders shaping the state’s future. By engaging people with a shared interest in strengthening Louisiana’s tech economy, Tech Tailgates will uncover new voices, fresh perspectives, and breakthrough solutions that position Louisiana as a national leader in innovation.

For more information, visit nexusla.org/techtailgates.

About Nexus LouisianaCreated by the Louisiana Legislature, Nexus Louisiana operates as a nonprofit dedicated to fostering high-tech entrepreneurship and innovation. In partnership with Louisiana State University, Southern University, and local economic development organizations, Nexus supports the growth of Louisiana’s innovation economy through programs, resources, and events that empower emerging tech leaders.