Louisiana Innovation Expands Award-Winning Film Series with New Shipbuilding Feature

New film explores Louisiana’s leadership in next-generation shipbuilding, accompanied by a series trailer narrated by Gov. Jeff Landry.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development, today released its newest short film, “LA.IO Presents: Louisiana Shipbuilding,” highlighting how the state’s centuries-old maritime tradition is evolving into one of America’s most important centers for next-generation shipbuilding and autonomous maritime technology. LA.IO also debuted a new series trailer, narrated by Gov. Jeff Landry, to accompany the new film release.

From the Higgins boats that changed the course of World War II to today’s ice cutters and autonomous surface vessels, Louisiana has long transformed maritime challenges into opportunities for innovation. The film explores how that legacy continues through advanced manufacturing, engineering talent and emerging technologies shaping the future of American shipbuilding.

“Louisiana has always been a place where people solve complex challenges by building things that matter,” LED Chief Innovation Officer Josh Fleig said. “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.”

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 been foundational to the state’s economy for generations. As demand grows for autonomous vessels and other high-tech maritime platforms, Louisiana is uniquely positioned with world-class shipyards, a highly skilled workforce and decades of industrial expertise.

“Louisiana Shipbuilding” is the latest installment in the LA.IO Presents: Stories of Louisiana Innovation film series, which spotlights Louisiana companies and industries solving global challenges. Previous films featuring Intralox, Delta Biofuel, MECO and Natrx have earned national and international recognition, including Gold ADDY Awards for each film and six Viddy Awards across the series. The broader LA.IO campaign 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. View the complete list of awards.

The trailer connects stories from across advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences and coastal adaptation into a broader portrait of innovation in Louisiana. It gives the award-winning series a unifying introduction and paves the way for additional films to come.

Watch the series trailer, “Louisiana Shipbuilding,” and more Louisiana Innovation stories.

About LA.IO

Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a division of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), is the state’s statewide innovation initiative, connecting entrepreneurs, startups, investors and partners with the capital, coaching, networks and resources needed to build high-growth companies and strengthen Louisiana’s innovation economy. Through storytelling and ecosystem development, LA.IO showcases Louisiana’s innovation ecosystem and helps position the state as a global leader in innovation.