Tulane Innovation Institute Events

Upcoming Events

January 31, 2025

Hosted by Tulane University's Innovation Institute, Startup Sprint 2025 is your chance to learn about the world of startups.

Whether you have a groundbreaking idea or just want to learn more about entrepreneurship, this is the place to be. Meet like-minded individuals, build a business, get advice from mentors, and pitch your newly built business—all in one weekend. Join us for three days filled with innovation, networking, and inspiration.

Click here to register for an action-packed weekend!

 

Weekend Schedule-At-A-Glance (Subject to change)

FRIDAY

    4:30 pm: Check-in and Registration 5:00 pm: Welcome 5:30 pm: Pitch-A-Rama by Aaron Foss 6:00-8:30 pm: Pitching and Voting 8:30 pm: Team Formation and Huddles

 

SATURDAY

    9:00 am: Welcome and Breakfast 9:30-2:00 pm: Team Work Time 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Mentor Sessions 6:00 pm: Dinner (Dinner is out and available) 4:00-9:00 pm: Team Work Time (onsite or offsite)

 

SUNDAY

    9:00 am: Doors Open Breakfast 9:30-12:00 pm: Team Work Time (Pitch Workshop by Aaron Foss) 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Pitch Practice and Mentor Sessions 5:00 pm: Final Pitches and Judging Celebration

 

At Tulane’s Innovation Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where we create space for aspiring entrepreneurs to accessibly gain the insights, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed. We have a limited number of scholarships available to those interested in attending but unable to commit financially.

To be considered for a scholarship, please contact us via email at [jengland@tulane.edu] with the subject line: "Startup Sprint Scholarship Request."

In your email, include the following:

    Your Full Name Brief Description of Your Business Idea (1-2 sentences) Why You’re Interested in the Startup Sprint (1-2 sentences) How this Scholarship Will Help You ( 1-2 sentences)

The application deadline is [December 15, 2024], and scholarship recipients will be notified by within within one week of their email.

February 01, 2025

Hosted by Tulane University's Innovation Institute, Startup Sprint 2025 is your chance to learn about the world of startups.

Whether you have a groundbreaking idea or just want to learn more about entrepreneurship, this is the place to be. Meet like-minded individuals, build a business, get advice from mentors, and pitch your newly built business—all in one weekend. Join us for three days filled with innovation, networking, and inspiration.

Click here to register for an action-packed weekend!

 

Weekend Schedule-At-A-Glance (Subject to change)

FRIDAY

    4:30 pm: Check-in and Registration 5:00 pm: Welcome 5:30 pm: Pitch-A-Rama by Aaron Foss 6:00-8:30 pm: Pitching and Voting 8:30 pm: Team Formation and Huddles

 

SATURDAY

    9:00 am: Welcome and Breakfast 9:30-2:00 pm: Team Work Time 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Mentor Sessions 6:00 pm: Dinner (Dinner is out and available) 4:00-9:00 pm: Team Work Time (onsite or offsite)

 

SUNDAY

    9:00 am: Doors Open Breakfast 9:30-12:00 pm: Team Work Time (Pitch Workshop by Aaron Foss) 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Pitch Practice and Mentor Sessions 5:00 pm: Final Pitches and Judging Celebration

 

At Tulane’s Innovation Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where we create space for aspiring entrepreneurs to accessibly gain the insights, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed. We have a limited number of scholarships available to those interested in attending but unable to commit financially.

To be considered for a scholarship, please contact us via email at [jengland@tulane.edu] with the subject line: "Startup Sprint Scholarship Request."

In your email, include the following:

    Your Full Name Brief Description of Your Business Idea (1-2 sentences) Why You’re Interested in the Startup Sprint (1-2 sentences) How this Scholarship Will Help You ( 1-2 sentences)

The application deadline is [December 15, 2024], and scholarship recipients will be notified by within within one week of their email.

