News Summary
New Orleans is witnessing a notable expansion in its biotech industry with three new startups joining the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Cleaved Diagnostics, Informuta, and Beken Bio are poised to innovate in healthcare and diagnostics, contributing to the city’s emerging status as a biotechnology hub. These companies are particularly focusing on cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR and AI to tackle health challenges, and their success could significantly impact women’s health and cancer detection efforts.
New Orleans is witnessing a surge in its biotech industry with the recent arrival of three new startups at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC), marking a renewed momentum in the local life sciences sector. These companies are poised to contribute innovative solutions in healthcare and diagnostics, further solidifying the city’s reputation as an emerging biotechnology hub.
Among the newly established ventures is Cleaved Diagnostics, led by founder and CEO Chandler Monk. This company is working on devices that will enable consumers to test for early signs of illness through the advanced CRISPR gene-editing technology. Also joining NOBIC is Informuta, a San Diego-based startup founded by two Tulane University Ph.D. graduates. Informuta is developing tools specifically aimed at tackling antibiotic-resistant infections by employing artificial intelligence to analyze the DNA of harmful bacteria for predicting antibiotic resistance.
The third startup, Beken Bio, is transitioning its headquarters from San Diego to New Orleans. This company focuses on creating diagnostic tools for early cancer detection using AI-driven data analysis. Notably, they are working on diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer, which could substantially increase survival rates—potentially up to 90%—by enhancing early detection efforts.
As of September 2025, NOBIC has signed leases with these three biotech startups for lab space within its 66,000-square-foot headquarters located on Canal Street. This nonprofit business incubator, which has supported around 200 smaller-scale ventures since its founding more than ten years ago, plays a crucial role in enhancing life sciences and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The executive director of NOBIC, Kris Khalil, has emphasized the important contributions these innovative companies will make in the field.
Economic development in New Orleans is further bolstered by NOBIC’s success in creating over 650 high-wage jobs in the local area. Supported by both public and private partners, NOBIC operates with an annual budget of about $3 million. The BioDistrict New Orleans aims to advance innovation in life sciences in a 1,500-acre area that spans downtown and Mid-City, driving growth in the biotech sector.
The landscape for local biotech startups is looking increasingly promising, especially as operational costs remain significantly more affordable in New Orleans compared to high-expense regions like California. This has proven attractive for seasoned founders and is prompting increased interest from investors. Several local enterprises have secured federal backing, alongside funding opportunities, including those offered through NOBIC’s own BioFund, which helps startups acquire necessary investment.
A significant recent grant awarded to Beken Bio by the National Science Foundation aims to develop a liquid biopsy diagnostic test for ovarian cancer detection. This investment reflects a broader commitment to enhancing women’s health and advancing cancer prevention initiatives through improved diagnostic capabilities.
NOBIC’s strategy to support burgeoning biotech ventures includes offering grant-writing assistance and connecting entrepreneurs with potential funders, aligning resources to enhance their chances of achieving success in the industry.
The emergence of these three new biotech startups at NOBIC signals a vibrant and evolving biotech landscape in New Orleans, as they strive to innovate in health diagnostics and treatment approaches. Their success will likely encourage a thriving ecosystem that continues to attract investment and experienced founders, contributing positively to the local economy and healthcare advancements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: New Orleans Life Sciences Biodistrict
- Google Search: New Orleans biotechnology
- Biz New Orleans: Biotech Company Wins Grant
- Wikipedia: Biotechnology
- New Orleans City Business: Benson Capital Investment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diagnostic Test
- Fierce Biotech: Nuvig’s Autoimmune Disease Drug
- Google News: NOBIC New Orleans
- NOLA: Can New Orleans BioDistrict Do the Same?
- Google Scholar: Biodistrict New Orleans
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
