About this Event
The Cajun Collider brings together Louisiana’s brightest minds in academia, innovation, defense, and entrepreneurship for a dynamic day of dual-use technology exploration.
The event showcases how academic research, veteran founders, and state programs are building Louisiana’s next generation of commercial and national security innovation.
Participants will gain insights into technology transfer, early-stage commercialization, investment readiness, and opportunities to engage in Louisiana’s growing dual-use ecosystem, bridging innovation from lab to market.
Participants will gain valuable insights into:
🔹 Technology transfer & commercialization
🔹 SBIR/STTR Phase 0 programs
🔹 Accelerator pathways
🔹 Go-to-market and investment readiness strategies, by connecting students, investors, startups, and corporate partners, The Cajun Collider is bridging the gap between lab and market, fueling innovation that drives economic growth and strengthens America’s competitive edge.
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Welcome & Lunch Served Guests are welcomed to the LEED/LITE Center
Info: Sign in, meet and greet and get connected. Be intentional and get what you came for!
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
An introduction to the LEED Center, a Head to Heart approach
Host: Dr. Jonathan Shirley
Info: An inspiring “Head to Heart” opening session on leadership, purpose, and innovation culture, followed by an introduction to the LEED Center’s mission and regional impact.
The Head to Heart Program at the LEED Center is designed to bridge intellectual innovation (“Head”) with human-centered leadership and values (“Heart”). This initiative cultivates emotionally intelligent, mission-driven leaders who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate with purpose. Through interactive sessions, mentorship, and experiential learning, participants explore the intersection of: Innovation & Impact: Applying creative problem-solving to real-world challenges in energy, defense, and critical infrastructure. Leadership & Emotional Intelligence: Building resilience, empathy, and decision-making skills essential for modern leaders.
🕑: 12:00 PM
Phase 0's, Impact on the State of Louisiana and How to Apply
Host: Hutch McClendon
Info: Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) presents an overview of how Louisiana’s Phase 0 grants empower innovators and universities to secure federal SBIR/STTR funding.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
University IP Presentations - Innovations & Research for Dual Use
Host: Dr. Geoffrey Stewart
Info: University researchers will showcase three high-potential innovations with dual-use (commercial and defense) applications.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
The MavenWERX Accelerator - Accelerating The Gap & Pathways to Productization
Host: Grant Rogers
Info: An inside look at how the 15-week MavenWERX Accelerator prepares innovators and veteran founders to bring breakthrough technologies to market.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Capital Strategy for Tech Transfer
Host: Dr. Jake Mahaffey
Info: Learn how Grind Ventures identifies, funds, and scales dual-use technologies through smart capital deployment across Louisiana’s innovation pipeline.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Nova Spark Energy Corporation - From Idea to Impact - Taking IP to Market
Host: Rick Harlow
Info: Hear the story behind Nova Spark Energy Corporation, how a Louisiana startup turned an idea into a game-changing hydrogen innovation through collaboration with Maven Scouts and FUEL Louisiana.
🕑: 02:30 PM
Fueling Innovation: Louisiana’s Role in Dual-Use Growth
Host: Stephen Loy
Info: A discussion on how FUEL Louisiana connects universities, accelerators, and startups to build a stronger statewide commercialization ecosystem.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Panel Discussion - Energizing Louisiana’s Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem
Info: An open dialogue between academia, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders on the future of Louisiana’s innovation economy, defense technology, and commercialization strategy.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center, 537 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, United States
USD 0.00