February 02, 2025

Hosted by Tulane University's Innovation Institute, Startup Sprint 2025 is your chance to learn about the world of startups.

Whether you have a groundbreaking idea or just want to learn more about entrepreneurship, this is the place to be. Meet like-minded individuals, build a business, get advice from mentors, and pitch your newly built business—all in one weekend. Join us for three days filled with innovation, networking, and inspiration.

Click here to register for an action-packed weekend!

 

Weekend Schedule-At-A-Glance (Subject to change)

FRIDAY

    4:30 pm: Check-in and Registration 5:00 pm: Welcome 5:30 pm: Pitch-A-Rama by Aaron Foss 6:00-8:30 pm: Pitching and Voting 8:30 pm: Team Formation and Huddles

 

SATURDAY

    9:00 am: Welcome and Breakfast 9:30-2:00 pm: Team Work Time 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Mentor Sessions 6:00 pm: Dinner (Dinner is out and available) 4:00-9:00 pm: Team Work Time (onsite or offsite)

 

SUNDAY

    9:00 am: Doors Open Breakfast 9:30-12:00 pm: Team Work Time (Pitch Workshop by Aaron Foss) 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (Lunch is out and available) 2:00-4:00 pm: Pitch Practice and Mentor Sessions 5:00 pm: Final Pitches and Judging Celebration

 

At Tulane’s Innovation Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where we create space for aspiring entrepreneurs to accessibly gain the insights, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed. We have a limited number of scholarships available to those interested in attending but unable to commit financially.

To be considered for a scholarship, please contact us via email at [jengland@tulane.edu] with the subject line: "Startup Sprint Scholarship Request."

In your email, include the following:

    Your Full Name Brief Description of Your Business Idea (1-2 sentences) Why You’re Interested in the Startup Sprint (1-2 sentences) How this Scholarship Will Help You ( 1-2 sentences)

The application deadline is [December 15, 2024], and scholarship recipients will be notified by within within one week of their email.

Past Events

November 20, 2024

Uncover the art of self-funding your entrepreneurial dreams in our 'Bootstrapping and Grant Writing' webinar. Learn the ins and outs of leveraging personal resources and mastering the grant application game to secure early-stage funding without the pressure of investors. Whether you're a solo founder or part of a small team, this session provides essential insights to fuel your startup journey without relying on external funding sources. Trivia Fraizer, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Obatala Sciences, will host this webinar. 

November 06, 2024

This seminar explores the ever-evolving landscape of copyright law in the digital age. It focuses on the impact of recent legislation on areas like fair use, open-source software, and social media content creation. Interactive exercises will equip students with practical tools for navigating copyright complexities.  

Hosted by Lindsay Calhoun at Phelps Dunbar at the Tulane Innovation Institute

Register here to attend

October 24, 2024

The Tulane University Innovation Institute, in partnership with Tulane’s School of Medicine, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, has hosted three Open MIC (Medical Innovation Challenge) Nights since its inception. We are seeking applicants with innovative ideas for addressing various human health and wellness challenges. Every innovation starts as a seed of an idea and we want to hear yours!

After submitting via the online web form, applications will be reviewed by the Innovation Institute, and applicants will have an opportunity to present and practice their pitches with the Innovation Institute team. Ten finalists will be selected from this semi-final round to pitch their early-stage ideas at the Open MIC Night event.

These ideas are pitched live to a panel of industry expert judges who evaluate the feasibility and impact of each proposal. Selected participants will have three minutes to pitch their ideas for the opportunity to win a cash prize, sponsored participation in I-CORPS and professional mentorship to advance your idea!

 

WHAT: Pitch (or come watch) the next BIG idea to solve a medical or wellness challenge.

WHEN: October 24, 2024; 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm 

WHERE: The Shop At the CAC, 900 Camp St 3rd floor, New Orleans

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Faculty, staff, undergraduate, graduate, medical, and PhD students, postdocs, residents, fellows, and Tulane alumni who have graduated within the past two years. 

