Nexus Louisiana’s spring 2025 Ignition cohort marks a milestone as the first all-tech group, featuring founders developing hardware and software products across various industries. This eight-week startup accelerator aims to transform ideas into scalable ventures. The program’s revamped curric ulum focuses on business model refinement, prototype development and gaining traction with customers and investors. The organization announced earlier this month that it is hosting a new tech competition, The Nexus Technology Cup, which will replace Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week as part of its dedication to deepen its connection to the tech ecosystem. Participants will end Ignition 2.0 with Demo Day on May 6, where they will pitch for up to a $10,000 investment.  Ignition cohort participants IV Safepatch (Tonia Aiken, Jim Aiken, Sandra Pelas) – A medical device company developing a protective IV patch that detects site failures and alerts caregivers to prevent serious injury. Blue Tree (Rodney Shepherd, Chris Hilliard) – A digital platform connecting college entrepreneurs with their campus communities to help them grow and scale their businesses. The platform won the Ignition 1.0 pitch competition last fall. Think Airports (Tim Walsh) – AI-powered strategic planning software for the airport industry designed to streamline operations and decision-making. Live Royally (Brittany Calahan) – A marketplace platform connecting consumers with curated cultural experiences, fostering economic and community engagement. Data Samurai (Robert Ayala) – A data analytics and AI consultancy developing tools to improve efficiency for government agencies and high-growth tech companies. Brown Ribbon (Diana Davis) – A community-driven online marketplace where women entrepreneurs can barter skills and services without financial barriers. The New Orleans-based company won the PitchBR competition in February. Porter Produxs (Ricardo Porter) – An innovative tool that enhances safety and efficiency for oil and gas industry workers. Encore CO2 (William McGehee, Jordan Losavio, John Flake) – A cleantech company transforming CO2 into valuable products like ethanol and acetate using electrolysis. The company was recently awarded a $275,000 Small Business Innovative Research grant from the National Science Foundation. Last month, it also received $200,000 from Future Use of Energy in Louisiana’s Proof-of-Concept Fund.  ...read more read less