New LA.IO film highlights Louisiana’s leadership in next-generation shipbuilding, autonomous maritime technology and advanced manufacturing
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Innovation, or LA.IO, a division of Louisiana Economic Development, has released a new short film highlighting Louisiana’s expanding role in next-generation shipbuilding, autonomous maritime technology and advanced manufacturing.
The film, “LA.IO Presents: Louisiana Shipbuilding,” explores how the state’s longstanding maritime heritage is evolving through automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, precision manufacturing and advanced engineering.
LA.IO also debuted a new series trailer narrated by Gov. Jeff Landry, providing a broader introduction to the organization’s award-winning Stories of Louisiana Innovation film series.
Louisiana Shipbuilding Film Highlights Maritime Innovation
Louisiana has played a major role in American shipbuilding for generations, from the Higgins boats of World War II to modern ice cutters and autonomous surface vessels.
The new film connects that history with the technologies now reshaping maritime production across the state.
“Louisiana has always been a place where people solve complex challenges by building things that matter,” said Josh Fleig, LED Chief Innovation Officer. “This film shows that our shipbuilding story isn’t just about our history—it’s about what’s happening right now. The technologies being developed and built here are defining the future of maritime innovation while creating new opportunities for Louisiana workers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers.”
Advanced Manufacturing and Autonomous Maritime Technology Drive Growth
The film showcases Louisiana’s growing role in advanced maritime production, where automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and precision manufacturing are transforming an industry that has long been central to the state’s economy.
As demand grows for autonomous vessels and other high-tech maritime platforms, Louisiana is positioned to compete through its combination of shipyard infrastructure, skilled workforce and industrial expertise.
The state’s maritime sector is increasingly intersecting with emerging technologies, creating opportunities for manufacturers, engineers, technology companies and entrepreneurs involved in the next generation of shipbuilding.
LA.IO Film Series Earns National and International Recognition
“Louisiana Shipbuilding” is the latest installment in the LA.IO Presents: Stories of Louisiana Innovation film series, which highlights Louisiana companies and industries working to solve global challenges.
Previous films have featured Intralox, Delta Biofuel, MECO and Natrx.
The series has received national and international recognition, including Gold ADDY Awards for each film and six Viddy Awards across the series.
The broader LA.IO campaign has also received Best in Show for Cinematography at the AAF New Orleans ADDY Awards, a Clio Bronze for Music and a Fast Company Innovation by Design Award.
New Trailer Connects Louisiana’s Innovation Industries
The newly released series trailer ties together stories from several sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences and coastal adaptation.
The trailer is designed to provide a unified introduction to Louisiana’s broader innovation ecosystem while setting the stage for additional films in the series.
Through the campaign, LA.IO is highlighting how established industries and emerging technologies are converging to create new economic opportunities across the state.
Louisiana Builds Innovation-Driven Economic Growth
LA.IO supports Louisiana’s innovation economy through strategic investments, entrepreneurial support, commercialization initiatives, workforce development and partnerships involving industry, academia and government.
The organization works with startups, growing companies, researchers and technology developers to help new ideas reach the marketplace and support innovation-driven economic development.
The new shipbuilding film reinforces that strategy by showcasing a traditional Louisiana industry that is increasingly incorporating advanced technologies and next-generation production capabilities.
About LA.IO
Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development, works to build and strengthen Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem.
Through strategic investments, entrepreneurial support, commercialization initiatives, workforce development and partnerships across industry, academia and government, LA.IO helps startups launch, companies scale and breakthrough technologies reach the marketplace.
The organization supports innovators with access to capital, coaching and connections designed to advance innovation-driven economic growth and position Louisiana as a destination for entrepreneurs, researchers and technology companies.
Media Contact
Emma Wagner
Louisiana Economic Development
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117
Margot McNeely
LA.IO
Margot.McNeely2@la.gov
