Water Innovation Studio of Louisiana

From Challenge to Opportunity

Water shapes Louisiana’s landscape, economy, and culture. It is central to who we are. But it also presents real challenges—from flooding and coastal change to stormwater management, water supply, and aging infrastructure.

Living with these challenges has created something powerful: a spirit of innovation rooted in lived experience.

For 15 years, The Water Institute has worked with partners across Louisiana and beyond to develop research, tools, and planning approaches that help decision-makers navigate complex water challenges. Through this work, we’ve learned that many of these solutions can be scaled and adapted for broader use by more people who need them.

Based at The Water Institute and launched in partnership with Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development, the Water Innovation Studio of Louisiana builds on that foundation by creating a structured pathway for innovators to move promising ideas toward practical application.

The Water Innovation Studio is about creating a place where new solutions can be developed, tested in real-world conditions, and connected with the partners who can help bring them to scale.

Building an Ecosystem of Collaboration

Innovation rarely happens in isolation. The Water Innovation Studio brings together partners across Louisiana’s growing innovation ecosystem—including researchers, universities, entrepreneurs, government agencies, industry leaders, investors, water managers, and communities directly engaged in managing water.

By strengthening these connections, the Water Innovation Studio helps create the conditions for new ideas to develop into scalable solutions that support Louisiana communities while advancing solutions for others facing similar water challenges.

Learn more, Stay connected

Our initial cohort is underway, and we look forward to sharing more soon. Email info@thewaterinstitute.org to stay connected and learn more.