Lafayette, LA, (February 4, 2026) — Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Louisiana Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (LEED) Center, Maven Scouts, MavenWerx, and Louisiana Catalyst, are bringing together industry, academic, and innovation leaders to host an Energy and Manufacturing Collider, with a Veteran Entrepreneur Pitch Competition at the center of the event. Supported by federal, state, and private sectors, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing energy innovation, commercialization, and workforce development across Louisiana.
Chad LaComb, Director of the University of Louisiana’s Office of Innovation Management, says, “By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs, we are accelerating the movement of ideas from the lab to the marketplace and ensuring Louisiana remains competitive in both traditional and emerging energy sectors.”
The goal of the Collider is to create an environment where ideas, experience, capital, and execution intentionally collide to drive real-world impact. Through hands-on sessions, targeted matchmaking, and investment-readiness programming, participants will engage in practical conversations and form high-quality connections that help transform university and lab technologies into viable, scalable businesses.
“Veteran entrepreneurs offer exceptional leadership and problem-solving capabilities that elevate the State’s innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Geoffrey Stewart, Interim Vice President for Strategic Impact and Economic Development at UL Lafayette. “This Collider equips them with the connections, tools, and exposure needed to transform cutting-edge ideas into market-ready ventures – strengthening Louisiana’s leadership position in energy and manufacturing.”
The Energy & Manufacturing Collider is a free event and will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 1:00PM – 5:00PM at the UL Lafayette’s LEED Center. The event will conclude with the FUEL Tank Pitch Competition from 4:00PM – 5:00PM.
About Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL)
Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) is a statewide energy innovation initiative that brings together industry, academia, government, and workforce partners to advance Louisiana’s role in the evolving energy economy. Supported by a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award and state investment, FUEL focuses on accelerating use-inspired research, technology commercialization, and workforce development across key energy domains, including carbon management, hydrogen, and sustainable manufacturing. Through collaborative programs, proof-of-concept funding, and industry-driven partnerships, FUEL works to move energy solutions from research to real world deployment while strengthening economic opportunity across Louisiana.
Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-energy-and-manufacturing-collider-tickets-1981430828948
About Geoffrey T. Stewart
Geoffrey T. Stewart, Ph.D. serves as Interim Vice President for Strategic Impact and Economic Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds The Moody Company/BORSF Endowed Chair in Regional Business Development. He also directs the Louisiana Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Center (LEED) and serves as Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development and Associate Professor.
Contact Dr. Geoffrey T. Stewart atgstewart@louisiana.edu
About The Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center
The LEED Center serves the entire state of Louisiana providing technical assistance and support to businesses and economic development agencies, entrepreneurs (students, faculty and within communities) that are not connected to economic development resources and regional commercialization efforts.
To learn more about LEED, contact Dr. Geoffrey T. Stewart atgstewart@louisiana.edu
About Chad LaComb
Chad LaComb is a regional leader in innovation, economic development, and community impact with more than a decade of experience advancing major initiatives across Acadiana and Louisiana. He currently serves as Director of UL Lafayette’s Office of Innovation Management, overseeing technology transfer, intellectual property, research commercialization, and industry partnerships. His career includes significant roles in regional planning, broadband expansion, brownfields redevelopment, and major economic development projects, earning multiple national awards for innovation and community impact.
Contact Chad LaComb at chad.lacomb@louisiana.edu
