June 17, 2024
Here’s What You Can Expect at the Upcoming Resilient New Orleans Innovation Challenge Showcase
Finance New Orleans, in collaboration with esteemed partners, are gearing up to host the Resilient New Orleans Innovation Challenge Showcase, a transformative event dedicated to pioneering solutions for climate and housing issues in New Orleans. Set against the vibrant New Orleans Jazz Market backdrop, this must-attend event will feature an impressive lineup of world-renowned speakers, cutting-edge presentations, dynamic displays from finalists, captivating local music, and an interactive exhibit for attendees.
Kick-off and Networking: The day will begin at 11 a.m. with the Resilient New Orleans Climate Tech Demo Lounge, showcasing innovative climate solutions from leading global technology companies. This will be followed by a Networking Lunch, where attendees can mingle to the enchanting sounds of Tonya Boyd-Cannon, and the soulful tunes of the Free Agents Brass Band, and New Orleans musician Nesby Phipps.
WGNO News Anchor Lebron Joseph will serve as the emcee for the event. Joseph’s engaging presence and deep connection to the New Orleans community will guide attendees through a day filled with innovation and insightful discussions.
Key Sessions: Cultural Perspective for Climate Technology: Internationally acclaimed poet Sunni Patterson will open this session with a powerful rhythmic poem. Patterson will then join community leaders Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, Chief Equity and Executive Officer at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, and philanthropic enthusiast and President and CEO of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, Set Shakur, to discuss the critical role of climate technology in New Orleans from a community perspective. Sustainable Developer Session: Local developers will share insights on deploying innovative technologies in affordable housing projects. Disasters as Opportunity for Growth Session: General Honoré, former lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, will speak on leveraging environmental disaster challenges as catalysts for innovation.
Innovation Showcase: The Resilient New Orleans Innovation Challenge Showcase will begin at 4 p.m. to highlight the selected climate technology companies whose technology will be deployed in model homes in New Orleans. The featured companies will include:
- Gro Enterprises: Pioneering carbon-negative, high-performance building materials from industrial hemp.
- Geopolymer International: Developing sustainable construction materials and equipment.
- Shibusa Systems Inc: Addressing the global housing crisis with eco-conscious design-build solutions.
- Walker Digital Fabrication of Louisiana: Leading mass printing of sustainable communities.
- Gradient Comfort: Innovating high-efficiency, easy-to-install air conditioning and heating equipment.
- RainStick Shower: Revolutionizing water and energy efficiency with a shower appliance that saves 80 percent water and energy.
- RainGrid Inc.: Setting the standard for green stormwater management technology.
- Frontline Gig: Connecting 10 million blue-collar workers to the green economy through an AI-driven platform.
Engaging the Future: The event will also feature the STEM NOLA Showcase, which will highlight the impressive technologies developed by STEM NOLA students and include inspiring remarks from Dr. Calvin Mackie.
Interactive Experiences: Attendees will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the “House of Resilience,” an Interactive Mural Installation designed by Nesby Phipps, Creative Director of the New Orleans Art Department, in collaboration with local youth. This immersive experience invites participants to share their visions for a resilient New Orleans by adding personal messages to the mural and recording video testimonials. The ultimate goal is to foster a collective effort towards building a more resilient and sustainable New Orleans, embodying the spirit of community and innovation that defines this event.
Join Us: This event promises to be a cornerstone in the movement towards a more resilient New Orleans, attracting community members, city agencies, housing developers, realtors, investors, commercial banks, and climate technology companies. RSVP today.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Individuals interested in sponsoring this event should contact Stacey Weaver at sweaver@financeauthority.org. For more information, contact Finance New Orleans at 504-524-5533, or visit financenola.org.
