New Orleans BioInnovation Center fuels accessible and equitable health security with relaunch of BioChallenge pitch competition

Apr 24

NEW ORLEANS- The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is excited to announce the relaunch of the annual BioChallenge pitch competition to be held October 31, 2024. The competition invites entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and technologies, positioning them for success in bringing to market the next generation of health security solutions. The challenge is poised to ignite biotech innovation and enhance equitable and accessible preparedness and response in New Orleans and beyond.

As a member of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Accelerator Network since 2018, NOBIC is excited to focus this year’s challenge around the mission to develop medical countermeasures that address the public health and medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, incidents and attacks, pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases.

"We are thrilled to launch the 2024 BioChallenge, a NOBIC signature event that has produced many local and national success stories. This year, we are especially excited to see the innovative solutions focusing on access and equity that our finalists will bring to the forefront,” said Kris Khalil, executive director, New Orleans BioInnovation Center and managing director, BioFund.
“The BioChallenge is not just a competition; it's a platform for breakthrough ideas that have the potential to revolutionize our nation’s health security posture. We're looking forward to showcasing the talent and ingenuity of our community," said Patrick Norton, NOBIC board chair

The BioChallenge pitch competition will be held at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center in downtown New Orleans Oct. 31, 2024, following BIO on the BAYOU, an academic biotechnology research symposium.

Past winners of the BioChallenge include local biotech trailblazers such as Axosim, Junum, Obatala Sciences and BioAesthetics. This year's winners' total prize pool, supported by multiple stakeholders, is over $100,000 and growing.

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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. For more information, visit neworleansbio.com/.

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. Notable presenters included Dr. Monica Embers of Tulane University, who discussed a new diagnostic platform for improved Lyme disease testing, and Dr. Michael Dunham of LSU Health New Orleans, who described his novel tumor margin device. Multiple academic startups also presented, including BioAesthetics, Chosen Diagnostics, Informuta, and PainVox.

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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