THE PRIZE: Winners will receive an initial $750, gain access to 1:1 business idea mentorship for refining, and access to the I-CORPS Spark and Fusion programs. These programs help innovators and idea-makers explore the potential value of their research or innovation. Spark participation is mandatory for all winners, and after completion, will be given $2,000 for further idea development. 

Participation in the Fusion program is optional, but winners who choose to participate will be given an additional $3,000 upon completion of their innovation development. If winners complete the full award and training pipeline, they can be awarded up to $5,750!

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IDEA: September 27 

APPLY HERE: APPLY TO PITCH TODAY!

REGISTER TO ATTEND OPEN MIC NIGHT! 

CONTACT INFORMATION: Jillian Delos Reyes at JDelosReyes@tulane.edu. If you’re not sure if your idea applies, please reach out!

 

October 16, 2024

Join the Tulane Innovation Institute for our October webinar, From Spark to Startup | The Art of Customer Discovery. This insightful session will delve into the crucial process of identifying, understanding, and connecting with your target audience. Customer discovery is not just a phase; it's an art form that shapes your business strategy. Sharon Goldsmith, TUII Executive Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs, will guide you through effective methodologies, real-world case studies, and practical tips to master the art of customer discovery. Whether launching a startup, revitalizing your business, or seeking innovative ways to engage your audience, this webinar is your key to deciphering customer needs and preferences.  Register here.

October 15, 2024

Tulane University Innovation Institute and the Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching invite you to join us for an exciting event that showcases the innovative research and initiatives led by our Tulane faculty. The first portion of the evening will offer faculty the opportunity to "pitch" their research areas and explore potential collaborations. The second half will feature a fun, speed-dating-style activity where faculty will team up to create and pitch new research ideas, with cash prizes awarded to the most creative and actionable concepts.

 

*Please note - faculty interested in presenting their research must sign up in advance. For additional information, please email Jay England at jengland@tulane.edu.

October 07, 2024 - October 31, 2024

What: We are hunting for the next BIG idea at Tulane University! Do you have an invention to make sno-balls faster, fill potholes to stay fixed forever, create a wearable technology design prototype that shows you music festival lineups in real-time, or even a quick test that tells you if seafood is safe to eat?

We are looking for bold and bright ideas for this fast and fun business pitch competition. Start thinking about your innovation, and you can compete to win prize money and mentorship from the Tulane Innovation Institute.  The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 31.  We will contact applicants the week of November 4th, to conduct a semi-final round to select ten finalists who will pitch their ideas at the Open Season Event.

Event Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

Where:  Oak & Ale, 8118 Oak St., New Orleans 

Who: Faculty, staff, undergraduate, graduate, medical, and PhD students, postdocs, residents, fellows, and Tulane alumni who have graduated within the past two years.  

Prize: 1st place    $3,000             2nd place  $2,000             3rd place   $1,000             People’s Choice $500

October 02, 2024

Join us for a seminar exploring the challenges and opportunities of patenting AI-based inventions. Experts discuss strategies for navigating the evolving patent landscape for disruptive technologies, considering recent legal decisions and international patent harmonization efforts. Tulane Innovation Institute webinars are free and open to all. Register to attend here:  https://tulane.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsdumhpjooHd3k96g-MaI2GAoyRgC…

September 18, 2024

Who is your target customer?

How do you plan to reach them?

How will you generate revenue?

What is your plan for building your team? 

Sharon Goldsmith, Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs at the Tulane Innovation Institute, will guide you through creating a Business Model Canvas (BMC) and explain why it's essential in our first FREE webinar of the 2024/2025 Spark to Startup Series. During this session you will learn how to create a one-page business plan appropriate for founders of any stage. The BMC will help your business understand how to get, keep, and grow your customer base.  Click here to register. 

