Achieving Excellence in Technology
Home to an estimated 6,300 tech businesses, the software development industry is thriving in Louisiana. With the nation’s strongest, most comprehensive incentive, strategic investments in higher education and involvement at state and local levels, Louisiana gives software development companies a competitive edge. Through a comprehensive approach, the state has helped software and technology companies like CSRA, Lumen Technologies, IBM, CGI, DXC Technology and more to:
- Open new development centers
- Expand new divisions
- Consolidate testing facilities
- Relocate central operations
Live, Play and Work in Louisiana
Louisiana’s competitive edge is rooted in its business-friendly environment. Recent reforms have transformed the state into what Forbes magazine has hailed as “America’s new frontier for business opportunity.” This shift has propelled Louisiana into the top 10 states in the country for business climate, a recognition supported by various national publications, including Area Development and Site Selection magazines.
Beyond its economic allure, Louisiana offers a rich and diverse quality of life. The state’s blend of historical influences, mild climate and varied natural landscapes create a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, Louisiana’s vibrant culture is punctuated by a continuous lineup of festivals, cultural events, exceptional cuisine, music and art, making it an appealing place to call home and host visitors.
Louisiana’s low-tax environment further enhances its appeal for businesses. According to a comprehensive 50-state analysis by the Tax Foundation and KPMG, titled “Location Matters: The State Tax Costs of Doing Business,” the state’s tax burden ranks among the top 10 lowest in the nation for new facilities, relocations and facility expansions across various firm types, including labor-intensive manufacturing, capital-intensive manufacturing, research and development facilities and corporate headquarters. Additionally, housing and utility costs in Louisiana are traditionally among the most affordable categories for residents, with housing costs averaging nearly 6% below the national average and residential utilities almost 14% below the U.S. average.
Louisiana’s High-Tech Talent
Louisiana's Tech Industry Thrives with a Skilled Workforce and LED FastStart
Technology companies in Louisiana have ready access to a skilled workforce that includes over 23,000 informational technology professionals. This is thanks in part to LED FastStart, Louisiana’s workforce development and training program delivering comprehensive workforce solutions to pair universities and technical colleges with companies.
Thriving Software and Digital Media Clusters Fuel Louisiana's Tech Ecosystem
Software and digital media clusters are emerging around the state in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport. With total and direct job growth at three times the national average, Louisiana’s vision of a technology ecosystem is well supported.
Strategic Investments in Higher Education Expand Talent Pipeline
Louisiana has graduated nearly 5,000 students in the software development field in the past five years, supplying a pipeline of talent for high-tech companies. The state is committed to rapidly growing its current and future software workforce through investments totaling more than $38 million in the computer science and engineering departments of higher education institutions across the state, including Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of New Orleans, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana Community and Technical College System. These investments were made in conjunction with project announcements in the state by CGI, CSRA, IBM and CenturyLink.
Boosting Computer Science Education and IBM's Workforce with a $14 Million Commitment
As part of the IBM project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana committed to invest $14 million over 10 years in computer science programs — with at least 65% of those funds dedicated to the LSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This funding will enable LSU to double its computer science faculty and triple the number of annual computer science graduates within five years. For IBM, this partnership allows for input on university curricula and delivers the talent pipeline to meet the workforce needs of IBM and others.
Software Development Incentives Stacked for Success
Louisiana has the nation’s strongest, most comprehensive incentive for software development. Companies starting up, expanding or relocating in the state can receive a 25% refundable tax credit for payroll expenditures and an 18% refundable tax credit for qualified production expenditures.
