JuneBrain named first-place winner of 2025 BioChallenge Competition

Written By Alicia Vial

Origami Therapeutics and Centron Bio take second and third place honors

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is excited to announce JuneBrain Inc. as the first-place and crowd favorite winner of the 2025 BioChallenge Pitch Competition, held Thursday, Oct. 30 at NOBIC. The annual competition, presented by UNT Health Fort Worth under the leadership of Dr. Sid O’Bryant, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Institute for Translational Research, spotlights biotech and neurotech startups that are shaping the future of brain health.

JuneBrain, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is developing a first-of-its-kind platform that uses AI and high-resolution retinal imaging to detect and monitor neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration remotely. The company’s innovative technology empowers clinicians and patients by expanding access to neurological care and enabling earlier, more personalized intervention.

“Being named the BioChallenge winner is a milestone for JuneBrain and a springboard for what comes next,” said Samantha Scott, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of JuneBrain Inc. “As a neuroscientist and founder with a disability, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for people to access advanced care. It’s inspiring to be a part of a program that supports startups working to bring these technologies to the communities that need them most.”

Origami Therapeutics, based in San Diego, California earned second place for its next-generation small molecule therapeutics targeting misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases using its proprietary ORICISION™ platform. Centron Bio, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, took third place for its novel blood-brain barrier-crossing platform designed to revolutionize genetic medicine delivery for neurological disorders.

“The BioChallenge embodies the innovation and collaboration that make Louisiana’s biotech community thrive,” said Kris Khalil, Executive Director of NOBIC. This year’s competition brought together brilliant minds working to advance brain health, and we’re honored to help accelerate their paths from research to real-world impact.”

The 2025 BioChallenge competition came after of BIO on the BAYOU, the Gulf South’s premier biotechnology conference, and highlighted the region’s growing role in advancing brain health and life sciences innovation. The winners share a $100,000 prize pool supported by UNT Health Fort Worth, the New Orleans BioFund and other sponsors.

Past BioChallenge winners, including Informuta, Obatala Sciences and Junum have gone on to secure funding, form industry partnerships and bring breakthrough therapies closer to market.

For more information about the BioChallenge and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, 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.

About BIO on the BAYOU:

BIO on the BAYOU, the premier biotechnology conference for the broader Gulf South region spotlights cutting-edge biotech advancements from universities and start-ups located in Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Puerto Rico.

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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