September 04, 2024

Douglas Link and Samuel Lewis of Cozen O'Connor will host a free webinar exploring how to preserve the confidentiality of trade secrets and examine the legal frameworks for governing protection for your business.  Register to attend here.

Douglas Link, a member in Cozen O’Connor’s Intellectual Property Department, focuses his practice on patent prosecution and post-AIA review proceedings. Leveraging an electrical engineering background, he helps clients secure IP protection for electrical and software-related patents impacting a range of technologies, from quantum computing to financial processing automotive components, antenna systems, and optical guidance systems. He regularly manages cases involving software patents facing the “Alice” test related to subject matter eligibility; and has substantial post-AIA invalidity review proceedings experience at the USTPO. Doug also counsels clients on corporate IP management, patent portfolio management, and federal litigation infringement claims and defense.

Samuel Lewis, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Copyright Practice, focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and transactional matters involving computer, technology, and Internet-related issues. He has represented a wide variety of clients, including motion picture companies, photographers, internet and computer-related companies, health care providers, and various other corporations seeking to secure rights, protect their intellectual property, and defend their rights on the internet. He has also served as outside general counsel to a variety of corporations. Sam’s background as a photojournalist and computer software developer enables him to combine a practical understanding of content creation and a technical perspective to find solutions for his clients.

August 27, 2024

In collaboration with the Office of the Provost, the Tulane University Innovation Institute is pleased to announce the opening of the Fall 2024 round of the Provost’s Proof of Concept (PPOC) Fund, marking the fourth cycle of this signature Innovation Institute program. This grant, up to $50,000, is designed to help advance promising ideas and technologies to a become market ready. To summarize: 

    This is a competitive funding opportunity with minimal administrative lift on your part.  $50,000 will be dispersed based on a mutually agreed-upon timeline and two-three milestones.  Projects will be judged based on technical merit and feasibility as well as commercial potential. Customer discovery and competitive intelligence must be included as part of the application. Our focus is to uplift scalable technologies, products, and services.  Outside industry experts will be used to help evaluate the merit of projects. 

Please apply using the StartupWind platform here. Additional information can be found on the Tulane University Innovation Institute website here. You can also check out our portfolio of funded projects at this link. 

We will be hosting two informational sessions via ZOOM to walk through the application and answer any questions you may have. Please use the links below to RSVP. In addition, we encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or requests for support for your application, please reach out to Jillian at JDelosReyes@tulane.edu. 

August 26, 2024

Join Tulane’s Office of Intellectual Property Management (OIPM) for a discussion on intellectual property. John Scott and Samuel Jativa will cover intellectual property, why it is crucial for translating university activities to the public good, and how OIPM can support you and your research. Regardless of your background, level of training, school, department, or prior experience as an innovator – this free webinar is open to all. Register here. 

John Scott is the Associate Director of the Office of Intellectual Property Management, where he assists in setting strategies for external partnerships while leading individual efforts in intellectual property protection and contracting. After finishing his doctorate in Biomedical Engineering, John held increasingly senior roles in commercialization at Wake Forest University, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Mass General Brigham, and at Tulane. John is an inventor on a granted patent, holds the copyright on over 15 unique works, and founded a 3D design and manufacturing business. He combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for bringing university technologies to public benefit.

Samuel Jativa is a licensing officer with the Tulane Office of Intellectual Property Management, where he develops intellectual property protection and licensing strategies for patentable inventions arising out of research performed at Tulane. Prior to his arrival at Tulane, Samuel worked as an associate at an intellectual property boutique firm, where he drafted and prosecuted patent applications covering gene editing platforms, immunotherapies, and other biotechnological innovations.  Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law. He is a member of the Florida Bar and is a patent attorney registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

August 13, 2024

In collaboration with the Office of the Provost, the Tulane University Innovation Institute is pleased to announce the opening of the Fall 2024 round of the Provost’s Proof of Concept (PPOC) Fund, marking the fourth cycle of this signature Innovation Institute program. This grant, up to $50,000, is designed to help advance promising ideas and technologies to a become market ready. To summarize: 

    This is a competitive funding opportunity with minimal administrative lift on your part. 
    $50,000 will be dispersed based on a mutually agreed-upon timeline and two-three milestones. 
    Projects will be judged based on technical merit and feasibility as well as commercial potential. Customer discovery and competitive intelligence must be included as part of the application. Our focus is to uplift scalable technologies, products, and services. 
    Outside industry experts will be used to help evaluate the merit of projects. 

