Newlab New Orleans Proves LSU’s Economic Development Power
July 01, 2025
Driving Economic Development in Energy
Newlab is moving to Louisiana. The global, Brooklyn-based company, which already operates successful innovation hubs in New York and Detroit, will focus $50 million in investment to open its doors in the former U.S. Naval Station in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood next year, where it will support startups and technology development for the energy and maritime industries.
The move demonstrates the research and economic development power of LSU, said Josh Fleig, chief innovation officer at Louisiana Economic Development, which launched a new division, Louisiana Innovation, or LA.IO, earlier this year.
“At LA.IO, we’re focused on building the next generation of industrial solutions from the ground up—and LSU has been instrumental in turning that vision into a scalable economic strategy,” Fleig said. “The university’s leadership in energy initiatives like Newlab and FUEL ensures world-class innovation, job creation, and startup formation are happening right here in Louisiana now and for years to come.”
Newlab New Orleans will be focused on technology development for energy efficiency, carbon management, and port infrastructure, offering lab space and advanced machinery that startups can use to transform research into commercial products. Partners on the project are LSU, the LSU-led FUEL consortium, Louisiana Economic Development, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Shell, and the City of New Orleans.
“The LSU and FUEL teams’ partnership with Newlab is the latest example of how the university is translating research and vision into real-world impact for our economy and future,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Rendering of Newlab New Orleans.
– Illustration courtesy of Newlab
“As we establish Newlab’s platform in the state, we look forward to collaborating with LSU, FUEL, and other academic partners to leverage their research expertise, technical infrastructure, and workforce development capabilities to support startups. LSU, FUEL, and LSU’s Institute for Energy Innovation represent critical leadership in Louisiana’s evolving energy and industrial innovation ecosystem.”
Sahil Jain, vice president of strategy at Newlab