Applications now open for NOBIC’s 2025 BioChallenge Pitch Competition

Written By Alicia Vial

Over $100,000+ in Non-dilutive Funding Awards

Global Neurotech and Brain Health Startups Encouraged to Apply by Aug. 1

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is excited to open applications for its 2025 BioChallenge Pitch Competition which will take place at NOBIC Oct. 30, 2025.

The focus of this year’s competition is brain health and neuroscience. Neurological conditions are now the leading global cause of disability, and the economic burden of neurological diseases is projected to exceed $6 trillion by 2030. (World Economic Forum). Louisiana experiences an even greater burden with extremely high rates of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. NOBIC’s BioChallenge will spotlight innovative neuro-focused startups, providing direct funding to accelerate their growth and scale their impact.

The competition is open to early-stage biotech companies across the globe working in the brain health and neuro industry. Application and Areas of Interest Linked Here.

“BioChallenge 2025 isn’t just a pitch event. It’s a critical step toward transforming lives impacted by neurological diseases and growing the Brain Capital economy in our State. Louisiana, with its unique combination of top-tier research institutions and vibrant biotech community, is perfectly positioned to lead this movement,” said NOBIC Executive Director Kris Khalil.

The deadline for companies to apply is August 1, 2025.

Biochallenge takes place October 30th following Bio on the Bayou, an academic biotechnology research symposium. Past winners of the BioChallenge include local biotech trailblazers such as Informuta, AxoSim (Renamed 28bio), Junum, and Obatala Sciences.

“The funding we received from BioChallenge was instrumental in helping Informuta launch our pilot program with Ochsner Health System. This critical support accelerated our development and enabled us to validate our technology in a real-world clinical environment, significantly advancing our path toward commercialization.”-Kalen Hall, CEO, Informuta, 2024 BioChallenge winner

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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.  Since inception, the New Orleans BioInnovation center has supported hundreds of startups, generating hundreds of millions in funding and significantly advancing global health solutions.

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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