Please apply using the StartupWind platform here. Additional information can be found on the Tulane University Innovation Institute website here. You can also check out our portfolio of funded projects at this link. 

We will be hosting two informational sessions via ZOOM to walk through the application and answer any questions you may have. Please use the links below to RSVP. In addition, we encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or requests for support for your application, please reach out to Jillian at JDelosReyes@tulane.edu. 

 

August 07, 2024

This inspiring movie screening, hosted by the Tulane Innovation Institute and Tulane Ventures, will illuminate women's challenges in securing venture capital and female investors working to change the status quo.

Meet and greet with local women's organizations and entrepreneurs who support women in New Orleans.

WHAT: Welcome Social & Movie Screening WHEN: Wednesday, August 7 at 6:00 pm WHERE: Woldenberg Art Center + Freeman Auditorium Tulane University, 50 Newcomb Place Reserve your seat with a $10 donation to Dress for Success

Event Partners include: Dress for Success | Salon 22 | Pure Dermatology | ADORE Magazine| The Junior League | Nola.com | The Flamingo Fund | We Global Studios | The International Women's Forum (IWF) | Greater New Orleans Foundation Impact 100.

May 01, 2024

Explore the potential paths for your startup's future in our 'Exit Strategies Revealed' webinar. Whether considering a public debut with an IPO or seeking the shelter of private equity, this session unveils the options available for your startup's exit strategy. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the considerations, challenges, and advantages of each path, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your entrepreneurial journey.  RSVP HERE. 

 _______

Gary Owens serves as the CEO of Mesa Laboratories (NASDAQ: MLAB), a diversified provider of Life Science Tools catering to the biopharmaceutical and clinical genomics segments. With a profound background in strategy, sales & marketing, M&A, company integration, culture building, operations, regulatory compliance, and capital markets, Mr. Owens has successfully led businesses ranging from $40M to $500M in revenue. His prior experience includes roles at Danaher, where he served as Manager, Integration Lead, and played crucial roles in Business Development with Pall, Beckman Coulter Dx, and Beckman Life Sciences. In the early stages of his career, Gary worked with Bain & Company, Trilogy Software, and Accenture, focusing on commercial strategy, commercial execution, and M&A programs.

Gary Owens' technical expertise spans analytics for proteins, cells, genomics, as well as chemical and physical parameters in biopharmaceutical research, development, and bioprocessing, along with clinical diagnostics. His market-level understanding encompasses biotherapeutics based on proteins and emerging modalities in gene therapy, cell therapies, RNA/oligo therapies, peptides, stem cells, ADCs, and more.

Gary Owens holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University (1990) and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School in 1994.

April 24, 2024

Do you have an idea on how to solve a medical or healthcare problem? Come participate in Open MIC (Medical Innovation Challenge) Night. This program is a partnership between the Tulane University Innovation Institute and the Deming Department of Medicine and the Sr. VP & Dean’s Office at Tulane University School of Medicine. The goal of this program is to encourage participants to innovate and think of creative solutions to complex problems.

Ideas can take the form of a drug, medical device, procedure, app, or other creative solution. The best ideas receive $500 and move to the next round for additional funding and 1:1 mentorship from industry experts. Join us for drinks and appetizers as we innovate for tomorrow!  

Who can participate?

