Real-world challenges, industry partnerships, and $5,000 prizes position DevDays as a talent pipeline for the state’s innovation economy
BATON ROUGE, LA — Nexus Louisiana is rolling out its fall programming schedule with DevDays, one-of-a-kind competitions designed to engage builders, technologists, and innovators from across Louisiana and beyond to tackle the state’s most pressing industry challenges.
The inaugural season kicks off on October 24 with Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), a statewide initiative focused on accelerating the clean energy transition, in partnership with Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company. The opening challenge will center on ClimateTech, with participants developing actionable solutions for carbon management in one of Louisiana’s most critical industries.
“Louisiana has the most important raw ingredients for innovation: real-world problems and experts to solve them,” said Tony Zanders, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana. “DevDays is a scalable attempt to partner with industry to increase our ecosystem's shots on goal, and do so in a way only Baton Rouge can do.”
Louisiana is at the center of one of the nation’s largest clean energy transitions, with $23 billion committed to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects projected to create more than 4,500 new jobs. By tackling the challenges in this sector, Louisiana has the opportunity not only to lead the U.S. in clean energy innovation but to set the global standard for carbon management.
"FUEL's mission is to future-proof energy in Louisiana for the world. We are committed to supporting bold, innovative thinking from every corner of the state,” said Michael Mazzola, Executive Director of FUEL.
More than just a competition, DevDays acts as a vital pipeline for Louisiana’s next wave of problem-solvers. Participants from across the state will be paired with experienced coaches, and the winning teams will earn a $5,000 non-dilutive cash prize. Each challenge is designed to align with Louisiana’s key economic sectors, providing a platform for innovators to address critical issues essential to the state’s growth.
As part of this effort, Nexus Louisiana has embarked on a statewide campus tour this fall to introduce college students to the growing opportunities in Louisiana’s tech sector. The initiative gives students a chance to directly engage with industry professionals, gain mentorship, and showcase their talents as they work to solve real-world challenges.
“Louisiana is full of bright, ambitious students who are ready to contribute to our state’s economic future,” said Zanders. “DevDays is our way of connecting that talent with the industries that need them, helping students see a future for themselves in tech right here at home.”
Each DevDay will culminate in a Tech Tailgate, a curated networking experience co-presented by Nexus Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development’s LA.IO. These invitation-only gatherings bring together innovators, tech leaders, industry professionals, and investors to celebrate ideas, build connections, and highlight emerging talent, all in the spirit of Louisiana’s game day culture.
The next DevDay is scheduled for November 14 and will focus on HeathTech. The challenge prompt will be announced at least six weeks before the competition, ensuring the challenge remains timely, relevant, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
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. For more information, visit nexusla.org.
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. For more information, visit nexusla.org.
About FUEL
Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) is a collaborative initiative bringing together universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, industry partners, and capital investors, all led by LSU. With up to $160 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the NSF Engines program and an additional $67.5 million from Louisiana Economic Development, FUEL is dedicated to driving the state’s energy innovation forward. The initiative will support energy-focused research and development, workforce training, the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, and energy startups in Louisiana. For more information, visit fuelouisiana.org.
Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) is a collaborative initiative bringing together universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, industry partners, and capital investors, all led by LSU. With up to $160 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the NSF Engines program and an additional $67.5 million from Louisiana Economic Development, FUEL is dedicated to driving the state’s energy innovation forward. The initiative will support energy-focused research and development, workforce training, the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, and energy startups in Louisiana. For more information, visit fuelouisiana.org.