NEW ORLEANS — Opportunity Hub (OHUB) announced that applications are open for the fifth cohort of its nationally recognized New Energy Technology Incubator (NETI) Bootcamp. Additionally, this 10-week program is designed for founders applying artificial intelligence to climate, energy, and infrastructure challenges, with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), H2theFuture, Climate Tech Bootcamp, and Greater New Orleans, Inc.
For the first time, AI will be the centerpiece of the program’s approach to advancing the global energy transition. Moreover, OHUB is seeking founders who are building high-growth AI solutions—ranging from predictive energy modeling to agent-based tools for climate resilience.
Participants will gain structured training, investor exposure, and funding opportunities to accelerate their ventures, with guidance from OHUB’s leadership team and its VC-in-Residence, Darrel Frater.
Since its 2023 launch, the Bootcamp has:
- Trained more than 100 founders, with a focus on climate tech ventures in Louisiana and the Southeast.
- Awarded $400,000 in funding through the bi-annual $100,000 pitch competitions.
- Generated more than $500,000 in follow-on investment, fueling new company formation, product development, and early job creation.
The upcoming cohort launches on September 15, 2025 and culminates in a $100,000 Pitch Competition, where one founder will secure direct funding.
Under the leadership of Dr. Rodney Sampson, CEO & Executive Chairman, OHUB has become the nation’s leading technology and venture ecosystem development platform ensuring that everyone, everywhere has access to wealth building opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
As OHUB sharpens its focus on AI and energy innovation, Kieran Blanks, MBA, OHUB’s Chief Product Officer & Head of New Ventures, underscored the moment as pivotal: “The AI focus in Cohort 5 launches a new era — a call to leadership for founders ready to create impact and build new enterprises with the most powerful technologies in human history. If that’s you, we want you to apply now.”
OHUB Expands AI and Innovation Infrastructure
Beyond the Bootcamp, OHUB is expanding its suite of programs designed to arm founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders with the tools to thrive in the innovation economy.
- Blueprint Technology Ecosystem Investment Certificate – equipping emerging investors and leaders to close persistent capital gaps for historically undercapitalized founders.
- High-Growth Company Building Certificate – a rigorous, self-paced curriculum for founders, investors, and operators committed to building investment-ready ventures.
- AI Product School (Launching Soon) – will guide founders through building, testing, and scaling AI-driven products with a focus on responsible innovation and market readiness.
- The OHUB Ecosystem App – the gateway into OHUB’s network. Download it to stay up to date on upcoming programs, pitch competitions, and startup resources.
Applications for Cohort 5 are now open through September 10, 2025.
Apply now at opportunityhub.co/nola.