In Baton Rouge, the Nexus Innovation Cup brought together some of the most promising startups in the South. At the center of the celebration was Encore CO₂, which captured first place and a $40,000 prize with a pitch that blended vision, preparation, and the urgency of addressing climate change.
Encore CO₂ was founded to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: reducing carbon emissions while creating scalable solutions that fit seamlessly into everyday industry. Their approach is rooted in the belief that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, and their work shows how a Southern startup can compete with national and global players in climate technology.
Co-founder Jordan Losavio took the stage with a clear, confident message. Her presentation reflected years of dedication, from mapping out her ideas visually to rehearsing until every word was sharp and compelling. She is known for practicing on the move, sometimes walking outside while speaking through her pitch. By the time she faced the judges, the delivery was polished and the vision was undeniable.
The Nexus Innovation Cup win is more than a trophy for Encore CO₂. The $40,000 prize provides a boost for growth, and the recognition from one of Louisiana’s key startup support networks signals that climate innovation is gaining real traction in the region. For the Southern innovation community, it is another example of how local founders are proving they can lead on issues that matter globally.
Encore CO₂ is not just building a company. They are showing that the South can take the lead in solving environmental challenges, and that with the right mix of grit, preparation, and community support, Southern startups can stand on any stage and win.
