New Orleans BioInnovation Center

What New Orleans BioInnovation Center does

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator founded in the early 2000s (firmographic record) and opened in its current 66,000 square-foot LEED Gold-certified laboratory and office building at 1441 Canal Street, New Orleans in 2011 (per company history). It operates a vertically integrated incubator stack targeting biotech, life science, and healthcare technology startups in Louisiana. The core service offering consists of five programs: (1) subsidized wet-lab and office leasing to 30+ tenant companies, with access to a shared Core Lab carrying $150,000+ in research equipment (PCR thermocyclers, qPCR systems, centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, spectroscopy); (2) BioFellows, a paid fellowship program training aspiring biotech entrepreneurs; (3) BioChallenge, an annual global pitch competition awarding over $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, currently themed on brain health and neurotechnology; (4) the New Orleans BioFund, an early-stage investment vehicle that has deployed approximately $7.5 million across 25 companies (Executive Director Kris Khalil's stated figure, with cumulative figures of $4-6 million attributed to BioFund by separate sources); and (5) Commercialization Services providing free consulting including business planning, market research, IP analysis, grant application support, and pitch deck development. Since inception NOBIC reports 225+ companies created, 650+ jobs, and $200 million+ in client capital raised.

The business model blends recurring and non-recurring revenue streams. Tenant rent and equipment access on 30+ tenancies in the 66,000 sq ft facility generates recurring real-estate revenue (rate not publicly disclosed, quoted on a monthly or annual basis). Federal and state grant funding has historically been substantial, including a $1.5 million EDA Build to Scale Venture Challenge award in September 2020, a $500,000 EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge Phase I grant in December 2021, a $50,000 SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition award in 2016, and a $1.5M EDA Build to Scale figure separately cited. Philanthropic and corporate sponsorship (including JPMorgan Chase support for the ADLS diversity initiative) and BioFund portfolio returns round out the revenue picture. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, NOBIC does not publicly disclose operating revenue; total operating revenue is best triangulated to the $1M-$5M band. NOBIC is governed by an independent board chaired by Tulane University's SVP/COO with the LSU Health Chancellor as Vice-Chair, institutionalizing its strategic partnerships with Louisiana's research universities, Ochsner Health, BioDistrict New Orleans, and federal agencies (BARDA, EDA, SBA).

Customer segments span biotech startups requiring infrastructure and capital, university spinouts from Tulane/LSU Health/Xavier/UNO/Pennington Biomedical, healthcare and digital health companies seeking regulatory navigation and clinical validation, underrepresented founders targeted through the ADLS initiative, and global neurotech startups competing in BioChallenge. NOBIC also functions as a regional ecosystem convener: it leads the Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor coalition (a multi-county, multi-state Build Back Better coalition), coordinates BARDA DRIVe programming on-site, and partners with Gulf South Angels (165 accredited investors across 18 states) and CDVCA for co-investment. The organization's strategic posture in 2026 shows strong momentum: concentrated BioFund deployment in March 2026 across diagnostics and neurotech, a tenant exit (Performance Health Partners acquired by Sentact), expanded leadership capacity, and increasing federal-level visibility including a visit from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.

Name

New Orleans BioInnovation Center

Legal name

New Orleans BioInnovation Center

Website

https://neworleansbio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit biotech and life science business incubator in New Orleans, Louisiana, providing subsidised lab and office space, free commercialization consulting, early-stage investment through the New Orleans BioFund, and a global annual pitch competition (BioChallenge) to biotech, neurotech, and university spinout startups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biotech Business Incubation

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology (EDABALAU)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cell Culture & Bioprocess Lab Equipment (Bioreactors, Single-Use Systems, Controllers) (HLAGAIAG), Life Sciences & Biotechnology Congresses (THAHAJAB)

Keywords

• Biotech business incubation
• Life science facilities
• Startup commercialization services
• Early-stage biotech funding
• Shared laboratory leasing

