BRF

What BRF does

BRF (Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana) is a private nonprofit economic development organization founded in 1986 and headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, operating an integrated platform of regional diversification, biomedical research, and technology incubation programs. The organization runs eight core divisions: the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT), which manufactures radiopharmaceuticals (including Lantheus's Neuraceq for Alzheimer's detection) and provides PET imaging and clinical research services using cyclotron technology; the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP), which has screened 1,607 ideas and facilitated over $220M in estimated investment; EdVentures, a STEM education division with a 27+ year track record serving Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto parish students; InterTech Science Park, a 366,000 sq ft urban brownfield redevelopment with 12 facilities, 56 research laboratories, and biomanufacturing cleanroom space; Shreveport Next, a business recruitment initiative launched in September 2020; Collaboration Link, a defense industry cluster program supporting Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB; Envision Research, a clinical trials support initiative; and Omicron Technology Solutions, a SaaS subsidiary acquired in 2021 from Chicago that provides identity management, transit, education, and AI-powered data security software.

BRF's business model is multi-stream and nonprofit: it generates operating revenue through radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and PET imaging services (billed via standard healthcare channels, with free care provided to indigent patients), federal appropriations secured in partnership with Louisiana's congressional delegation (~$180M directed to AFGSC since 2020), angel investment fund management fees (New Louisiana Angel Funds 1 and 2, $35M+ raised), EDA and NIH grants, SaaS revenue via Omicron, InterTech Park lease income, and donations/philanthropy. Its customer base spans federal defense stakeholders, commercial pharmaceutical partners (Lantheus, Starget Pharma), academic medical researchers (LSU Health Shreveport with 200 investigators on-site), regional entrepreneurs, healthcare providers and patients, K-12 students, and software end-users. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer board chaired by Grady Morrison, CPA, with John F. George Jr., MD serving as President and CEO since the organization's 40th anniversary year of 2025-2026.

Name

BRF

Legal name

Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana

Website

https://brfla.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

BRF (Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana) is a Shreveport-based nonprofit economic development organization operating an integrated platform of radiopharmaceutical manufacturing (CMIT), startup acceleration (EAP), STEM education, business recruitment, defense industry support, and a 366,000 sq ft science park serving North Louisiana.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Management Consulting Services (54161), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Results-Based Financing (RBF) & Performance-Based Grants (BPADAOAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Research Administration & Grants Management Support (Pre/Post-Award, Compliance) (EDAEALAO)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
• PET imaging services
• Startup accelerator programs
• STEM education initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Shreveport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and philanthropy: BRF accepts donations through its website, mail (cash or check), matching gifts programs, donor advised funds, commemorative gifts, stock/bond contributions, IRA gifts for donors 70.5+ years, and planned gifts including wills and bequests.
2. Radiopharmaceutical production and imaging services: CMIT manufactures and distributes radiopharmaceuticals (including Neuraceq) and provides PET imaging services to patients and healthcare providers in Louisiana and the southeastern United States.
3. Federal appropriations and grants: BRF secures federal funding through congressional appropriations to support Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB. Funding has included $86.1 million in new federal funding (2026), $180 million directed since 2020, and $5 million SBIR grants.
4. Angel investment fund management: BRF manages New Louisiana Angel Fund 1 and 2, North Louisiana's first accredited angel investment funds, having raised over $35 million for investment in North Louisiana-based businesses. BRF is the managing member of NLAF.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

BRF is a nonprofit economic development organization that diversifies North Louisiana's economy through multiple operating divisions. Its Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) manufactures radiopharmaceuticals and provides PET imaging services; the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) screens ideas and connects entrepreneurs to angel investors; EdVentures runs STEM education programs in local high schools; InterTech Science Park offers lab, cleanroom, and office space to technology companies; Shreveport Next recruits outside businesses to relocate to the region; Collaboration Link builds a defense industry cluster around Barksdale AFB; and Envision Research supports clinical trials.

