This Month's Latest Tech News in New Orleans, LA - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

This spring marks a pivotal moment for AI and tech innovation in New Orleans. The city drew national attention with the revelation of a secretive real-time facial recognition surveillance network operated by the New Orleans Police Department and Project NOLA - a first-of-its-kind in the United States - which prompted community concerns about privacy, bias, and constitutional oversight, as detailed by the Washington Post's investigative report on New Orleans Police facial recognition system.

The system's scale and methods, with over 200 cameras and a database of 30,000+ faces, raised significant alarms:

“By adopting this system–in secret, without safeguards, and at tremendous threat to our privacy and security–the City of New Orleans has crossed a thick red line. This is the stuff of authoritarian surveillance states, and has no place in American policing.” - Nathan Freed Wessler, ACLU

At the same time, local startups are thriving - customer engagement platform Prokeep celebrated a $25 million Series A funding round to scale AI-powered operations and deepen regional tech roots (New Orleans CityBusiness coverage of Prokeep funding).

Meanwhile, the launch of the Coastal Innovation Challenge 2025 provides up to $150,000 in funding to new startups focused on climate tech and coastal resilience, underscoring the city's role as a hub for technology that addresses both opportunity and urgent public challenges (Coastal Innovation Challenge 2025 startup funding announcement).

New Orleans has launched the nation's first live AI facial recognition surveillance network, stirring both praise for law enforcement innovation and significant privacy concerns.

Project NOLA, a nonprofit organization, operates over 5,000 cameras citywide, with more than 200 equipped for facial recognition, and provides real-time alerts to police and federal agencies when wanted individuals are spotted - most recently credited with helping recapture jail escapees in the French Quarter.

However, this groundbreaking system drew scrutiny after it emerged police had used it for two years without disclosure or City Council oversight, raising alarms among civil liberties advocates about transparency, potential for misidentification, and racial bias.

Critics, including the ACLU, called the technology a

“radical and dangerous escalation”

and demanded indefinite suspension pending stronger safeguards.

In response, NOPD has paused use of real-time alerts and initiated a policy review while the City Council debates stricter regulations that may limit third-party surveillance contracts.

The current state of the network is summarized in the following table:

Network Feature	Detail
Active Project NOLA cameras citywide	5,000+
Cameras with facial recognition	200+
Facial recognition database	30,000+ individuals (police mugshots, public images)
Identified arrests assisted (since 2023)	At least 34

“By adopting this system–in secret, without safeguards, and at tremendous threat to our privacy and security–the City of New Orleans has crossed a thick red line. This is the stuff of authoritarian surveillance states, and has no place in American policing.” - Nathan Freed Wessler, ACLU

Learn more about the recent program pause and legal implications from Axios' in-depth report on New Orleans' facial recognition network, data on its police deployments and privacy debates from The Washington Post's investigation, and the ACLU's constitutional concerns in their official ACLU press release.

New Orleans is set for a significant transformation as a $50 million public-private partnership brings the Newlab innovation hub to the long-vacant Bywater Naval Station, with construction expected to begin soon and an opening targeted for 2026.

Newlab, renowned for its work in Brooklyn and Detroit, will leverage Louisiana's industrial legacy to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy, carbon management, and maritime technology, offering shared industrial scale-up spaces and extensive support services for startups.

The project is expected to foster robust job growth, attract advanced technology talent, and establish New Orleans as a leading player in sustainable industrial innovation.

According to a 2025 study by the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association on Louisiana's energy industry contribution, the energy industry already accounts for 25% of Louisiana's economic output and 306,750 jobs, emphasizing the state's readiness for further energy diversification and innovation.

City officials, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, stress the importance of community inclusion and opportunity:

“The launch of Newlab New Orleans represents a major step forward in realizing the city's vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and innovation-driven local economy… this initiative will help diversify New Orleans' role in the global energy sector while creating new opportunities for our people and businesses to lead in the transition to a more sustainable future.”

Not only does Newlab's arrival set the stage for new technology pilots and regulatory sandboxes in partnership with local universities and firms like Shell, but it also ensures that New Orleans plays a central role in national clean industrial power and decarbonization efforts.

For an in-depth look at this initiative and its partners, read coverage from WWL-TV's report on Newlab innovation hub and see detailed project developments at Newlab's official site for New Orleans industrial technology hub.

Louisiana is making significant strides in modernizing healthcare oversight and tackling maternal health risks by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect Medicaid fraud and launching robust maternal overdose prevention initiatives.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), in collaboration with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), has developed an AI-powered tool that analyzes both state and national Medicaid datasets to uncover patterns indicative of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Staff within the LDH will verify flagged anomalies to ensure accuracy, and the system is poised for near-term deployment at no additional cost to the agency, thanks to existing contracts and partnerships.