Medical Students, PhD Students, Postdocs/Residents/Fellows, Faculty, Staff, and anyone at Tulane with ideas for innovative medical solutions

What is this? A 3-Minute Pitch Contest Evaluated by Industry Experts

April 23, 2024

Join us for a lively cross-learning opportunity to hear about the innovative research and initiatives our Tulane faculty peers are leading in their respective fields and identify connections for potential partnership. All schools and disciplines welcome! Refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to sign up to present, please contact Jillian Delos Reyes at JDelosreyes@tulane.edu.

April 23, 2024

Take your startup funding knowledge to new heights with our 'Series A, B, and Beyond' webinar. Four expert panelists will guide you through the complexities of Series A and B funding rounds and explore the strategies for scaling your business. Whether you're gearing up for your first significant funding round or planning for the future, this session provides key insights into the world of venture capital, helping you navigate the critical funding stages as your startup evolves.  Sign up here for the Zoom link.

Moderated by Sharon Goldsmith, Executive Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs Tulane Innovation Institute

Joel Kantor

In 1987, Joel began consulting for a Chicago-based venture capital firm interested in the innovation emerging throughout the Southeast and led efforts for them in the region.  Ultimately, he was promoted to President, and over 13 years, the firm invested in some 300+ startups in the healthcare field.  Notable investments included the first LTAC Hospital, Assisted Living Facility, and Alzheimer’s Unit in the country, the first multi-state chain of tattoo removal clinics, and the third-largest veterinary clinic company in services; the first orthopedic company to use titanium, the first multi-channel infusion pump, and the now-third-largest dental implant company in the world in devices; and multiple life science companies. The firm also assisted Plax Mouthwash, Sonicare Toothbrushes, and the Clarisonic facial brush in the consumer sector. 

Harris Jones 

Harris Jones has had an extensive career in telecommunications, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and international enterprise leadership roles.  He spent 5 years as an Operating Partner with Adams Capital Management, the Pittsburgh region’s largest venture capital firm.  Harris is also Managing Director of Swallow Point Ventures, a Pittsburgh-based technology growth investor.  SPV targets capital-efficient digital technology businesses and invests in SAAS software, IT, mobile, energy, and mobile companies. In addition, he has a BA degree in public policy from Tulane University and an MBA from the Darden School of the University of Virginia.

Ken OdomKen Odom is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of E4 Holdings, Inc., a holding company with interests and operations in software, technology-enabled services, industrial services, environmental services, and real estate. A graduate of the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, Ken also holds an MBA from the University of Houston system and a PhD (ABD) from Faulkner University's Great Books Honors Program. Ken has helped lead E4 three greenfield startups, six acquisitions, two divestitures, and more than $20m in venture equity raises. Ken has extensive experience in strategic planning, investor relations, venture funding, and startup operations. 

Scott ReamerScott Reamer is a capital allocation expert with a broad mix of skills across three industries: asset management, consumer packaged goods, and management consulting. As a portfolio manager he was the chief macroeconomic and quantitative strategist helping to manage a $4 billion derivatives book generating significant double digit returns in 2008 during the most volatile economic period this century. He had responsibility across all G7 asset classes, security types, and geographies. Scott built a first-of-its-kind algorithmic toolset from complex systems science and information theory, licensing the IP to a CTA hedge fund for internal hedging and alpha generation. In total, Mr. Reamer has than 25 years of buy-side and sell-side investment management experience built over every cyclical and secular economic cycle since 1993. As co-founder/CFO/COO of Jackson’s Honest, a snack food company with $10mm revs/yr via national distribution, Mr. Reamer helped to raise >$25mm in equity, debt, and working capital, and exited to a PE firm in 2020. Scott is currently a management consultant at RSM, a $3.5B in revenue, 16,000 employee global middle market consulting, tax, and assurance firm where he is a senior director working in the Enterprise Strategy office.  

