Greater New Orleans, Inc. – GNO, Inc.

GNO, Inc. has partnered with Southeastern Louisiana University to expand the STEM Scholars Program, bringing clean energy education to underserved communities across the region. Through the #H2theFuture initiative, high school students will gain hands-on experience with hydrogen fuel, offshore wind, and solar energy while discovering pathways to STEM careers. This partnership is empowering the next generation of innovators and building a more equitable, sustainable future. #Workforce #STEMCareers Learn More: https://hubs.ly/Q0305myM0

As New Orleans gears up to host Super Bowl LIX, a citywide beautification effort is underway to highlight the city’s creativity, opportunity, and community. Local artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums is leading the charge with his largest mural yet—a massive 105x167-foot piece on the HEAL parking garage near Duncan Plaza. Featuring “everyday people depicted as giants,” the mural stands across from City Hall, serving as a powerful symbol of the community’s spirit. This is BMIKE’s second mural in the series, following his collaboration with teens from his Eternal Seeds art camp near the Hyatt Regency. Read More: https://hubs.ly/Q02_ZzlH0

Last week, GNO, Inc. hosted the annual Greater New Orleans Regional Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GNO RAAMP) collaboration meeting at NASA Michoud’s Assembly Facility. Industry leaders shared insights on the current state of aerospace and advanced manufacturing in our region and emphasized the importance of preparing a workforce for the future.

Copado, a Chicago-based technology company specializing in AI-powered DevOps software for business applications, announced it is establishing an innovation office in New Orleans. Copado's investment in high-wage, high-skill jobs underscores the opportunities available for companies looking to scale in a city that blends innovation with an unmatched quality of life. GNO, Inc. is proud to have supported Copado so far and looks forward to helping them grow here in New Orleans. Read More: https://hubs.ly/Q02_xdDq0

Greater New Orleans, Inc. is excited to be part of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week 2025! From March 24–29, join us for a week-long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship across New Orleans. Alongside some incredible organizations, we’re helping to program this year’s festival featuring keynotes, workshops, pitch competitions, and networking events. Registration is FREE and NOW OPEN! Be part of the Gulf South’s largest entrepreneurial celebration. Brought to you by NOEW’s co-producers Loyola University New Orleans Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and The Idea Village. Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q02_s6gV0

Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana is a free business accelerator program designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs with the tools, coaching, and resources they need to grow their businesses and thrive. Applications close January 31st. Apply Here: https://hubs.ly/Q02_8C_h0

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to invest $10 billion in an artificial intelligence-optimized data center in Northeast Louisiana, marking one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history. The facility will span 4 million square feet on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm site in Richland Parish and is expected to create over 500 direct jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs, and employ 5,000 construction workers at peak. Meta has committed to matching its energy use with 100% renewable energy, implementing water restoration initiatives, and investing $200 million in local infrastructure improvements. Governor Jeff Landry hailed the project as "a new chapter" for Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in innovation, workforce development, and sustainability. Construction is set to begin in December, with completion anticipated by 2030. Read More: https://hubs.ly/Q02-CgMY0

GNO, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht joined Michelle Johnston, host of The Seismic Shift, to discuss how New Orleans can recreate the Taylor Swift-level magic for the upcoming Super Bowl. #Superbowl #BuiltToHost

Last week, OHUB hosted the $100K Climate Tech Startup Challenge. The competition featured five companies from their New Energy Technology Incubator in New Orleans - Fortifyy, Suyana, Frontline Gig, Metallic Luxury, and the winning company, Pheonix Waste Solutions. Congratulations to all founders who graduated from the program! Since launching in New Orleans last year, NETI has: -Supported 90 climate tech founders nationwide -Invested $500K in top startups, including Phoenix Waste Solutions, a Terrebonne Parish "trash to energy" company that just won the OHUB Climate Tech Challenge pitch competition -Empowered diversity, with 35% of the cohort from the Gulf Coast & 68% identifying as Black or Indigenous

Celebrate a year of ecosystem building with us at a holiday party hosted by Startup NOLA, Startup NOIR NOLA, METRONOME, and NOFAB at Common House NOLA from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm! The fun kicks off with The Idea Village’s Fall Pitch Night from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so be sure to join us for an afternoon of pitches followed by an evening of celebration! Thank you to Phelps Dunbar LLP for supporting this party. Party: https://hubs.ly/Q02ZyCxc0 Pitch Night: https://hubs.ly/Q02Zybrt0