Louisiana emerging technology center

The Louisiana Emerging Technology Center (LETC) will enable biosciences startup companies with technology ties to LSU to accelerate early growth.  The location of the facility within walking distance of academic research buildings facilitates the concept of a seamless environment from discovery to commercialization.  SBB Architects is the design architect on LETC in association with Coleman & Partners (Baton Rouge).

The site is in the LSU South Campus at East Parker and South Stadium Drive.  Two sites were evaluated.  Both are part of an area designated in the current master plan for a research and development “Technology Park” that will include renovated and additional new facilities.  It is also located to connect to a planned campus pedestrian network, is bounded by live oaks and has views to three lakes north and east of the site.  The LETC facility responds to the existing and planned context.  The building design complies with campus design standards and is compatible with predominant campus Italian Renaissance architecture which includes pitched clay tile roofs and masonry and stucco exterior walls.  Design elements integrate vents and exhaust stacks typical of research buildings.

LETC provides an interdisciplinary, synergistic atmosphere that encourages crossover thinking and interaction between resident companies.  Staff distributed through the facility and walking the halls makes things happen for the startup companies.  The facility includes built out labs for startups and shell space to accommodate resident companies in early growth phases.

The LSU Research Foundation will own and manage the LETC.