New Orleans BioInnovation Center announces six finalists for 2026 BioChallenge

Written By Alicia Vial

Six companies developing innovations in brain health will compete for $100,000 in cash prizes Oct. 29

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) has selected six finalists for its 2026 BioChallenge pitch competition, showcasing companies developing new approaches to neurological diseases, hearing challenges and early detection of infections that can affect brain health. The annual event will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, at NOBIC, bringing together biotechnology entrepreneurs, investors, economic developers, researchers and industry leaders.

The 2026 BioChallenge is presented by Dr. Sid O’Bryant and the Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth, along with lead sponsors Cognito Therapeutics, BioDistrict New Orleans and Answer ALS.

The six finalists are:

  • Cenna Biosciences Inc.: Developing Nubytide, an investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease designed to reduce the production of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the disease. The company has received FDA authorization to proceed with its first human clinical trial.

  • Cleaved Diagnostics: Developing rapid, sensitive and affordable diagnostic tests using CRISPR technology. Its first product targets cytomegalovirus, an infection that can affect brain development and hearing in newborns.

  • Moleculera Biosciences: Offering a blood-testing panel designed to help clinicians identify whether an immune response may contribute to psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive or movement symptoms. The company is also expanding its research into other conditions involving inflammation.

  • Nervosave Therapeutics: Developing treatments for nerve disorders, beginning with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited condition that affects peripheral nerves. The France-based company is expanding into the United States.

  • Parley Neurotech: Developing a noninvasive treatment for people who struggle to understand speech in noisy environments. The University of Colorado spinoff is evaluating its approach in a clinical trial.

  • PathMaker Neurosystems: Developing MyoRegulator, a noninvasive device that delivers electrical stimulation through surface electrodes to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The device received FDA Breakthrough Device designation in December 2025 and is in its second clinical trial as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

“We had a deep applicant pool this year and these six earned their spot,” said Kris Khalil, executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. “All are past the idea stage and in or near the clinic. Several already have a drug or device in human trials. Companies from California, Boston and France are flying in to pitch in New Orleans. They want to work with our clinical partners and get their technologies to the patients here who need them.”

Finalists will present their companies to a panel of judges and compete for $100,000 in total cash prizes. Previous BioChallenge winners have gone on to raise millions of dollars in private investment and federal grant funding. The competition highlights New Orleans’ role in supporting biotechnology entrepreneurs and connecting emerging companies with resources to advance their work.

“The Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth is pleased to continue our partnership with NOBIC in recognizing the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of brain health,” said Sid O’Bryant, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute. “The most important horizon in healthcare is brain health. As we look toward the future, our commitment remains focused on accelerating scientific discovery, advancing innovative solutions and improving brain health for all. The companies participating in the 2026 BioChallenge reflect the creativity, vision and transformative potential needed to turn promising discoveries into meaningful advances that can improve lives.”

The BioChallenge is open to the public to attend on Thursday, Oct. 29 at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center at 1441 Canal Street. To register for the event visit here.

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About New Orleans BioInnovation Center: The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding and improve global health outcomes.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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