Thirty three Louisiana students completed the 2025 GNO Inc. Innovation Internship this summer, gaining hands-on experience at 30+ companies while building skills in engineering, entrepreneurship, and corporate readiness—preparing them for the region’s future workforce.
At our Investor Impact Breakfast, GNO, Inc. welcomed new investors, highlighted recent programs and events, shared legislative wins, gave LIT updates, and heard from GNO, Inc. President & CEO, Michael Hecht, on how smart infrastructure helps us resist disasters.
GNO, Inc. launched our first-ever Venture Voir through the Startup Noir NOLA initiative—a new investor tour designed to connect national funders with standout Black-led tech startups in Greater New Orleans. Stops included NOBIC, The Shop, Esplanade Studios, and a closing dinner at The Elysian Bar—sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.
In August, GNO, Inc. hosted a special forum marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. Community leaders reflected on the challenges of starting over with nothing and the determination that drove our region’s recovery.
Throughout the summer, thirteen young women in GNO, Inc.’s Women In The STEM Economy program explored STEM careers with visits to NASA Michoud, Chevron, RNGD, Tulane Primate Center & more—building pathways for women in STEM across Greater New Orleans.
Women in STEM
The NOLA Coalition — a network of 600+ nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses — shared a three-year update in July on its work to improve public safety and invest in youth across New Orleans. Since launching in 2022, violent crime is down 67%, with major drops in homicides (68%), shootings (57%), carjackings (79%), and armed robberies (66%).
