February 6, 2025 — Louisiana Economic Development used the Super Bowl spotlight this week to announce the launch of a new state-backed venture fund and a research institute focused on artificial intelligence.
Officials at the state agency said Thursday they they have created a new division called Louisiana Innovation — or “LA.IO” for short. The department’s first initiative will be the launch of the Louisiana Growth Fund, a government-run venture capital firm that will invest in local startups using federal dollars. LED is also creating the nonprofit Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence, designed to advance research, commercialization and policy related to new technology in the state.