TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
KORNELIUS BANKSTON
TERRY BROUSSARD
DAN CLIFTON
Managing Partner TechPlug
CEO Spot2Nite
Founder and Creative Director Top Right Corner
This advocate for “developing equitable health solutions for vulnerable populations” has experience in economic development, tech transfer and business development. In 2022, TechPlug opened the Lab, a brick-andmortar location for a cohort of health tech businesses, at 2600 Ursulines Avenue. It’s a place for health tech companies to “ideate, collaborate and offer services.”
This avid camper and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel registered nurse is the co-founder of a marketplace that allows travelers to “discover and book RV spots in real time.” The Lafayette native’s civilian and military career has spanned Europe and the Middle East. He has earned multiple military awards and decorations. He’s a registered nurse in Louisiana and Florida.
Head of production for genre film studio Welcome Villain Films, Clifton has produced more than 30 indies, including “Brightburn,” “The Last Manhunt” and “Dreamin’ Wild.” His other venture, Top Right Corner, is an immersive technology company that produces virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences for private industry, government entities, Hollywood studios and schools.
Education: Georgia Institute of Technology (MBA), Emory University (MS), Morehouse College (BS) Mission: “We believe all populations should have access to tech that decreases barriers of entry. We believe technologies should increase quality of life and health without leaving populations behind.” Connections: TechPlug corporate partners include Georgia Power, Walmart and New York Liberty
Education: Troy University (MS), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BSN) Go-to Restaurant: “Easy: Superior Grill!” On the Horizon: “We are building the largest neutral marketplace for campgrounds across North America. Our real-time integrations provide campers the ability to ‘Look, book and geaux!’” Hobby: “Camping and amateur radio”
Education: New York University (BFA) Hidden Gem: Manolito in the French Quarter What Do You Love About Your Job? “My team gets to solve complex yet tangible problems each day. I believe that we will live in a game enginepowered future where our lives will be impacted by extended reality tech. Nonprofit Cause: Breast Surgery Recovery Fund
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
PATRICK COMER
BARRETT CONRAD
REBECCA CONWELL
Founder Lucid and Gripnr
Managing Owner/Software Engineer CotingaSoft
President and CEO The UNO Research and Technology Foundation and The Beach at UNO
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Comer founded Lucid to “democratize data collection by applying programmatic technology to market research.” The company became New Orleans’ first unicorn in 2021 when it sold for more than $1 billion to Swedish company Cint. Now chair of Cint’s board, Comer founded a new enterprise, Gripnr, to “bring tabletop roleplaying games to the blockchain.”
Conrad’s first professional job was writing software at Children’s Hospital. Within six years, he’d founded his own software engineering company, where he continues to provide software tools to local businesses and guides multiple startups. He is an active organizer in the technology community and lends his expertise to GNO, Inc.’s Crime Tech Task Force.
Conwell’s career has been defined by her civic and professional leadership. She leads the management of UNO’s research park, creating an entrepreneurial environment where people come together to look for complex social, scientific and business breakthroughs. She has served as executive director of the NORD Foundation and as a senior advisor to former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
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LEADING INDUSTRIES
Education: Columbia University (MBA), The University of the South (BA) Best Fest: Fresh Mint Fest Hidden Gem: The Nieux Society Hobby/Passion: Beekeeping Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint On the Horizon: “Minting our first NFT collection for The Glimmering”
Education: Tulane University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute Hobby/Passion: “Sharing all of my extra baked goods with my friends” Advice: “Ray, when someone asks you if you’re a god, you say YES!” — Winston Zeddemore in “Ghostbusters”
Education: Lamar University (BBA) Best Part of Job: “The opportunity to build this beautiful environment” Hidden Gem: The Kingpin Advice: “Every job is important.” On the Horizon: The Louisiana Wind Energy HUB at UNO Heroes: “Leaders who inspire”
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