Tag: AI

Louisiana Innovation Division to Propel Louisiana Startups Forward

The state of Louisiana took a significant step toward fostering innovation and technological advancement with the recent launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a new division within Louisiana Economic Development (LED). This initiative aimed to position Louisiana as a hub for high-growth, technology-driven startup companies. The announcement, made by LED, highlighted the creation of the Louisiana Growth Fund, which initially secured $50 million in federal funding to support entrepreneurs in establishing and scaling their ventures across the state.

A key component of LA.IO’s early initiatives was the establishment of the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence, a 501c3 organization designed to spearhead the state’s AI strategy. This strategy focused on applied research, commercialization, workforce development, and policy formulation. One of the Institute’s inaugural projects involved equipping 5,000 small businesses across Louisiana with AI tools to enhance their scalability and competitiveness in the marketplace.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois emphasized the importance of cultivating homegrown businesses in addition to attracting external investments. She highlighted that Louisiana Innovation would work closely with both startups and existing companies to nurture the state’s innovation economy. Bourgeois cited Meta’s $10 billion data center project in Richland Parish as evidence of the state’s commitment to innovation, noting that such investments underscored the effectiveness of this forward-thinking strategy.

Beyond the Growth Fund, LA.IO brought together various partners already dedicated to supporting innovators. LED had already engaged in seven seed capital funds across Louisiana, with plans to expand in 2025. Key partners included Ochsner Louisiana’s Innovation Fund, Tulane University’s Innovation Institute, the New Orleans Startup Fund, Innovation Catalyst, Boot64 Ventures, The Idea Village, and Propeller. These entities leveraged funding streams like the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to provide additional capital, thereby boosting the total funding pool for startups to over $100 million.

Josh Fleig, LED’s Chief Innovation Officer, highlighted the critical role of connections and mentorship in the success of startups. He stressed that linking entrepreneurs to customers, resources, and expert guidance was as crucial as providing financial support. Fleig announced that LA.IO would organize new events to foster these vital connections within the startup ecosystem. His remarks were delivered to an audience of business leaders, higher education representatives, economic development officials, and government figures during the Super Bowl LIX Louisiana Now Pavilion event.

Several regional partners, such as The Idea Village in New Orleans, Opportunity Machine in Lafayette, and EAP and Startup Prize in Shreveport, were set to lead these innovation-focused events. LA.IO planned to expand its network by adding more university partnerships, creating a collaborative ecosystem that facilitated real-time collaboration and shared resources.

Fleig noted that these partnerships, with their established and impactful startup events, would now operate under the unified umbrella of Louisiana Innovation. This collective effort aimed to build an ecosystem greater than the sum of its parts, providing essential support to entrepreneurs navigating challenges such as business model development and investor readiness.

The Innovation Day program concluded with an announcement from Waymo, a leading autonomous driving technology company. Waymo showcased one of its self-driving cars outside the Louisiana Now Pavilion and revealed that New Orleans had been selected as one of the 10 cities for its 2025 Road Trip tour. This initiative aimed to expose Waymo’s autonomous navigation system to diverse driving conditions across the country, from varied road features to different driving behaviors.

Louisiana Economic Development has consistently aimed to attract capital investment, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities within the state. The launch of Louisiana Innovation reinforced this mission by providing a structured platform for nurturing technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth.

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Meta Data Center Sparks Economic Growth in Rural Louisiana

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced its plan to construct a $10 billion artificial intelligence (AI) data center in northeast Louisiana, as per this release from Louisiana Economic Development. This major investment not only solidifies Louisiana’s reputation as a rising hub for technology and innovation but also brings significant economic growth to the region. The project is set to transform Richland Parish by creating thousands of jobs and reinforcing the area’s role in the ever-expanding digital landscape.

The data center is projected to generate over 500 direct jobs in Richland Parish, with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimating that more than 1,000 indirect jobs will also be created, bringing the total potential employment impact to 1,500 new jobs. Additionally, the construction phase is expected to employ around 5,000 workers at its peak. The massive facility will be built on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm megasite, strategically located between Rayville and Delhi, approximately 30 miles east of Monroe.

Governor Jeff Landry expressed his enthusiasm, calling the project “a new chapter” for Louisiana. He emphasized that Meta’s investment would not only expand the state’s tech industry but also stimulate economic revitalization in rural areas, fostering well-paying job opportunities for Louisiana residents. The governor credited the passage of recent tax reform legislation for creating a business climate that successfully attracted Meta’s investment.

Meta’s investment is expected to stimulate further technological advancements in the region as well as significant economic growth. The company prioritizes sourcing labor and materials locally, which will benefit Louisiana’s industries. Additionally, Meta has pledged to support science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education initiatives, providing valuable skills to local students and workers aiming to enter the digital workforce.

