Second installment of DevDays challenges Louisiana’s brightest minds to shape the future of innovation in sports medicine
BATON ROUGE, LA (October 7, 2025) — Nexus Louisiana today announced the launch of its second DevDays innovation competition, spotlighting HealthTech with a focus on sports medicine. Scheduled for November 14, 2025, at the Nexus Louisiana campus in Baton Rouge, this challenge will be held in partnership with Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s largest nonprofit academic health system and a nationally recognized leader in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.
Building on the inaugural DevDay, which tackled ClimateTech and Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS), this second installment turns to one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing sectors - healthcare. With sports participation rising and orthopedic needs growing in aging populations, the demand for innovative approaches to injury prevention, recovery, and long-term musculoskeletal health has never been greater. Participating teams in the technology competition will spend six weeks developing innovative solutions that enhance ACL injury prevention and streamline management for adolescents and young adult athletes in Louisiana.
“Louisianans are known for our willingness to tackle real challenges,” said Tony Zanders, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana. “DevDays represents our first partnership with Ochsner, and we’re honored to collaborate with an organization deeply committed to healthcare innovation. Together, we’re helping students turn ideas into impact and redefine the future of health in Louisiana.”
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.
Our partnership with Ochsner Health is an incredible opportunity to merge innovation with real-world expertise. We’re thrilled to collaborate with a leader so deeply committed to advancing sports medicine and improving outcomes for athletes and communities across the state.”
Ochsner Health, the state’s largest nonprofit academic health system, brings unparalleled expertise to this challenge. Ochsner delivers care to 1.6 million patients annually across 47 hospitals and 370 care centers, and serves as the official healthcare provider for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. Its nationally recognized sports medicine and orthopedic programs make it a powerful partner in driving innovation. This expertise is further amplified through the Ochsner Elite Training Complex, which provides unique insights into the demands athletes face and the innovations that can improve recovery and performance.
"We are excited to join forces with Nexus Louisiana for HealthTech DevDay, an initiative that champions innovation in sports medicine and orthopedics," said Jeremy Burnham, Medical Director of Sports Medicine at Ochsner. "We are passionate about harnessing the power of technology to redefine patient care, whether it’s preventing injuries, accelerating recovery, or enhancing athletic performance. This event reflects our mission to drive progress in healthcare and support the innovators and ideas shaping the future of wellness in our communities and beyond."
Ochsner is also a proud supporter of innovation and startup companies in the state through its involvement in regional innovation ecosystems and investments in Louisiana-based companies.
"We are honored to partner with Nexus Louisiana for HealthTech DevDay, an initiative that empowers innovation in sports medicine and orthopedics. At Ochsner, we see every day how breakthroughs in technology can transform patient outcomes—from preventing injuries to helping athletes and aging populations recover stronger and faster,” said Patrick Cook, physical therapist and Vice President, Musculoskeletal Services at Ochsner Baton Rouge. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing healthcare solutions that not only serve our communities today but also inspire the next generation of innovators shaping the future of health and wellness."
Ochsner’s involvement in Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem extends beyond care delivery. Through investments in regional startups and partnerships like DevDay, Ochsner fuels the development of new technologies that address real health challenges in our state. The Ochsner Wellness Center at LSU further strengthens this mission by providing on-campus resources that support athletic performance, rehabilitation, and student wellness.
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.
Participants in DevDays will receive mentorship from industry experts and present their solutions to a panel of judges, with the winning student team earning a $5,000 unrestricted cash prize. The competition is open to students across all disciplines.
For more information, visit nexusla.org/devdays.
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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.
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 14 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and digital connectivity not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 14 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and digital connectivity not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.