INNOV8 Acadiana is a Lafayette-based local non-profit organization that promotes entrepreneurship by providing resources to innovators to connect them with investors and to help them grow their business.
The organization launched in 2013 as a project of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
In October, INNOV8 will be hosting an Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge in partnership with Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) and The Opportunity Machine.
“The Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge allows us to help move new technologies and ideas forward from their earliest stages, which is very exciting,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE’S executive director.
Ten selected winners will be showcased during LAGCOE from October 27-29, with a culminating in a shark tank style pitch event on October 29. Investors will have the opportunity to fund any of the entrepreneurs.
All finalists will be invited to pitch again on November 14 at the INNOV8 Acadiana Technology and Entrepreneurial Summit in Lafayette. Three winners at the summit will get an all-expense-paid trip to the Idea Village’s New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, to be held March 11-18.
“Now more than ever, the Energy Industry needs new innovators to step up and test their ideas,” said Thomas Chance of C&C Technologies. “This inaugural pitch event is a great way to showcase those entrepreneurs looking for capital and connections to springboard their business plans. I can’t wait to see who and what will be in the LAGCOE Innovators’ Tent!”
Interested entrepreneurs can apply at lagcoe.com/energyinnovators before October 5.