Nexus Louisiana Announces the Finalists of the Technology Cup

BATON ROUGE, La. — Nexus Louisiana proudly announces the finalists for the 2025 Technology Cup, a premier statewide competition designed to spotlight Louisiana’s innovation and entrepreneurial talent. Over the course of three days, this event will serve as a launchpad for the state's brightest minds—bringing together college students and independent developers to showcase groundbreaking software and hardware solutions that are shaping the future.

This year, more than $100,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs, including a special award for the Most Innovative. Winners will also receive personalized coaching and exclusive membership opportunities to accelerate their ventures and broaden their impact. The 2025 Nexus Technology Cup features a vibrant and diverse group of innovators, representing top universities and startups from a dozen parishes across Louisiana.

The College Track finalists include teams led by standout students from institutions such as Louisiana State University and the University of Louisiana system:

Aeero David Nintang Grambling State University APNE Mehrasa Amiri Besheli Louisiana State UniversityAutism Speaks AI Anjan Mandal, Pradeep Poudel and Roshani Pathak University of Louisiana at Monroe Donor Sync. Rochak Shrestha, Baibhav Acharya, Cecil Pradhan and Nobel Timshina University of Louisiana at Monroe Dristi Divya Shah and Unika Bista University of Louisiana at MonroeFarmSmarter.aiGrant Muslow, Colin Raby, Cole Lacombe and Julius Pallotta Louisiana State University Respir APPtion Hritika Pandey and Colin E. Dupuis University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Rhyme AIDinesh Chhantyal and Abhishek Amgain University of Louisiana at Monroe Solara Johny LopezUniversity of New Orleans

The Open Track finalists include emerging startups and visionary founders across various industries:

Build-A-Way, Inc.Ashton Hilliard and Josh BartholomewNew Orleans

Cinelevels Teddy Smith and Stephen AchesonBaton Rouge

DarQ SecurityJoseph Khoury, Dr. Elias Bou-Harb, Kauai Mansur, Bassel Succar and Bharath Kollanur Baton Rouge

Encore CO2Jordan Losavio, William McGehee, Dr. John Flake and Monsuru Dauda Baton Rouge

Flange AlignerRicardo Porter and Eddrin Williams LaPlace Jammaround, Inc.Donovan Williams, Brent Craige and Marlon ButlerNew OrleansMilestoneMateShay ClaiborneNew OrleansQueryLakeKyle McClearyBaton RougeTrendsic Corporation, Inc. Jelani Clark, Warner King, Michael Rougeau and Caryn ClayBaton Rouge

Unknown Cyber, Inc.Arun Lakhotia, James Hess, Lee Hubbard, Chris Thibodeaux and Evan Vamperine Lafayette

Zepity Randall Nachman and Zeeshan Zafar Baton Rouge

Students from Baton Rouge Magnet High School (Hexlio - Benjamin Namikas) and West Monroe High School (POSEIDON - Ren Hopkins, Aiden Bass and Brady Afeman will demo their projects also.

The event, hosted by Nexus Louisiana, offers an unparalleled platform for innovators to demo their projects before a panel of industry leaders, technologists, and investors. From June 17 to 19, at The Estuary at the Water Campus in Baton Rouge, participants will have the opportunity to compete and engage.

Nexus Louisiana President and CEO Tony Zanders emphasizes the importance of this event. "Louisiana is home to some of the most talented and innovative minds in the country," said Zanders. "Our institutions continue to produce remarkable talent with the drive to shape what’s next, and the Nexus Technology Cup is a showcase for that brilliance. It’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of Louisiana’s ability to lead in the future of technology and entrepreneurship." 

For additional questions or information about the Nexus Technology Cup, please contact Na’Tisha Natt at (225) 408-5018 or natisha@nexusla.org.

About Nexus LouisianaCreated by the Louisiana Legislature, Nexus Louisiana operates as a nonprofit dedicated to fostering high-tech entrepreneurship and innovation. In partnership with Louisiana State University, Southern University, and local economic development organizations, Nexus supports the growth of Louisiana’s innovation economy through programs, resources, and events that empower emerging tech leaders.