Commitment will power a 2030 Strategic Plan designed to strengthen Baton Rouge’s role as a technology hub and unify Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem.
BATON ROUGE, LA – Nexus Louisiana has received a $200,000 grant from JPMorganChase to develop its 2030 Strategic Plan, a major investment that will guide the organization’s next decade of statewide impact. This marks the organization’s first philanthropic award and signals a new chapter in long-term sustainability and statewide leadership.
For three decades, Nexus Louisiana has served as a cornerstone of Baton Rouge’s technology community and a catalyst for innovation across the state. As the region’s tech landscape expands and the statewide economy continues to evolve, Nexus is entering a moment of profound transformation. A leadership transition, a move to a new campus, and shifting economic dynamics all point to the need for a clear and forward-looking strategy that reflects the needs of Louisiana’s founders, innovators, and emerging talent.
The 2030 Strategic Plan will be developed through an inclusive statewide process that centers collaboration and community voice. It will serve as a public, actionable roadmap grounded in measurable outcomes, organizational excellence, and long-term economic resilience.
“This commitment from JPMorganChase marks a defining milestone for Nexus Louisiana," said Tony Zanders, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana. "As our first national philanthropic investment, it signals confidence in our mission and statewide leadership while enabling a coordinated strategy that strengthens capacity, supports founders, retains talent, and ensures Baton Rouge continues to lead Louisiana’s technology-driven growth.”
Louisiana faces growing competitive pressures, ongoing talent loss, and persistent gaps in capital. A coordinated, data-driven vision is essential. With support from JPMorganChase, Nexus Louisiana will enhance its organizational capacity, refine its operational structure, and align its strategy with the demands of a modern innovation ecosystem. This funding will enable Nexus to more effectively support high-growth tech startups, scale technology adoption, and strengthen the state’s competitive position in the national innovation economy.
Rapid technological change is reshaping business and industry in Louisiana. Organizations like Nexus play a critical role in preparing founders and innovators to transform this disruption into opportunity,” said Victoria Adams Phipps, Vice President of Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase. “Small businesses are the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, and by supporting this initiative, we can build the pipeline of startups and resilient businesses expanding economic opportunity across the state.”
Stakeholders from across the state will help shape this plan, including founders, universities, economic development leaders, and community partners. Their insights will guide a shared vision for the state’s technology future and help shape strategies that expand opportunity, drive growth, and support a thriving innovation economy.
The final 2030 Strategic Plan will be a public-facing, actionable framework that includes benchmarks, evaluation tools, and accountability measures. It will be released in the fourth quarter of 2026. To launch this effort, Nexus Louisiana will host its first listening session for founders, stakeholders, and community partners on Thursday, January 22. For more information, visit nexusla.org.