Join Us at BIO on the BAYOU: October 28 - October 29, 2025

BIO on the BAYOU anchors a full week of innovation and opportunity in New Orleans, showcasing emerging biotech and health science breakthroughs that haven't been picked over. Connect with investors, researchers, and industry leaders across life sciences, medtech, healthcare, and techbio. The 2025 program expands with more expert-led panels, curated partnering tables, and exhibitor opportunities than ever before. Plus, don’t miss complementary events like The Bullpen and BioChallenge—rounding out a dynamic week designed to accelerate ideas, investments, and impact.

Presentations

Explore and watch past presentations to stay informed and inspired—access the full archive on our YouTube Channel.

BioChallenge

Fuel the future of neuroscience innovation — stay for the BioChallenge where groundbreaking startups changing the world of healthcare compete.

Bullpen

Check out the Bullpen co-events — Our BotB Partner where life science investors + companies connect, collaborate, and catalyze outcomes.

Our Speakers

Bio on the Bayou has featured leading voices in biotech, life sciences, and academic research—innovators, entrepreneurs, and scientists sharing breakthroughs from lab to market across the Gulf South and beyond.

Walter Issacson – Keynote Speaker

Professor of American History & Values at Tulane

Walter Isaacson is the Leonard Lauder Professor of American History and Values at Tulane University. He is the past CEO of the Aspen Institute, where he is now a Distinguished Fellow, and has been the chairman of CNN and the editor of TIME magazine.

Melissa Smith

Associate Professor at the UofL School of Medicine

Melissa Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. While at UofL, Melissa has also spearheaded the Sequencing Technology Center, the only PacBio Certified Service Provider in Kentucky.

Jorge Castro

Founder and President of iHnnova LLC (Induction Heating Innovations)

Founder and President of iHnnova LLC (Induction Heating Innovations) is dedicated to developing a cancer treatment solution using magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Our novel, hand-held devices deliver localized thermal therapy to the target. iHnnova aims to bring this treatment to clinics and improve patient outcomes.

Sudeshna Roy, PhD

Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee

Dr. Roy’s research spans organic chemistry, drug discovery, and peptide biophysics, with recent publications in ACS Infectious Diseases, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Heliyon. Her work exemplifies innovation at the intersection of chemistry and medicine, advancing the development of novel therapeutics for infectious diseases and beyond.

Testimonial

  • “I loved the energy of this conference and the ease of running into people. I participated in great conversations during the reception and the Bullpen Masquerade. Engaging motivated third parties to bring energy to a conference is an excellent strategy.”

    Industry Attendee

  • I attend and speak in events all over the state and across the US; this is the best run and most intentional event I have ever been involved in. I’m looking forward to attending/participating again next year for the third consecutive year.

    Investor Attendee

  • “Loved the expert panels and partnering meetings. The app was very helpful in scheduling meetings.”

    Start-Up Attendee

LOCATION: BotB 2025 will be held at the historic Jung Hotel and New Orleans BioInnovation Center in New Orleans, Louisiana!