Details from the Louisiana Illuminator on AI tools for Medicaid fraud detection highlight the broader "Fighting Fraud, Waste and Abuse" initiative, which also includes cross-checking Medicaid eligibility using state motor vehicle records and enhanced coordination with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Meanwhile, Project M.O.M. (Maternal Overdose Mortality) aims to reduce overdose deaths among pregnant women by 80% over three years through increasing naloxone access, training healthcare providers, and expanding treatment services - a response to the alarming fact that overdose remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in the state.

These reforms are complemented by changes in Medicaid pharmacy benefit management and reinforced with new legislative proposals for stricter eligibility checks, although critics warn of risks to eligible recipients due to potential bureaucratic hurdles, as explored in an analysis of pending Medicaid legislation in Louisiana.

LDH's initiatives underscore a commitment to public health integrity and program efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge tools for transformative impact; more about LDH's strategic roadmap is available via the official Louisiana Department of Health key initiatives announcement.

This month, New Orleans made headlines with major mergers and acquisitions, led by Eaton's $1.4 billion purchase of Minden-based Fibrebond Corporation, a recognized innovator in pre-integrated modular power enclosures for data centers, industrial, and utility sectors.

The deal, expected to close in Q3 2025, positions Eaton as a one-stop shop for rapid power infrastructure deployment and expands its presence in the fast-growing multi-tenant data center market.

Financially, Fibrebond is projected to add approximately $378 million in annual revenue and $110 million in adjusted EBITDA, while the acquisition is anticipated to be earnings-neutral for Eaton in 2025.

As Mike Yelton, President of Eaton's Americas Region for Electrical Sector, stated,

“Fibrebond is known for its engineering capabilities and customer focus in the industries they serve... Its engineered-to-order power enclosures... enable customers to get up-and-running in less time and at a lower cost.”

Eaton's recent acquisition activity underscores the sector's dynamism: the company has now completed 21 acquisitions (average size $2.62B), with a sharpening focus on data center infrastructure and industrial automation.

The table below summarizes key financials from the Fibrebond deal:

Deal Value	Projected Fibrebond Revenue (2025)	Projected Adjusted EBITDA	Expected Close
$1.4B	$378M	$110M	Q3 2025

For more details, see the full breakdown from Chaffe & Associates' M&A report on Eaton's $1.4B Acquisition of Fibrebond Corporation, recent coverage on Power Systems Technology News' Eaton Fibrebond Acquisition, and acquisition insights from Tracxn's Eaton Mergers and Acquisitions Tracker.

Meta's $10 billion AI-optimized data center, now cleared for construction in Richland Parish, Louisiana, marks one of the largest private capital investments in state history and is poised to anchor Louisiana's tech sector growth.

Set on a 2,250-acre site, this 4-million-square-foot facility will directly create over 500 permanent jobs and generate more than 1,000 indirect positions, with up to 5,000 workers employed at the height of construction.

Meta, in partnership with Entergy Louisiana, is committed to powering the center with 100% clean and renewable energy and contributing at least 1,500 megawatts of new renewables to the grid, alongside plans for hydrogen-ready generation and carbon capture technology according to the official state news release.

Despite regulatory scrutiny over energy sources and cost-sharing, state support for Meta's presence is strong and enhanced by new incentive programs and recent tax reforms, facilitating long-term infrastructure improvements and workforce development initiatives in partnership with local colleges.

Governor Jeff Landry commented,

“Meta's investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana's rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state's beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future.”

For local context, the project is especially impactful given Richland Parish's unemployment rate of 5.3% and a nearly 20% poverty rate, well above national averages as reported by Louisiana Illuminator.

The ambitious build signals growing momentum for further data center investments, reflecting both Louisiana's competitive energy infrastructure and its legislative commitment to attracting next-generation tech projects as Axios summarizes.

Visa is redefining the online shopping experience by piloting its Intelligent Commerce platform, which empowers AI agents to securely search for, recommend, and complete purchases on behalf of cardholders - heralding a major step toward agentic commerce.

With new APIs and payment passkeys, users can upload their Visa credentials, set spending rules, and authorize AI agents to handle transactions without sharing sensitive details each time, ensuring advanced tokenization and fraud prevention - bolstered by Visa's $40 billion in fraud blockage in 2024.