Headquarters

HQ city

New Orleans

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tenant Rent and Leasing: NOBIC generates revenue through leasing lab and office space to biotech startups at its 66,000 square foot facility at 1441 Canal Street, New Orleans.
2. Grants and Government Funding: The organization receives grants from government entities including U.S. Economic Development Administration, SBA, and other federal and state agencies to support its incubator operations and programs.
3. BioFund Investment Returns: The New Orleans BioFund, part of NOBIC, provides early-stage investment to startups and generates returns through successful exits and portfolio company growth.
4. Sponsorship and Philanthropic Support: The center depends on philanthropic support from industry partners, private foundations, and individuals. Support from sponsors provides essential funding that can be used as matching funds for federal and state grant opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator that provides bioscience and health technology startups with access to state-of-the-art laboratory and office facilities (66,000 sq ft LEED Gold building), shared research equipment, free commercialization consulting, the New Orleans BioFund for early-stage investment, the BioChallenge global pitch competition with $100K+ in non-dilutive funding, and the BioFellows paid fellowship program. It supports early-stage companies across Louisiana and globally in commercializing life science innovations.

Product overview

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator offering a comprehensive ecosystem of programs and facilities for bioscience and health technology companies in Louisiana. The Center provides five core offerings: (1) BioFellows - a paid fellowship program for aspiring biotech entrepreneurs; (2) BioChallenge - a global pitch competition offering $100,000+ in non-dilutive funding for neuroscience startups; (3) New Orleans BioFund - an early-stage investment fund supporting bioscience companies; (4) Commercialization Services - free consulting including business planning, market research, IP analyses, and grant support; and (5) Core Lab and Facilities - access to over $150,000 in shared research equipment and 66,000 sq ft of LEED Gold-certified lab/office space. Together these services form a unified incubator model supporting innovators from concept through commercialization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BioFellows Paid fellowship program at the intersection of biotech, venture capital, and startup building, providing real-world startup knowledge, venture capital experience, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring biotech entrepreneurs.
• BioChallenge Global pitch competition showcasing life sciences startup companies with cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, awarding over $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to neuroscience and neurotechnology startups.
• New Orleans BioFund Early-stage investment fund focused on supporting bioscience and health innovation companies with strong potential for economic and community impact, providing capital and strategic support to companies advancing healthcare solutions.
• Commercialization Services Free consulting services to assess promising new technologies, including business planning, market research, IP analyses, grant application support, pitch deck development, and networking with investors and mentors.
• Core Lab On-site access to cutting-edge shared-use research equipment including PCR thermocyclers, qPCR systems, microscopes, centrifuges, and other biomedical research instrumentation valued at over $150,000.
• Event Space Conference and event venue with 100+ person capacity, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, catering kitchen, and landscaped interior courtyard for receptions, meetings, and special events.
• Lab & Office Facilities Leasing 66,000 square feet of state-of-the-art wet-lab, office, and conference space including the first LEED Gold-certified laboratory building in New Orleans, housing over 30 biotech companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 225+ new companies created and 650+ jobs generated since inception
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, important and minor.

