About Us

 

Formerly the Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, BRF was formed in 1986 as the result of an economic development study commissioned by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce following Shreveport’s economic downturn in the 1980s. BRF was created as an economic development organization with the mission to diversify and grow the region’s economy.

BRF’s initial efforts focused on developing the biomedical and life sciences industries, including support of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport.

Beginning in 2013, BRF’s economic development activities began to expand into initiatives focusing on entrepreneurship, angel investing, digital media, business recruitment and more. Across its various initiatives, BRF’s economic development focus is on retaining current businesses, starting new businesses and recruiting new businesses.

  • 1986
  • 1990
  • 1994
  • 1995
  • 1997
  • 2000
  • Our Start

    Our Start
    When the price of oil dropped to $14 per barrel, many companies that were the anchors for Shreveport’s economy either left town or shut down. In response, The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce commissioned an economic development study which resulted in the formation of the Biomedical Research Foundation to help diversify our economy into other industry […]
  • Setting Goals

    Setting Goals
    The LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport adopted a goal to expand its medical research capacity to recruit more faculty, conduct more research and develop innovative products. BRF constructed a plan and began the fundraising effort to transform this plan into a reality.
  • Biomed Facility Opens

    Biomed Facility Opens
    BRF’s Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute opened with 56 state-of-the-art research laboratories connected to the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. This is the first facility in the soon-to-be developed InterTech Science Park.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center Opens

    Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center Opens
    The state and region’s first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center opened in the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute. PET expedited the diagnosis and treatment process for cancer patients as well as advanced research on many other diseases. BRF also launched STEM education programs for local high school students to assist in educating future innovators […]
  • InterTech is Established

    InterTech is Established
    BRF and teams of local civic leaders announced plans to create the InterTech Science Park, an 800-acre science and technology park in central Shreveport.
  • InterTech Building Completed

    InterTech Building Completed
    BRF constructed its second InterTech Science Park facility, a 33,000 sq. ft. cleanroom manufacturing facility on Kings Highway.

Latest Videos

Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan speaks in Shreveport at BRF’s 2023 Annual Event, offering insight on Northwest Louisiana’s strengths in the economies of the future.

Learn more about BRF and its initiatives at our YouTube channel.

News

Yearlong research opportunity at LSU Health Shreveport opens for area high school seniors

SMART program prepares students for careers in medicine, biomedical fields Enrollment for the 2023-2024 Bobbie Cates Hicks Science and Medicine...

BRF releases 2022 Annual Report

BRF releases 2022 Annual Report Click here or the image below to read more about BRF's accomplishments in 2022 and...

BRF Annual Event featuring Peter Zeihan – SOLD OUT

In lieu of an Annual Meeting, BRF will host a special speaker event the evening of Jan. 12, 2023, featuring...

MISSION

Diversify and grow our region’s economy.

VISION

Operate as a catalyst to expand and develop research, entrepreneurship and high-growth businesses in our region.

VALUES

Innovation. Collaboration. Problem Solving. Bold Action.

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