NOBIC announces finalists for 2025 BioChallenge Pitch Competition

Written By Alicia Vial

Five groundbreaking neurotech startups to compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is proud to announce the five finalists for its flagship 2025 BioChallenge Pitch Competition, where innovators are redefining the future of brain health. This year’s event is presented by UNT Health Fort Worth under the leadership of Sid O’Bryant, Ph.D., Executive Director of the UNT Health Science Center Institute for Translational Research.

BioChallenge is an annual event that accelerates biotechnology startups who are addressing the world’s most urgent health challenges. This year’s competition underscores New Orleans’ growing position as a national hub for brain health innovation and neurotech, and will take place Thursday, October 30, 2025, at NOBIC.

“UNT Health Fort Worth is proud to partner with NOBIC to highlight innovations that are redefining what’s possible for brain health,” said Dr. Sid O’Bryant, Executive Director of the Institute. “Our mission is to advance groundbreaking research and innovation to achieve a world of optimal brain health for all - and the companies in this year’s BioChallenge represent exactly that kind of transformative potential.”

The 2025 BioChallenge finalists represent five early-stage companies developing breakthrough innovations in neurotechnology, diagnostics and therapeutics:

  • Sculpta Bio (San Francisco, CA) — Pioneering RNA-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases through its Protein Sculpting™ platform.

  • Origami Therapeutics (San Diego, CA) — Developing next-generation small molecules targeting misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases using its proprietary ORICISION™ platform.

  • NeuroBionics Inc. (Cambridge, MA) — Advancing bioelectronic medicine with the evStim, a minimally invasive neuromodulation device for conditions such as depression, epilepsy and Parkinson’s.

  • Centron Bio (Cambridge, MA) — Transforming genetic medicine delivery for neurological disorders through a novel blood-brain barrier–crossing platform.

  • JuneBrain Inc. (Baltimore, MD) — Leveraging AI and high-resolution retinal imaging to detect and monitor neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration remotely.

“BioChallenge is more than a pitch competition. It is a rallying call for brain health innovators and a catalyst for change in our community,” said Kris Khalil, Executive Director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. “We are building a bridge between global startups and Louisiana’s world-class research community to accelerate breakthroughs. Each finalist represents the courage, creativity, and collaboration that define the future of biotech. We are proud to host that future right here in New Orleans and unite those who are tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges: keeping our brains healthy.”

The 2025 BioChallenge follows Bio on the Bayou, the region’s flagship academic biotechnology symposium, highlighting Louisiana’s expanding role in bioscience innovation. Past BioChallenge winners, including AxoSim (now 28bio), Obatala Sciences, Junum, and Informuta, have gone on to advance impactful therapies to market.

The event is open to the public, and anyone interested in the future of brain health, innovation, and entrepreneurship is invited to attend. Registration is free and available now at BioChallenge 2025 on Eventbrite.

###

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.

Previous

Ursuline Academy’s Pink Game Raises Nearly $127,000 for Breast Cancer Care Since Inception
Next

NOMAR’s 15th annual Forecast Symposium showcases industry innovation and collaboration across Greater New Orleans