Applications open for 2026 BioChallenge Pitch Competition at New Orleans BioInnovation Center

Written By Alicia Vial

Global brain health and neurotechnology startups invited to compete for more than $100,000 in non-dilutive funding

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans BioInnovation Center has opened applications for its 2026 BioChallenge Pitch Competition, inviting early-stage biotechnology companies from around the world to apply for the opportunity to pitch innovative solutions in brain health and neuroscience.

The competition will take place Oct. 29, 2026, at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center in downtown New Orleans and will award more than $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to promising startups working to address neurological diseases and advance brain health innovation.

This year’s BioChallenge will spotlight emerging companies focused on brain health and neurotechnology. Neurological conditions are now the leading global cause of disability, and the economic burden of neurological disease is projected to exceed $6 trillion by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum. Louisiana faces an even greater burden, with some of the nation’s highest rates of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Through BioChallenge, NOBIC aims to accelerate promising startups by providing funding, mentorship and connections to investors, health systems and research institutions.

“BioChallenge remains one of the most impactful ways we showcase the important role Louisiana plays in addressing global health challenges,” said Kris Khalil, Executive Director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center.  “This year’s re-commitment to brain health and neuroscience reflects both the scale of the need and the opportunity for breakthrough innovation. We’re inviting bold entrepreneurs from around the world to bring forward solutions that can improve lives, while strengthening New Orleans’ position as a growing hub for bioscience innovation, collaboration, and commercialization.”

The competition is open to early-stage biotechnology companies globally that are developing solutions in brain health, neuroscience and related fields.

Past BioChallenge winners include several companies that have gone on to expand their impact in the biotechnology industry including JuneBrain, Informuta, 28bio (formerly AxoSim), Junum and Obatala Sciences.

Startups interested in participating can learn more and submit applications at https://neworleansbio.com/biochallenge-2026/. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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About the New Orleans BioInnovation Center

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator dedicated to supporting the growth of bioscience and health technology companies in Louisiana. Through mentorship, commercialization support, workforce development and strategic partnerships, NOBIC helps entrepreneurs bring innovations to market and strengthen the region’s bioscience ecosystem.

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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