Two state agencies with the office of Louisiana Economic Development will team up with the Lafayette-based Opportunity Machine to expand startup opportunities across Acadiana.
Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) and the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office announced the move with the OM as a move toward collaborative innovation and technology advancement, officials announced. The Opportunity Machine can leverage LA.IO’s open-source platform and LTTO’s expertise in navigating and unlocking non-dilutive funding under the federal programs for small businesses. It will strengthen the OM’s role as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and growth across the region, director Destin Ortego said.
“We recognize that for most first-time founders, our network is their network, which is why this partnership is so critical,” he said. “It’s a direct pipeline connecting the grit and ingenuity of Acadiana’s entrepreneurs to a powerful statewide platform, giving them access to the investors, grant funding, talent, and customers they need to thrive. It ensures a great idea in Lafayette has the same shot at success as one anywhere in the country.”
Read more at the Acadiana Advocate here.