New Orleans is set to become a major hub for engineering startups as Newlab, a New York-based venture platform, announces its expansion to the city. The innovation hub, opening by the end of 2026, is part of a $50 million public-private partnership between the city, Shell Oil, Louisiana Economic Development, LSU, and Greater New Orleans Inc.
Background and Significance
Louisiana’s industrial base produces significant planet-warming emissions, but this ‘deep industrial legacy’ is exactly what attracted Newlab to the state. The global push to decarbonize the economy is a trillion-dollar opportunity, and Louisiana officials believe investing in new energy forms is crucial to maintaining its role as a global energy leader.
Newlab’s Focus Areas
The New Orleans hub will initially focus on three key sectors:
- Industrial power
- Carbon management and utilization
- Shipping and maritime
Newlab specializes in working with ‘deep tech’ startups that develop hardware based on extensive research and development. One such company is Encore CO2, a Baton Rouge-based startup that’s developing technology to transform carbon emissions into valuable industrial chemicals.
Benefits for Startups
The 30,000-square-foot facility will provide startups with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, including 3D printing and machining capabilities, as well as industrial bays equipped with overhead cranes and fume hoods. This infrastructure will allow companies to focus on scaling their research rather than investing in their own workshops.
Collaboration Opportunities
Local officials see tremendous potential for collaboration between Newlab and existing innovation ecosystems. Elizabeth Maxwell from Idea Village hopes for a ‘revolving door’ between their portfolio companies and Newlab’s resources. Kris Khalil of the New Orleans BioInnovation Lab anticipates biotech founders benefiting from Newlab’s prototyping expertise.
Addressing Louisiana’s Innovation Gap
LSU’s Vice President for Research, Robert Twilley, noted that while the university excels at generating knowledge, it struggles with commercializing research. Newlab’s presence is expected to bridge this gap, helping academic innovations reach the market.
The establishment of Newlab in New Orleans represents a significant milestone in Louisiana’s economic evolution, providing the infrastructure and support needed to turn innovative research into scalable technologies.
