KEY TAKEAWAYS: Six biotechnology companies from the United States and France will compete for $100,000 in cash prizes at the 2026 BioChallenge. The competition will take place Oct. 29 at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, 1441 Canal St. Finalists are developing treatments and diagnostic tec hnologies targeting Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, hearing difficulties and other neurological conditions. The annual event connects emerging biotech companies with investors, researchers and clinical partners to help advance medical technologies.   Six biotechnology companies developing treatments and diagnostic technologies for neurological diseases and other conditions affecting brain health will compete for $100,000 in cash prizes at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center’s annual BioChallenge competition Oct. 29. The New Orleans BioInnovation Center announced the six finalists Oct. 13, selecting companies working on innovations involving Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hearing difficulties and infections that can affect neurological development. The competition will take place at the center’s headquarters at 1441 Canal St., bringing together biotechnology entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, economic development officials and industry representatives. The finalists include companies from across the United States and France, several of which have products undergoing clinical trials or preparing to enter human testing. “We had a deep applicant pool this year and these six earned their spot,” said Kris Khalil, executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. “All are past the idea stage and in or near the clinic. Several already have a drug or device in human trials. Companies from California, Boston and France are flying in to pitch in New Orleans. They want to work with our clinical partners and get their technologies to the patients here who need them.” The six finalists are: Cenna Biosciences Inc. is developing Nubytide, an experimental Alzheimer’s treatment intended to reduce production of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the disease. The company has received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to begin its first human clinical trial. Cleaved Diagnostics is developing diagnostic tests using CRISPR technology, a gene-editing tool. Its initial product focuses on detecting cytomegalovirus, an infection that can cause hearing loss and affect brain development in newborns. Moleculera Biosciences offers a blood-testing panel intended to help physicians determine whether immune system responses contribute to psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive or movement-related symptoms. The company is also researching other inflammatory conditions. Nervosave Therapeutics, based in France, is developing treatments for neurological disorders, initially targeting Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited condition affecting peripheral nerves. The company is expanding its operations into the United States. Parley Neurotech, a University of Colorado spinoff, is developing a noninvasive treatment designed to improve speech comprehension in noisy environments. The technology is being evaluated in a clinical trial. PathMaker Neurosystems is developing MyoRegulator, a device that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The FDA granted the device Breakthrough Device designation in December 2025. It is undergoing a second clinical trial as a potential treatment for ALS. The finalists will present their technologies and business plans to a panel of judges, which will award a combined $100,000 in cash prizes. According to the BioInnovation Center, previous competition winners have secured millions of dollars in private investment and federal research grants. The event is intended to connect emerging biotechnology companies with investors, clinical partners and other resources needed to commercialize their technologies. The 2026 competition is presented by Sid O’Bryant, executive director of the Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth, and the institute. Lead sponsors include Cognito Therapeutics, BioDistrict New Orleans and Answer ALS. The partnership reflects an emphasis on advancing brain health research and moving experimental treatments and diagnostic technologies toward clinical use. The New Orleans BioInnovation Center is a nonprofit business incubator that supports life sciences startups and technology commercialization in Louisiana. It provides emerging companies with business development assistance, laboratory and office facilities, access to funding resources and connections to research institutions and industry partners. The Oct. 29 competition is open to the public. Click here to register. ...read more read less