BATON ROUGE, La. — Nexus Louisiana proudly announces the finalists for the 2025 Technology Cup, a premier statewide competition designed to spotlight Louisiana’s innovation and entrepreneurial talent. Over the course of three days, this event will serve as a launchpad for the state's brightest minds—bringing together college students and independent developers to showcase groundbreaking software and hardware solutions that are shaping the future.
This year, more than $100,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs, including a special award for the Most Innovative. Winners will also receive personalized coaching and exclusive membership opportunities to accelerate their ventures and broaden their impact. The 2025 Nexus Technology Cup features a vibrant and diverse group of innovators, representing top universities and startups from a dozen parishes across Louisiana.
The College Track finalists include teams led by standout students from institutions such as Louisiana State University, the University of Louisiana system, and more:
Matthew Cooper – Southeastern Louisiana University
David Nintang – Grambling State University
Hritika Pandey – University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Johny Lopez – University of New Orleans
Anjan Mandal – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Rochak Shrestha – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Divya Shah – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Dinesh Chhantyal – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Emile Aucoin – Louisiana State University
Mehrasa Amiri Besheli – Louisiana State University
Grant Muslow – Louisiana State University
David Nintang – Grambling State University
Hritika Pandey – University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Johny Lopez – University of New Orleans
Anjan Mandal – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Rochak Shrestha – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Divya Shah – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Dinesh Chhantyal – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Emile Aucoin – Louisiana State University
Mehrasa Amiri Besheli – Louisiana State University
Grant Muslow – Louisiana State University
The Open Track finalists include emerging startups and visionary founders across various industries:
Jordan Losavio – Encore CO2, Baton Rouge
Ricardo Porter – Flange Aligner, LaPlace
Teddy Smith – Cinelevels, Baton Rouge
Ashton Hilliard – Build-A-Way, Inc., New Orleans
Donovan Williams – Jammaround, Inc., New Orleans
Shay Claiborne – MilestoneMate, New Orleans
Randall Nachman – Novateus, Baton Rouge
Jelani Clark – Trendsic Corporation, Inc., Baton Rouge
Arun Lakhotia – Unknown Cyber Inc. Lafayette
Kyle McCleary – QueryLake, Baton Rouge
Joseph Khoury – DarQ Security, Baton Rouge
Ricardo Porter – Flange Aligner, LaPlace
Teddy Smith – Cinelevels, Baton Rouge
Ashton Hilliard – Build-A-Way, Inc., New Orleans
Donovan Williams – Jammaround, Inc., New Orleans
Shay Claiborne – MilestoneMate, New Orleans
Randall Nachman – Novateus, Baton Rouge
Jelani Clark – Trendsic Corporation, Inc., Baton Rouge
Arun Lakhotia – Unknown Cyber Inc. Lafayette
Kyle McCleary – QueryLake, Baton Rouge
Joseph Khoury – DarQ Security, Baton Rouge
The event, hosted by Nexus Louisiana, offers an unparalleled platform for innovators to demo their projects before a panel of industry leaders, technologists, and investors. From June 17 to 19, at The Estuary at the Water Campus in Baton Rouge, participants will have the opportunity to compete and engage.
Nexus Louisiana President and CEO Tony Zanders emphasizes the importance of this event. "Louisiana is home to some of the most talented and innovative minds in the country," said Zanders. "Our institutions continue to produce remarkable talent with the drive to shape what’s next, and the Nexus Technology Cup is a showcase for that brilliance. It’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of Louisiana’s ability to lead in the future of technology and entrepreneurship."
For additional questions or information about the Nexus Technology Cup, please contact Na’Tisha Natt at (225) 408-5018 or natisha@nexusla.org.
About Nexus Louisiana
Created 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.
Created 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.