Visa's approach is highly customizable: consumers can impose merchant-specific limits, real-time approvals, and require authentication, while AI agents leverage spending histories to tailor shopping recommendations.

Collaborations span AI industry leaders like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Samsung, and Stripe, with real-world pilots already underway. As Jack Forestell, Visa's Chief Product and Strategy Officer, remarked,

“Soon people will have AI agents browse, select, purchase and manage on their behalf. These agents will need to be trusted with payments, not only by users but by banks and sellers as well.”

The technology rollout is measured, focusing on trust-building and consumer privacy.

According to a recent KPMG survey, 65% of shoppers are interested in AI agents making purchases when items hit target prices, yet only 47% are fully comfortable with AI-initiated buying, underscoring the importance of security and transparency as adoption increases.

For a comprehensive dive into the feature set, global partnerships, and how Visa's system compares with Mastercard's latest offering, see the deep-dive by Visa Powers AI Shopping Agents with Intelligent Commerce Payment Rails, this overview of Visa and Mastercard's agentic commerce support, and the platform launch report Visa launches Intelligent Commerce platform enabling AI assistants to make secure purchases.

Tulane University is accelerating AI literacy through a blend of innovative courses, research initiatives, and hands-on student programs designed to equip graduates for tomorrow's workforce.

This spring, the A. B. Freeman School of Business unveiled a Business Analytics and AI Certificate, featuring experiential learning with tools like Python, Tableau, and Power BI, and preparing students to “recognize analytical opportunities across marketing, finance, sports, healthcare, and energy,” according to program director Musa Caglar.

Across campus, new classes such as “AI Unleashed: Mastering ChatGPT for Success” and “DATA 2150: Artificial Intelligence Tools” are introducing undergraduates to responsible, ethical AI use, with faculty emphasizing that students should be stewards and thought leaders for an AI-driven future.

Julia Lang, who leads several of these initiatives, notes “AI will not replace you, but a person using AI will,” highlighting the importance of practical AI literacy.

The impact is tangible: students are building bespoke GPTs for real-time stock analysis, career planning, and even translation tools for healthcare. Meanwhile, the Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence fosters student research solving local challenges - from optimizing city council access to tracking blight in New Orleans.

Tulane's AI efforts span education, healthcare research, and creative problem-solving, with programs like the $23 million MAGIC-SCAN system for cancer detection and new courses that promote career readiness.

The table below summarizes the new AI-focused educational offerings at Tulane:

Program/Course	Focus	Key Features
Business Analytics & AI Certificate	Business, Applied AI	Experiential projects, 12 credits, Python, Tableau, Power BI
TIDE 1048: AI Unleashed	GenAI Literacy	Prompt-writing, ethical AI, projects on custom GPTs
DATA 2150: AI Tools	Research, Communication	Practical GenAI use in writing, data analysis, and career exploration

Notably, Tulane is ensuring that all students, regardless of discipline, have access to opportunities in AI, experiential learning, and community-driven projects, positioning graduates at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape.

For a closer look at Tulane's philosophy integrating AI and human skills in business education, read this in-depth breakdown of their MBA program's AI-powered experiential learning.

New Orleans is poised to become a focal point for transportation technology and artificial intelligence as Trimble's 2025 Insight Tech Conference comes to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from November 16-18.

Expected to draw over 1,500 industry leaders - including carriers, shippers, logistics providers, and technology innovators - this three-day, festival-style event will feature more than 200 educational sessions that place AI-powered logistics, real-time visibility, and shipper-centric solutions at the forefront.

The gathering's keynote will be delivered by Molly Fletcher, the trailblazing agent dubbed the “female Jerry Maguire,” whose career negotiating over $500 million in contracts brings valuable insight to the discussions on operational management and technology-driven transformation.

The conference's expanded networking features - including the Insight Pavilion with six stages and an expanded podcast station - underscore its collaborative mission.

As Michael Kornhauser, Trimble's Sector VP for Transportation & Logistics, remarked,

"Insight is set to be our most innovative and impactful event yet. We're excited to bring together industry leaders, partners and our valued customers to explore the future of technology and its transformative potential. This year's conference will focus on the expansion of our connected transportation ecosystem, with cutting-edge advancements and AI-powered solutions - all aimed at driving efficiency and growth for our customers."

Explore details, registration, and the full session lineup at the official Trimble Insight Tech Conference website, or read more about the event's focus on innovation and industry challenges at Trimble's official news release and the in-depth overview provided by GuruFocus technology news.

The debate over who should govern artificial intelligence reached a boiling point this month as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark proposal establishing a 10-year moratorium on the enforcement of state-level AI regulations.

