Nexus Louisiana and Ochsner Health Launch DevDays Cancer Care & Prevention Challenge

BATON ROUGE, La. — Nexus Louisiana and Ochsner Health are inviting college students across the state to develop technology solutions that could improve the cancer care experience for patients, caregivers and healthcare teams.

The DevDays Cancer Care and Prevention Challenge asks students to build functional prototypes or proofs of concept addressing challenges patients may encounter throughout the cancer care journey, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and supportive care.

Applications are open through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23.

The challenge continues a partnership between Nexus Louisiana and Ochsner Health that gives Louisiana students the opportunity to apply their technical skills to real healthcare needs. Their previous DevDays collaboration challenged students to improve adolescent ACL injury prevention and recovery.

“DevDays connects Louisiana’s emerging technical talent with the industries and challenges shaping our state,” said Tony Zanders, president and CEO of Nexus Louisiana. “Through this partnership with Ochsner Health, students will have an opportunity to build solutions around a challenge that affects families in every community. They will also gain experience working on a real industry problem with the potential to improve lives.”

Cancer patients and their families often face challenges that extend beyond clinical treatment. They may need help understanding complex information, coordinating appointments, managing side effects, communicating with care teams and finding emotional, financial or transportation support. Distance from specialists and limited access to local resources can create additional barriers for patients in rural and underserved communities.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote monitoring, digital health platforms and predictive analytics could help healthcare teams address some of these challenges while creating a more connected and supportive experience for patients and caregivers.

Student teams are encouraged to develop solutions focused on:

- Helping patients understand their diagnosis, treatment plans and next steps
- Improving communication among patients, caregivers and care teams
- Identifying patients at risk for complications or treatment interruptions
- Expanding access to care and support in rural and underserved communities
- Connecting patients and families with emotional, social and financial resources
- Reducing administrative demands on oncology care teams
- Supporting cancer prevention, screening and early detection
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“Every patient deserves a journey defined by support and hope from the moment of diagnosis through survivorship and beyond,” said Zoe Larned, MD, director, Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center and system chair, hematology/oncology, Ochsner Health. “Through our partnership with Nexus Louisiana, we are empowering the next generation to develop thoughtful, innovative solutions that ease the journey for patients with cancer, caregivers and care teams while strengthening connected, compassionate care with the goal of reducing access barriers.”

Ochsner Health brings extensive clinical expertise and a commitment to healthcare innovation to the challenge. Through Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients have access to multidisciplinary cancer care, advanced treatments, clinical research and treatment plans informed by the standards and practices of UT MD Anderson.

Following a virtual semi-final round, selected teams will advance to the DevDays Finals on Sept. 25 at Nexus Louisiana’s Baton Rouge headquarters. Finalists will present their solutions to healthcare, technology and business leaders and compete for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes.

DevDays is Nexus Louisiana’s 10-week innovation competition designed to connect Louisiana college students with industry partners seeking new approaches to real operational and community challenges. Participants gain experience in developing functional solutions, receive expert feedback, and present their work to potential employers, partners, and investors.

Students can learn more and apply at nexusla.org.

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ABOUT NEXUS LOUISIANA

Nexus Louisiana is a statewide innovation organization that connects Louisiana’s founders and emerging technical talent with industry, opportunity and capital. Through competitions, founder programming, strategic partnerships and community experiences, Nexus Louisiana helps participants transform ideas into practical solutions while strengthening the state’s technology and innovation ecosystem. Learn more at nexusla.org.

ABOUT OCHSNER HEALTH

Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through expertise, quality and digital connectivity. In 2025, more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 5,000 employed and affiliated physicians at Ochsner cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.

ABOUT OCHSNER MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center combines the expertise of Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s leader in cancer care, with the world-renowned The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. As the only fully integrated cancer program in Louisiana based on MD Anderson’s standards and protocols, it offers patients access to cutting-edge treatments, innovative clinical trials, and personalized care plans. With a multidisciplinary team of specialists and advanced technology, Ochsner MD Anderson provides comprehensive care for both common and rare cancers across multiple locations in southeastern Louisiana. This partnership ensures patients receive expert cancer care close to home.