 

 

April 10, 2024

Delve into the nuances of copyright law and discover essential principles for protecting original works, understanding fair use, and navigating copyright infringement issues. Whether you're an artist, content creator, or legal professional, this session offers invaluable insights into preserving and managing your intellectual property rights. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of copyright and fortify your creative endeavors.  Click here to register for the event. 

March 20, 2024

Dive into the world of personal connections and early-stage investment in our 'Cash in on Connections' webinar. Explore the realms of friends, family, seed, and angel investing to find the essential support needed to kickstart your startup journey. Join us for a comprehensive guide on building relationships with investors who believe in your vision, and discover how to navigate the unique landscape of personal and angel investments. 

Evan Nicoll is the Managing Partner of GWave Holdings, a venture fund that invests in local, early-stage startup companies. In addition, Evan is Vice President and 2nd generation to enter into his family's business, Nicoll's Limousine & Shuttle Service. Previously, Evan was the Director of Development for the A. B. Freeman School of Business, where he raised funds for scholarship support, campus capital projects, endowment, programmatic support, among other strategic priorities for the university. In addition, he is an adjunct lecturer at Tulane University, focusing on leadership studies in the School of Liberal Arts as well a TIDES instructor ("The Entrepreneurial Landscape of New Orleans") in partnership with the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.  

 

Evan holds an MBA from Tulane’s A. B. Freeman School of Business, where he also received his undergraduate degree. Evan earned a Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development through the Tulane School of Architecture. Evan currently serves on the Executive Board of the Young Leadership Council as VP of Development as well as a member of GNO Inc.'s Next Gen Council. He has worked with local nonprofit and civic organizations - Fund 17, Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans, NOLA Business Alliance Economic Development Ambassador, and founding board member of Youth Rebuilding New Orleans. Personally, when not dancing the streets as a 610 Stomper, Evan spends his time on real estate development projects and attempting to find a golf swing. He and his wife, Julie, keep busy wrangling their 5 year-old dog, Alvin. 

March 14, 2024

Tulane University Innovation Institute (TUII) and New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) are hosting a $50K Demo Day pitch competition to be held during NOEW’s 3rd Coast Investor Summit on Thursday, March 14th, 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in non-dilutive capital. Spectators will need to purchase general admission entrance to NOEW's 3rd Coast Investor Summit here.   Meet the top ten finalists here.   

March 11, 2024

Kick-off New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week (NOEW) at the Nucleate Biomixer, a gathering tailored for aspiring biotech leaders! Get ready for an evening of insightful discussion and networking opportunities. Our event will feature a fireside chat with a distinguished industry leader, where you'll gain invaluable wisdom and insider perspectives on navigating the life science startup landscape. After the fireside chat, mingle with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and industry professionals over complimentary food and drinks.

March 06, 2024

Join Chuck Valauskas, a seasoned legal counsel specializing in intellectual property, in our upcoming webinar on Trademark and Branding. With extensive experience in protecting the identity and market presence of diverse entities, Chuck will guide you through the intricacies of trademark law. Learn the essentials of securing and managing trademarks, cultivating a strong brand identity, and navigating the legal landscape surrounding branding. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or legal professional, this session provides valuable insights into safeguarding your brand in today's competitive marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of trademark and branding strategies.  Register for the free webinar here. 

February 21, 2024

Uncover the art of self-funding your entrepreneurial dreams in our 'Bootstrapping and Grant Writing' webinar. Learn the ins and outs of leveraging personal resources and mastering the grant application game to secure early-stage funding without the pressure of investors. Whether you're a solo founder or part of a small team, this session provides essential insights to fuel your startup journey without relying on external funding sources.  Register for the zoom link here. 