This federal preemption would prevent states from enacting or upholding laws aimed at algorithmic bias, employment decisions, deepfakes, or transparency in AI systems, except in limited cases such as criminal penalties or technology-neutral statutes.

Key Points	Details
Moratorium Duration	10 years
House Vote	215-214-1
State AI Bills Introduced in 2025	1,000+
Major State Laws Affected	Illinois AI Video Interview Act, California SB-1001, NYC Local Law 144, Maryland HB 1202

Proponents, including major tech companies and several House Republicans, argue that a patchwork of over 1,000 state AI-related bills threatens to stifle innovation, increase compliance costs - estimated at $98–$112 billion per year for privacy rules - and fragment AI development across state lines, as discussed in this detailed analysis of the House proposal.

However, opponents, such as civil rights groups, over 40 bipartisan state attorneys general, and technology advocates, warn the move creates a regulatory "black hole," stripping essential consumer protections in areas like election deepfakes, child safety, and discrimination - without providing strong federal standards.

As Colorado Attorney General Paul Weiser puts it,

“In an ideal world, Congress would be driving the conversation forward on artificial intelligence, and their failure to lead on AI and other critical technology policy issues...is forcing states to act.”

With fierce arguments on both uniformity and state sovereignty, and as noted in coverage of the fractious House debate and in-depth analysis from the Washington Legal Foundation, the bill now faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, reflecting unresolved questions about the balance between national innovation and local accountability.

Helport AI, a global leader in intelligent customer communication solutions, has surged to national prominence thanks to PGA TOUR pro Ben Griffin's electrifying first PGA TOUR victory at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Griffin's 35-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole at TPC Louisiana, alongside partner Andrew Novak, not only vaulted him to No. 21 in the FedExCup standings but also embodied Helport AI's mission to empower excellence - especially meaningful given Griffin's own journey from mortgage loan officer back to PGA champion.

As brand ambassador, Griffin exemplifies the resilience and pursuit of peak performance that Helport AI's flagship product, AI Assist, delivers to customer-facing professionals, providing real-time conversation guidance, compliance support, and actionable insights to industries like mortgage lending and insurance.

In the words of CEO Guanghai Li,

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ben's victory at the Zurich Classic. Ben exemplifies the values we champion at Helport AI: a relentless pursuit of excellence, an unwavering commitment to growth, and the belief that the right tools and mindset can help individuals perform at their highest potential.”

This partnership comes as Helport AI reports strong growth - 13.1% revenue increase year-over-year and expanding enterprise adoption - as detailed in its latest financial report from Helport AI.

Griffin's perseverance and success story, celebrated by both the golfer and company, highlights a shared narrative of innovation, growth, and empowerment. For a closer look at the Zurich Classic triumph and insights on Helport AI's ambitions, explore the official press release on Ben Griffin's win at the Zurich Classic, as well as Helport AI's brand announcement detailing the impact of the partnership.

New Orleans is rapidly positioning itself as a national epicenter for tech and AI innovation, buoyed by Louisiana's historic economic momentum and strategic investments exceeding $61 billion since early 2024.

Anchored by transformative projects like the $10 billion Meta AI data center and the $50 million Newlab innovation hub at Bywater, the city and state are leveraging collaborations with industry leaders, local startups, higher education, and public sector partners to spark unparalleled growth in energy, climate, and artificial intelligence sectors.

The launch of Louisiana's “LA.IO” innovation brand and an initial $100 million growth fund, together with pioneering initiatives - such as upgrading 5,000 small businesses with AI tools - underscore the comprehensive approach to nurturing talent and entrepreneurship statewide (read more about LA.IO and the Louisiana Growth Fund).

Newlab's Department of Energy-backed programs, in tandem with Greater New Orleans, Inc., empower local decarbonization startups, showcasing the region's strength in tech commercialization and energy transition.

As Michael Hecht, CEO of GNO, Inc., noted:

“By aligning and activating infrastructure, industry programs, and venture capital investment, Newlab Louisiana stands to bolster the state's competitiveness in creating and attracting startups across strategic energy growth sectors.”

The newly adopted statewide strategic plan prioritizes ease of doing business, high-wage employment, innovation, and global impact (see full Economic Development Week highlights here).

The collective efforts of the public and private sectors, university alliances, and diverse investment partners are making New Orleans a model of tech-driven regional renewal - cementing its status as a national leader in the emerging AI and technology landscape.

For more on how these developments connect to today's decarbonization trends, check out this deep dive into Newlab's DOE-backed climate tech programs.