Meta has committed to matching its electricity consumption with 100% clean and renewable energy, working closely with Entergy Louisiana to meet its power needs. Entergy plans to introduce at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy through its Geaux Zero program to accommodate Meta’s facility. Furthermore, the company has promised to contribute up to $1 million annually to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” program, which assists low-income ratepayers. Entergy will match this contribution, further expanding financial support for those in need.

To ensure a skilled workforce for both the construction and operation of the facility, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has allocated $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College. This funding will enhance training programs in construction trades and data center operations. Delta Community College will also collaborate with other institutions experienced in developing curricula tailored to the data center industry.

Construction of the data center is expected to extend through 2030, with site preparations beginning in December. Beyond job creation, Meta will invest over $200 million in infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems. The project is anticipated to attract additional data center developments, reinforcing Louisiana’s position in the tech industry.

Meta is also set to benefit from Louisiana’s recently established incentive program under Act 730, which offers a rebate on state and local sales and use taxes for qualifying data center equipment purchases or leases. Additionally, the company is expected to participate in Louisiana’s Quality Jobs program, further enhancing the economic benefits for the region.

Meta’s decision to build a $10 billion AI-optimized data center in northeast Louisiana marks a transformative moment for the region. The project will drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and position Louisiana as a leader in the digital revolution. With a strong commitment to sustainability, infrastructure development, and workforce education, Meta’s investment will leave a lasting impact on the state’s economy and technological landscape.

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A Louisiana Hospital Uses AI to Tackle Pancreatic Cancer: Early Detection and Treatment

A Baton Rouge hospital has introduced cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology aimed at improving the early detection of pancreatic cancer, a condition that is often diagnosed in its later stages. The American Cancer Society projects that in 2024, over 66,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but according to this article from The Advocate, in Louisiana, where this type of cancer accounted for 7.3% of cancer-related deaths between 2016 and 2020, efforts like the AI technology used at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center are bridging the gap in screening and prevention.

In an effort to combat these statistics, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge has introducedEON technology, an advanced AI software designed to analyze CT scans and flag potential pancreatic abnormalities, even if the patient’s initial hospital visit was unrelated to pancreatic issues. For instance, if a patient underwent a CT scan following a car accident, the AI would still review the scan for signs of pancreatic cysts, potentially identifying an issue long before it developed into cancer. The software automatically notifies the hospital’s oncology team, enabling timely follow-up and treatment.

Dr. Mo Al-Efishat, a surgical oncologist at Our Lady of the Lake specializing in advanced pancreatic tumors and cysts, explained the importance of EON’s implementation. The software uses a combination of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics to analyze medical imaging reports with up to 98% accuracy. Traditional methods often miss subtle indications of pancreatic cysts, which can evolve into cancer. In contrast, EON’s sophisticated analysis ensures that cysts are not only detected but also brought to the attention of medical professionals who can schedule regular follow-ups, such as MRIs or CT scans every six to twelve months, as needed.

Dr. Al-Efishat emphasized that early detection is key in preventing pancreatic cancer. “Twenty percent of pancreatic cancers originate from mucinous cysts,” he noted. These are cysts that, if identified and monitored early, have the potential to be treated before they turn cancerous. Once a pancreatic cyst is flagged, the oncology team takes over, assessing whether further intervention is necessary. The AI system operates continuously across the hospital’s network, ensuring that any MRI or CT scan conducted within the system is evaluated for pancreatic abnormalities.

One of the critical aspects of treating this cancer is catching it at an early stage. According to Dr. Al-Efishat, when pancreatic cancer is caught in its earliest stages, the chances of survival increase substantially, with cure rates ranging from 30% to 40%. He shared a case where, after performing a robotic surgery, the biopsy results revealed high-grade dysplasia, the final stage before cancer develops. Dr. Al-Efishat expressed relief, knowing that his team had intervened at just the right moment. Once pancreatic cancer develops, survival rates drop dramatically—from 100% to 30% upon diagnosis.

Unlike breast or colon cancer, pancreatic cancer does not have an established screening method for the general population, such as mammograms or colonoscopies. There is a screening program for individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer, but this represents a small portion of the population. The absence of a comprehensive screening program makes the need for AI technologies like EON even more crucial in bridging the gap.

Looking to the future, Dr. Al-Efishat expressed optimism about emerging research aimed at preventing pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have identified inflammation as a key driver of pancreatic cancer development. As a result, clinical trials are now underway to test the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments in slowing or halting the progression of pancreatic cysts to cancer. If successful, these treatments could represent a major breakthrough in pancreatic cancer prevention, potentially reducing the number of lives lost to this devastating disease.

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