Product overview

BRF (Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana) is an innovation hub and economic development organization with multiple divisions operating as a platform-plus-modules structure. The core offering encompasses healthcare innovation through the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) providing PET imaging and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing; research support via Envision Research for clinical trials; economic development through Shreveport Next (business recruitment), Collaboration Link (defense industry), and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) for startups; real estate infrastructure via InterTech Science Park; STEM education through EdVentures; and technology solutions including Omicron Technology Solutions (software for identity management, transit, and AI-powered InfoSec). These divisions work together to fulfill BRF's mission to diversify and grow the North Louisiana economy through starting, recruiting, and retaining businesses while supporting science and technology workforce development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT): A research organization devoted to developing novel radiopharmaceuticals for improved diagnosis and therapy for diseases, including PET imaging services and radiopharmaceutical production and distribution.
• Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)
• EdVentures
• Collaboration Link
• Shreveport Next
• Envision Research

Products and services

• Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) Full-service molecular imaging and therapy research center offering clinical and pre-clinical PET imaging, research laboratories, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. Provides streamlined advancement of novel diagnostics and therapies from target identification through pre-clinical and clinical evaluation. Serves patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and partners with LSU Health Shreveport and Lantheus on radiopharmaceutical research.
• Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) Regional startup accelerator and small business resource that screens ideas, analyzes viability of products, matches entrepreneurs with informed investors and funding opportunities, and nurtures companies through critical steps toward market. Provides comprehensive pipeline from idea to market, including the Launch Network platform and New Louisiana Angel Funds. Has screened 1,607 ideas and funded 96 through angel investors, grants, or banks as of September 30, 2023.
• EdVentures Education initiative providing training for the community including the SMART program, Biotechnology Magnet Academy at Southwood High School, BioStart Internship Program, College Navigator, and FIRST robotics. Invests in cultivating a workforce with skills for the knowledge-based economy. 249 SMART participants have all attended college with 80%+ continuing as science majors.
• InterTech Science Park 100-acre urban Brownfields smart growth science and technology park in central Shreveport housing BRF operations, high-tech companies, commercial laboratories, and startups. Includes the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute (160,000 sq ft with 56 laboratories), InterTech 1 facility (60,000 sq ft headquarters), and a 33,000 sq ft biomanufacturing facility. Houses 25 tenants with 360 employees.
• Shreveport Next Economic development recruitment initiative that recruits small to mid-sized businesses from across the country to relocate or build new facilities in the Shreveport-Bossier area, bringing new jobs and revenue to the region. Described as BRF's Economic Development 3.0 initiative. Recruited Omicron Technology Solutions from Chicago in 2021.
• Collaboration Link Division building and managing consortia to promote collaboration among government agencies, industry, universities, and the entrepreneurial small business ecosystem, with focus on defense industry cluster in Northwest Louisiana. Advances technological innovation in support of government agencies, including Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command.
• Envision Research Clinical research support initiative that pursues new research initiatives, engages scientific investigators and healthcare providers, and provides support for implementation and completion of clinical trials toward new treatments and diagnostics. Improves patient care and contributes to economic development of North Louisiana.
• Omicron Technology Solutions Software-as-a-service developer serving transit and rider management, identity and visitor management, and student information software industries. Product portfolio includes Focus Identity Management, TransitME, ConnectNow (for IEPs/504/ISP Plans), and InfoSec AI-powered data security platform.
• New Louisiana Angel Fund North Louisiana's first accredited angel investment funds that together raised over $35 million for investment in North Louisiana-based businesses, managed by BRF as the managing member of NLAF.

