Cameron Poole, a Tulane University alumnus originally from New Jersey, has emerged as a key figure in advancing energy innovation and regional economic development in New Orleans. Though he entered college without a clear academic direction, Poole now leads strategic initiatives at Newlab New Orleans, a platform dedicated to supporting startups working on transformative technologies, particularly in the energy sector. n nPreviously serving as energy and innovation manager at GNO, Inc., Poole transitioned to his current role to further influence how technological advancement can stimulate local economies. Newlab New Orleans, set to be established at the former Naval Support Activity site in the Bywater neighborhood, will offer infrastructure, funding, and collaboration opportunities with major industry players to early-stage companies. n n”Our goal is to foster organic economic expansion by empowering innovators right here in the region,” Poole explained. His focus lies at the intersection of clean energy development and inclusive growth, aiming to position Louisiana as a hub for next-generation energy solutions. n nPoole emphasized the significance of Tulane’s upcoming Future of Energy Forum, scheduled for September 10–12, as a pivotal gathering for shaping the future of the energy landscape both locally and internationally. “Events like this create essential dialogue that can steer policy and investment in impactful directions,” he noted. n nDuring his undergraduate years, Poole interned at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Despite majoring in political studies, he discovered that understanding systems of governance and economic decision-making provided valuable insights into private-sector dynamics. After graduation, he joined GNO, Inc., where he immersed himself in energy-related research despite having no prior background in the field. “I was eager to learn and contribute to economic progress through innovation,” he recalled. n nEncouraging student engagement, Poole urged attendees to participate in the forum, highlighting its value for networking and exposure to cutting-edge ideas. “Young minds should absolutely take part — it’s a chance to connect with leaders and shape their own paths,” he said. n nHaving lived in New Orleans for over ten years, including through challenging periods like the pandemic, Poole views the city as his true home. His work reflects a commitment to giving back, fostering opportunity, and helping build a resilient, innovative local economy. n
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Tulane alum uses energy innovation to drive local economic development
When Cameron Poole came to Tulane from New Jersey with an undecided major, he never suspected, a decade later, he would be a local leader in the energy space. n n“I think Cam senior year of Tulane, even, didn’t expect this journey to land here,” said Poole. n nPoole recently moved from energy and innovation manager at GNO, Inc. to a new role as director of strategy at Newlab New Orleans, a venture platform that helps startups developing critical technologies in a given region — including those required for the future of energy. n n“What’s super exciting about something like Newlab is that it’s really helping build bottom-up growth in the New Orleans area,” Poole said. Newlab New Orleans will be built at the former Naval Support Activity site in the Bywater neighborhood. It will provide a physical space and funding for local startups, giving them the opportunity to work with global leaders and companies in the energy industry. n n“I’m focusing on energy innovation and looking at how we do that in a manner that drives economic growth and development in this region,” he said. n nIn his role, Poole recognizes the importance of Tulane’s upcoming Future of Energy Forum, Sept. 10-12. “At Newlab, our mission is to enable technologies that have the potential to transform industries. The Tulane Future of Energy Forum is an invaluable venue to advance conversations that will ultimately shape the energy future of Louisiana and across the globe,” he said. n nAs an undergraduate, Poole interned at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. He said he was surprised to find how well his studies at Tulane, which focused mainly on politics, were relevant to his role. “Political economy is a way of viewing decision-making globally, and you can apply that to private-sector agents as well as the public,” he said. n nAfter graduation, he landed at GNO, Inc. “I knew nothing about energy, but I knew I wanted to do economic development,” he said. “I was ready to throw myself into research to try to perform on this job.” n nIn that same spirit of exploration, Poole wants to encourage students to attend the Future of Energy Forum to learn from the panels and to network. “Students should 100% be dropping in,” he said. n nBy helping to bring economic growth through energy and other forms of innovation to New Orleans, Poole feels like he is giving back to the city that has become his home over the past decade. n n“I’m a guy from New Jersey who moved to New Orleans for school,” he said, “but along the way, working here, getting through a pandemic here, it became home. A home that I wanted to contribute and help build and see opportunity in.”