R3: River, Road, Rail $20K Pitch Competition

World Trade Center New Orleans, StartupNOLA, and the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst (GCDC) invite startups and established small businesses with a commercialization concept to apply for the R3: River, Road, Rail pitch competition taking place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at The Shop Workspace (900 Camp Street). This competition is designed to unearth innovative ideas and concepts that will revolutionize the transportation and logistics sector. We seek ambitious entrepreneurs and forward thinking teams with tech-enabled solutions that innovatively address critical challenges facing global supply chains. Applications are due by Tuesday, October 27 at midnight.

Winning Prize: $20,000 cash and a guaranteed spot to pitch in the Nexus Louisiana Technology Cup statewide pitch competition in Baton Rouge in December!

Register to Attend

Eligibility

Open to startups and established small businesses operating in Louisiana that have a novel technology with commercialization potential. Submissions must focus on solutions within the transportation and logistics sectors, including but not limited to:

  • Supply Chain Optimization: Technologies that enhance efficiency, visibility, and resilience in global supply chains
  • Sustainable Shipping: Solutions that minimize environmental impact, such as green technologies, alternative fuels, and waste-reduction strategies
  • Port and Terminal Operations: Innovations that improve port efficiency and safety
  • Logistics and Transportation: Solutions that optimize transportation routes, improve last-mile delivery, and enhance overall logistics efficiency via water, road, and rail
  • Safety and Compliance: Technology-based solutions to monitor and address these two critical priority areas

 

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation and Originality: The novelty and uniqueness of the proposed solution
  • Customer Discovery and Demand: Addresses an unmet industry demand, demonstrating market viability
  • Feasibility and Scalability: The potential for the solution to be successfully implemented and scaled nationally and globally
  • Bonus Points: Given to technological solutions that have dual-use application potential for government customers as well
  • Pitch Deck: Should clearly articulate your innovative solution, its value proposition, target market, and go-to-market strategy, while honoring the pitch time limit
  • Presentation & Q&A Time Limit: Ability to adhere to the pitch presentation time limit of 5 minutes max, and the Q&A time limit of 3 minutes max (8 minutes total)

Application Process:

  1. Complete the R3 Pitch Competition Application by Tuesday, October 27, at midnight
  2. Application Review: Judges will review applications October 28 through October 29
  3. Selection: Finalists will be announced on Thursday, October 29
  4. Pitch Competition & Winner Announcement: Will take place on November 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Shop Workspace (900 Camp Street)

The Prize: $20,000 for the winning solution

Apply Now