Quantifiable outcome

• EAP portfolio companies created 94 jobs with $5.1 million annual payroll in the 2025 Annual Report year
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LantheuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CMIT, a subsidiary of BRF, announced collaboration with Lantheus to begin production of Lantheus's Neuraceq (florbetaben F18 injection) radiopharmaceutical in Shreveport. Neuraceq visualizes amyloid plaques to aid Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. CMIT manufactures and distributes the drug while performing imaging on-site, expanding access across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and the southeastern US.
• Starget Pharma InccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026BRF's Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) entered a strategic collaboration with Starget Pharma Inc to develop next-generation peptide radioligand therapies for cancer. The collaboration leverages CMIT's integrated infrastructure including molecular imaging, radiochemistry, preclinical and clinical research, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, combined with Starget's AI-driven discovery platform.
• National clinical trial network for Multiple SclerosisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2025CMIT joined a national clinical trial using whole-body PET imaging for Multiple Sclerosis, expanding its research portfolio beyond oncology and neurology into additional therapeutic areas.
• Northwestern State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2025Digital Media Institute at InterTech (DMII) announced a strategic academic partnership with Northwestern State University to expand digital media education opportunities.
• Louisiana Congressional DelegationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025BRF works with Louisiana's congressional delegation to secure federal funding to support Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB. BRF has helped direct approximately $180 million in federal funding since 2020, including $86.1 million announced in February 2026.
• Omicron Technology SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020BRF recruited Omicron Technology Solutions to Shreveport from Chicago in 2021 as part of BRF's three-pronged approach to stimulate economic development. BRF's Shreveport Next and EAP helped secure the acquisition of Omicron.
• Caddo Parish Commission and City of ShreveportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) was launched in 2014 as a public/private partnership between BRF, the Caddo Parish Commission, and the City of Shreveport to provide startup acceleration services and resources for the innovation ecosystem in Northwest Louisiana.
• Ochsner Health and LSUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013BRF formed University Health and transitioned it to Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana, a joint entity owned by Ochsner Health System and LSU, to manage north Louisiana's two safety net hospitals (Shreveport and Monroe). Under BRF's management (2013-2018), the hospitals retained over 3,200 jobs and generated over $800 million in annual economic impact.
• Moonbot StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Moonbot Studios, a full-service animation studio, operated in the InterTech 1 facility. The studio grew to over 25 employees and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short for 'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore' in 2012.
• Southwood High School / Caddo Parish Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009BRF partnered with Southwood High School, Caddo Parish Public Schools, LSU Health Shreveport, LSU Shreveport, and biotech companies to create the Biotechnology Magnet Academy (BTA), a four-year program growing from 25 to 200 students with focus on math, science, and technology courses.
• Caddo Parish School Board, Bossier Parish School Board, DeSoto Parish School BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997BRF's EdVentures programs partner with local school boards to deliver STEM education programs including the SMART program, Biotechnology Magnet Academy at Southwood High School, BioStart Internship Program, and College Navigator. SMART is a partnership among BRF, LSUHS, and the three parish school boards.
• Consortium for Education, Research and TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996BRF led the formation of the Consortium for Education, Research and Technology in 1996, bringing all higher education institutions in North Louisiana together to collaborate on academic programs, grants, curricula, and industry partnerships.
• LSU Health Sciences Center ShreveportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1986BRF's initial efforts focused on developing the biomedical and life sciences industries including support of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport. The Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute houses 56 research laboratories where 200 investigators and technicians from LSU Health Sciences Center conduct basic research. CMIT collaborates with LSU Health Shreveport on validation of amyloid radiopharmaceuticals and clinical trials including the New IDEAS study.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BioGenerator: St. Louis-based nonprofit that funds, accelerates, and provides lab space for bioscience startups. Operates a similar economic development + bioscience startup + real estate hybrid model that most closely mirrors BRF's EAP + InterTech + CMIT combination.
• PETNET Solutions (Siemens Healthineers): A national network of cyclotron-equipped radiopharmacies producing and distributing PET tracers. PETNET is the most direct competitor to CMIT's commercial radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution business across the U.S.
• Curium Pharma: Global nuclear medicine company manufacturing and distributing PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals. Directly competes with CMIT in the radiopharmaceutical supply chain for diagnostics and theranostics.
• JumpStart Inc. Cleveland-based nonprofit venture development organization providing startup acceleration, mentoring, and venture capital in Northeast Ohio. Closely parallels BRF's EAP plus NLAF plus Shreveport Next multi-pronged economic development approach.
• Launch Fishers: Indiana innovation hub and coworking/accelerator facility run as a public-private partnership to support startups and recruit tech-enabled businesses. Mirrors BRF's integrated innovation hub + business recruitment model.
• Research Triangle Park (Research Triangle Foundation): Large-scale science and technology park operator in North Carolina. Direct functional analog to BRF's InterTech Science Park in terms of operating research park real estate and recruiting high-tech tenants.
• Cummings Research Park (Huntsville): One of the largest research parks in the U.S. anchored to defense/aerospace tenants near Redstone Arsenal. Comparable to BRF/InterTech's defense adjacency and bioscience/health research tenant mix.
• BioEnterprise (now part of JumpStart Health): Originally a Cleveland-based nonprofit that helped bioscience companies commercialize technologies; ultimately merged with JumpStart. Closely parallels BRF's Envision Research + CMIT clinical translation mandate in the life sciences.

Broad incumbents

• Lantheus Holdings: Nuclear medicine specialist that manufactures Neuraceq, which CMIT distributes. As CMIT's anchor commercial partner, Lantheus is the most relevant broad incumbent for understanding the radiopharma economics that drive CMIT's revenue.
• Techstars: Global accelerator operating industry-specific programs with mentor networks and venture backing. Provides a scale benchmark for what BRF's EAP could look like if it were to expand beyond North Louisiana.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/brf_louisiana
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCONzk0OgGQC5HiQ7aEPjYyA
• Facebookfacebook.com/BRFLouisiana
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/biomedical-research-foundation-of-nw-louisiana/?viewAsMember=true

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A

Investments2 records

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

Frequently asked questions about BRF