• Tulane UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with Senior Vice President and COO Patrick Norton serving as Board Chair of NOBIC. Partnership for technology commercialization, startup spinouts, and research collaboration.
• LSU Health Sciences New OrleanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with Chancellor Dr. Steve Nelson serving as Vice-Chair of NOBIC's Board. Partnership for research collaboration and startup support.
• Xavier University of LouisianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner providing research collaboration and startup spinout opportunities. President Dr. Reynold Verret has expressed support for workforce development programs.
• University of New OrleanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner in the Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor coalition. Obatala Sciences moved to UNO's Advanced Materials Research Institute after NOBIC.
• Ochsner HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare system partner providing clinical partnerships, investment (through innovationOchsner and Ochsner Ventures), and pilot opportunities for startups. Supports companies like Performance Health Partners and JuneBrain.
• BioDistrict New OrleanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeadership collaboration with Andy Kopplin (Chair) on biotech ecosystem development. Joint vision for positioning New Orleans as a competitive life sciences market.
• Pennington Biomedical Research CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor coalition. Part of LSU system, collaborating across disciplines including nutrition, obesity, and metabolic research.
• Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.)importantStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization partner in Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor coalition and Build Back Better Regional Challenge.
• Opportunity Hub (OHUB)importantGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for AI-driven equity programming at Essence Festival. OHUB is technology and startup ecosystem development platform committed to broadening access to AI.
• New Voices FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Essence Festival programming supporting women of color entrepreneurs through PACE model.
• Tulane University Innovation InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Cleaved Diagnostics spinout from Tulane. Provides hands-on support through entrepreneurship education, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities.
• Baton Rouge Health DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor coalition, representing the Baton Rouge hub of Louisiana's health sciences industry.
• Louisiana BiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState biotechnology industry association partner.
• Louisiana Business Incubation AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState association for business incubation ecosystem support.
• Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO)importantStrategic or Co-development PartnerState entity providing SBIR-STTR support to Louisiana companies including ReactWell. Located at LSU Innovation Park.
• Oak Ridge National LaboratoryimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal R&D lab partnered with ReactWell on carbon dioxide capture and conversion technology, receiving DOE funding.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BioGenerator: St. Louis-based nonprofit biotech incubator and investor (BioGenerator Ventures) that provides lab space, seed funding, and commercialization services to early-stage life science companies—structurally the closest match to NOBIC's nonprofit-incubator-plus-BioFund model in a mid-sized US city.
• LabCentral: Cambridge, MA-based nonprofit biotech incubator operating shared laboratory facilities and offering supporting infrastructure for resident startups; the gold-standard comparable for NOBIC's lab-leasing-plus-services model and a benchmark for premium biotech incubator operations.
• Biolabs (now part of CIC): Premium shared lab/co-working spaces for biotech startups operating across multiple US sites and Europe; closely comparable to NOBIC's lab-leasing and shared-equipment value proposition for early-stage life science tenants.
• IndieBio (SOSV): Global biotech accelerator and seed investor running cohort programs; comparable as a biotech-specific accelerator with investment capability, and SOSV was an investor in NOBIC-tenant BioAesthetics—directly referencing NOBIC's tenant base.
• University City Science Center: Philadelphia-based nonprofit research park/incubator founded in 1963, supporting life science and tech startups with lab and office facilities and programming—analogous in mission and nonprofit structure to NOBIC, with a longer operating history.
• BioEnterprise / JumpStart Health: Cleveland-based nonprofit that supported early-stage biomedical and health IT companies with commercialization services and capital access—directly comparable to NOBIC's commercialization-plus-capital model in a non-coastal US metro.
• MBC BioLabs: San Francisco-based nonprofit biotech incubator providing shared lab space to early-stage life science startups; structurally analogous to NOBIC's incubator model in a high-cost coastal market.

Broad incumbents

• JLABS (Johnson & Johnson Innovation): J&J's global network of life science incubators providing lab space, programming, and corporate partnership access to biotech startups—directly comparable to NOBIC's incubator role, but backed by a large corporate parent and broader portfolio beyond incubator services.
• CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center): Large global innovation campus operator with substantial wet-lab and biotech offerings across multiple US and international sites; broader in scope than NOBIC but a relevant benchmark for biotech-focused lab-leasing at scale.

Regional players

• Houston Technology Center / TMC Innovation: Houston's TMC Innovation Institute anchors a Texas Medical Center biotech accelerator and incubator program; comparable as a regional nonprofit biotech hub in a non-traditional US cluster—the same category NOBIC occupies in the Gulf Coast.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/neworleansbio
• Facebookfacebook.com/neworleansbio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-orleans-bioinnovation-center

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Orleans BioInnovation Center