2025 Silicon Bayou Gala
Code. Culture. Celebration.
September 19th, 2025
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
About
Growth. Innovation. The Power of Community.
At the 海角社区 Division of Computer Science & Engineering, we don鈥檛 just keep pace with technology 鈥� we lead it. Since 2015, our enrollment has skyrocketed by over 150%, making us one of the fastest-growing tech education hubs in the region. Today, we serve over 1,300 students across our undergraduate and graduate programs 鈥� students who are driving breakthroughs in cybersecurity, AI, data science, and software engineering while presenting at global conferences, launching startups, and mentoring the next generation of innovators.
As Louisiana鈥檚 flagship university, our growth isn鈥檛 just about numbers 鈥� it鈥檚 about impact. We are preparing the tech workforce that powers Louisiana鈥檚 economy. Our graduates are filling critical roles in cybersecurity, software development, AI research, and data analysis across the state and beyond. Every student we support today becomes a future leader, entrepreneur, and problem-solver who strengthens Louisiana鈥檚 competitiveness in the national and global tech industry. However, with this rapid growth comes greater need. More students means more demand for scholarships, cutting-edge technology, professional development, and hands-on research opportunities. Our mission is to meet that challenge head-on and ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Why the 2025 海角社区 CSE Silicon Bayou Gala Matters
The Silicon Bayou Gala is more than a celebration 鈥� it鈥檚 a rallying point for Louisiana鈥檚 tech future. The Gala fuels scholarships, research, conference travel, student development, and entrepreneurship. It supports career readiness, community STEM outreach, and vital technology upgrades. It also amplifies 海角社区鈥檚 leadership in AI and cybersecurity and honors the visionaries shaping innovation across the state through the prestigious Technology Awards. Your support empowers the next generation of Tiger engineers and helps build the skilled workforce that Louisiana鈥檚 technology-driven economy demands. Together, we are shaping the future of computing in Louisiana and beyond.
Geaux Tigers!
Organizing Board
Gala Chair
Alaina Metz-Smith
Gala Vice Chair
Caitlynn Coco
Gala Web Chair
Ali Ghosn
Division Chair
Ibrahim Baggili
Industry Members
Alexander "Lex" Adams
Chris Meaux
Craig Stevens
Mohit "Mo" Vij
Tony Zanders
More Than Just A Celebration
The Silicon Bayou Gala is more than just a celebration 鈥� it鈥檚 a crucial fundraiser supporting our students and departmental initiatives. Proceeds fund scholarships, research, and innovative projects, helping us invest in the next generation of leaders and drive meaningful progress.
2025 Inaugural Louisiana Technology Awards
Voting Closes on June 19th, 2025
Fastest-Growing Startup
Celebrates a rapidly scaling organization that has demonstrated impressive momentum
and traction in a
short time.
Eligibility:
- Founded within the last three years
- Operating in a space where innovation plays a central role
- Headquartered or with a significant presence in Louisiana
Evaluation Criteria:
- Growth in customer or user base
- Expansion of team or operations
- Successful funding or investment milestones
- Strategic partnerships or contracts secured
- Market traction or early product adoption
Emerging Leader
Recognizes a high-performing organization that has achieved sustained growth and is
poised to become
an industry-defining presence.
Eligibility:
- Beyond the early-stage startup phase
- Minimum annual revenue of $50 million
- Louisiana-based presence
Evaluation Criteria:
- Revenue performance and business scale
- Organizational leadership and team development
- Product or service innovation
- National or regional market presence
- Contributions to the broader business community
Overall Best Organization
The highest recognition, awarded to an entity that exemplifies excellence across innovation,
growth,
leadership, and positive impact.
Eligibility:
- Any size or stage
- Must be based in or operating within Louisiana
Evaluation Criteria:
- Breakthrough ideas or initiatives
- Proven business results and sustainability
- Industry or sector influence
- Public service, community, or ecosystem contributions
- Strategic vision and leadership excellence
Silicon Bayou List
The Silicon Bayou List will spotlight a curated selection of standout organizations
that are shaping the
future of innovation in Louisiana.
Eligibility:
- Must have a physical presence or meaningful operations in Louisiana
- Must complete or confirm a nomination form
- Attendance at the 海角社区 Gala is required to be recognized
Selection Considerations:
- Creative solutions or innovative products
- Business or operational growth
- Cultural leadership or community investment
- Overall contribution to the broader innovation ecosystem in Louisiana
Celebrate with the Band | The After Party Experience
Sponsorship Information
Platinum Sponsor
"Bayou Beacon"
Number of Sponsorships Available: 1
Price: $20,000
Benefits:
- Recognition on event website, event signage, program, event publicity (press release, television), and awards program; must sign-up prior to June 19, 2025.
- Title sponsor table at event to showcase company
- Two (2) reserved tables at the event located in the first row nearest the stage with tickets for 8 persons per table.
Gold Sponsors
"Cypress Circuits"
Number of Sponsorships Available: 4
Price: $12,000
Benefits:
- Recognition on event website, event signage, program, event publicity (press release, television), and awards program, just not as prominent as Platinum; must sign-up prior to June 19, 2025.
- Two (2) reserved tables at the event with tickets for 8 persons per table.
Silver Sponsors
"Kilobyte Krewe"
Number of Sponsorships Available: 10
Price: $5,000
Benefits:
- Recognition on event website, event signage, program, event publicity (press release, television), and awards program, just not as prominent as Platinum & Gold Sponsors, if sign-up prior to June 19, 2025.
- One (1) reserved table at the event with tickets for 8 persons.
Single (Individual) Ticket
"Gator Byte"
Price: $250
Benefits:
- Reserved Seat at the Gala
- Enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing.
Sponsor a Student's Entry
"Code Booster"
Price: $250
Benefits:
- Sponsor a student's seat at the Gala
- The student will enjoy an evening of dinner and networking.