Big Easy Ideas

The Gulf South is on the front lines of climate change—facing immense challenges but also unique opportunities for innovation. This session explores how climate-tech and blue-tech startups can thrive in the region, featuring insights from investors, founders, and thought leaders shaping its future.

Moderator: Beaux Jones, The Water Institute
Panelists: Christy Swann, RCOAST; Alex Kolker, LUMCON; Donna Hazard, SeaAhead

This session explores the vital role of stormwater management in advancing New Orleans’ long-term climate resilience. Moderator Victoria Phipps (JPMorgan Chase) will guide a conversation with experts including Dr. Janell Hills (Interstate Renewable Energy Council), Diane Jones (University of Texas at Arlington), and City of New Orleans leaders Mary Kincaid and Sunae Villavaso. Emceed by Chuck Morse (Thrive New Orleans), the discussion will highlight collaborative strategies across sectors to address climate challenges and protect the city’s future.

Finance New Orleans' Housing Innovation Challenge, sponsored by Elemental Excelerator, & Ballard Spahr LLP, is designed to introduce new construction and climate technologies that will increase the supply of affordable and sustainable housing in New Orleans. 

The leaders of both organizations will engage in a fireside chat to announce the challenge and discuss the long-term desired community impacts for the people of New Orleans.

This panel explores how major corporations, investors, and universities are embracing the creativity of technology startups to harness disruption and expand opportunities in a rapidly changing business environment. Through case studies and strategies, the discussion highlights how startup–corporate partnership models enable companies to stay agile in evolving markets. From strategic investments to collaborative initiatives, the panel offers actionable takeaways for navigating the intersection of big business and entrepreneurial disruption while looking ahead to the future of a changing energy landscape.

Editor’s Note:

Since the recording of this episode, panel moderator and Executive Director of Halliburton Labs, Scott Gale, passed away in September 2024.

In honor of his legacy, The Idea Village and Halliburton Labs are launching the Scott Gale Memorial Award, recognizing rising leaders who embody Scott’s vision, character, and commitment to innovation. This award will spotlight individuals driving transformative change in the energy sector and other forward-looking industries, championing groundbreaking ideas while fostering a thriving startup community across the Gulf Coast.

The open call for nominations closes October 1, 2025. The winner will be recognized at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) 2026 and will receive featured visibility, access to national networks, and tailored support to further their impact.

Please consider nominating a colleague, nominating yourself, or sharing this opportunity across your network. Learn more and submit a nomination here: 

https://www.ideavillage.org/scott-gale-award

How can New Orleans balance economic growth with climate resilience? 

In this panel discussion, industry leaders explore the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and community resilience. Courtney Nicholson (Entergy New Orleans), Michael Hecht (GNO Inc.), Kris Khalil (New Orleans BioInnovation Fund), and Rebecca Conwell (UNO Beach) share insights on how businesses, policymakers, and local initiatives are shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region. 

Tune in for a conversation on the challenges, opportunities, and groundbreaking solutions driving New Orleans’ next chapter.

Louisiana and the Gulf Coast are at the forefront of a historic effort to decarbonize the industrial sector and lead the world in new technology and private partnerships that will help reach the net zero global climate goals by 2050. 

Join this opening fireside chat to talk about the current landscape and opportunities ahead.

This episode showcases the IDEAfuel panel, exploring the barriers BIPOC entrepreneurs face and how The Idea Village’s IDEAfuel program is making strides to overcome them. Supported by the Regions Foundation and other generous donors, IDEAfuel provides non-dilutive capital, mentorship, and unique growth opportunities. The panelists unpack the program’s impact and how it’s shaping a more inclusive ecosystem in Louisiana and beyond.

This episode features Edrizio De La Cruz’s story, titled "From the Barrio to Silicon Valley." 

Known for his grit and vision, Edrizio takes us on his path from the Dominican Republic to launching Arcus, where he overcame countless challenges and carved his path in tech. It's a powerful look at what it means to be a true 'underdog founder'. 

Explore how New Orleans is activating its Climate Plan through the Resilient New Orleans Finance Framework. This panel of public sector leaders dives into key project targets, private sector opportunities, and the long-term vision for a more resilient city.

Speakers:
🔹 Moderator: Holly Horsley, Ballard Spahr
🔹 Damon Burns, Finance NOLA
🔹 Jeff Schwartz, City of NOLA Economic Development
🔹 Greg Nichols, City of NOLA Resilience

Supply chain emissions account for an estimated 5.5 times an organization's direct emissions, making them a critical focus for sustainability efforts. To effectively reduce carbon footprints, organizations must first measure and understand their emissions.

Join Tamra Olin, co-founder and Head of Partnerships at Green Project Tech, and Liz Maxwell, Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Idea Village, as they explore the complexities of carbon accounting. 

They’ll discuss key types of emissions, best practices for tracking and reducing supply chain emissions, and the pivotal role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in global sustainability efforts.

Tune in to learn more about how businesses of all sizes can take meaningful steps toward a lower-carbon future.