Dr. Frazier has over 15 years of training and research experience in the isolation, culture, expansion, and characterization of adherent stromal/stem cells from adipose tissue and bone marrow. She has been in various management positions for the past 7 years. Dr. Frazier completed her undergraduate training in physics and biomedical engineering through a dual degree program between Tulane University and Dillard University, a historically black private university in New Orleans, and her graduate training in the Biomedical Science Program at Tulane University School of Medicine. In 2013, Dr. Frazier began working as a post-doctoral fellow with Dr. Jeffrey Gimble on an NIH R21 project entitled ‘Distinguishing adipose stromal vs. stem cells by serial transplantation’. During this work, she combined murine SVF cells with a silk scaffold to create a tissue engineered fat pad for in vitro and in vivo studies. She held a tenure-track appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Dillard University until 2016 and served as the department Chair. Dr. Frazier then served as the NSF Project Director for proof of concept and commercialization of work supported by an NSF Phase I SBIR, entitled: ‘Tissue Engineered Human “Fat on a Chip”: A Novel Tool for Metabolic Drug Discovery’. Dr. Frazier obtained her MBA from the executive program in the Tulane University Freeman School of Business, class of 2018, and finished in the top 10% of her class.   

February 07, 2024

Join the Tulane University Innovation Institute as we dive into the world of Drug Development Patents and Filing Strategies in our upcoming IP webinar! Whether you're a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry or a newcomer exploring the intricacies of drug development, this session is tailored for you. Patent expert Jim McParland will unravel the complexities of patent strategies in the dynamic landscape of drug discovery, addressing critical topics such as filing processes, regulatory considerations, and maximizing protection for your innovations. Stay informed, enhance your understanding of drug development patents, and gain valuable insights to navigate the challenging terrain of intellectual property in the pharmaceutical realm.

January 31, 2024

Join Tulane University Innovation Institute's upcoming IP webinar where patent expert John Carpenter will delve into the intricacies of securing patents for cutting-edge technologies. From navigating the complexities of patent law in the AI landscape to understanding the nuances of protecting your machine learning innovations, this session is designed for tech enthusiasts, innovators, and legal minds alike. Gain valuable insights, learn best practices, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the intersection of ML/AI and patent strategy!

November 17, 2023

The Louisiana IP Summit serves as a crucial connection between Louisiana and the broader innovation community, with a focus on advancing intellectual property, innovation, and economic growth while nurturing inclusivity in STEM, Business, and Law.  The Summit presents an exceptional opportunity for both businesses and individuals seeking to enhance their competitive edge in today's marketplace.  Attendees can expect to gain profound insights into intellectual property strategies and learn how to leverage their business assets to the fullest extent.

November 16, 2023

The Louisiana IP Summit serves as a crucial connection between Louisiana and the broader innovation community, with a focus on advancing intellectual property, innovation, and economic growth while nurturing inclusivity in STEM, Business, and Law.  The Summit presents an exceptional opportunity for both businesses and individuals seeking to enhance their competitive edge in today's marketplace.  Attendees can expect to gain profound insights into intellectual property strategies and learn how to leverage their business assets to the fullest extent.

November 08, 2023

Tulane Faculty are invited to walk through the proposed end-to-end commercialization with Innovation Institute staff. We will be soliciting feedback on this process until early December.

November 08, 2023

The Tulane Innovation Institute invites you to a webinar on Patent Searching. 

In this informative session, you'll learn the fundamentals of patent research, discover valuable tips and tools for effective searches, and gain the skills to navigate the intricate world of intellectual property. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned researcher, this webinar is your key to mastering the art of patent searching.

 

November 08, 2023

Tulane Faculty are invited to walk through the proposed end-to-end commercialization with Innovation Institute staff. We will be soliciting feedback on this process until early December.

November 07, 2023

Join the Innovation Institute staff for a walkthrough of the proposed end-to-end commercialization process geared towards non-STEM faculty.

October 19, 2023

Tulane Innovation & Entrepreneurship (TIE) Council - Fall 2023

Semiannual meeting (Fall/Spring)

October 13, 2023

A training event for the inaugural mentor cohort of GWIN.