Officially called the “Arkansas Nexus for Excellence in Technology, Workforce, Outreach, and Research Knowledge,” a new $8 million undertaking aims to extend research capacity, accelerate commercialization, and drive collaboration between the state’s academic researchers and innovation-minded industries.
AR-NETWORK brings together nine academic institutions, including ASBTDC’s host, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in a four-year effort to strengthen Arkansas’s research and commercialization ecosystem.
The National Science Foundation is funding the program through an E-CORE award to the Arkansas Research Alliance, the state’s first such award.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is pleased to be a partner in AR-NETWORK. ASBTDC will lead educational events on commercialization and the federal seed funding programs, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer.
“By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government, we are building the foundation for more high-wage jobs and a stronger innovation economy across the state,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine of the project. “As Arkansas’s leader in SBIR/STTR support for more than a decade, ASBTDC brings deep, hands-on experience in business and commercialization strategy to this effort.”
Karen Bergh and Catherine Corley are ASBTDC’s innovation-and-technology-focused specialists who will facilitate training events in-person and online for AR-NETWORK.
This year they teamed up on SBIR/STTR educational programs hosted by the center, including the Lab2Launch Accelerator, “Prep Your NSF Project Pitch” workshop series, and “Navigating DoD Funding: Strategies for SBIR/STTR Success and Innovation in Arkansas” virtual event.
In 2026, ASBTDC is planning to offer virtual and in-person training to assist researchers in launching companies and developing commercialization strategies.
Fine noted Bergh assists innovators around the state with SBIR/STTR proposals, while Corley concentrates on Northwest Arkansas. In addition, Corley has valuable experience as an NSF proposal reviewer and I-Corps mentor.
“ASBTDC has a long track record of helping innovation-driven entrepreneurs prepare competitive SBIR and STTR proposals. Since 2008, our clients have achieved a 46% award rate, well above the national average, and in recent years we’ve expanded the pipeline of first-time applicants to America’s Seed Fund,” Fine said.
Through AR-NETWORK, the center wants to continue broadening participation in SBIR and STTR statewide. Bergh and Corley will support academic and community researchers to help them launch companies and secure non-dilutive funding that supports their commercialization journey.
AR-NETWORK also extends the center’s collaborative efforts with other entrepreneurial support organizations in the state.
“We’ve been working closely with Science Venture Studio to provide coaching and subject-matter expertise, and we’re excited to continue and expand that collaboration through AR-NETWORK,” said Fine. “Together, these resources give Arkansas researchers the support they need to form companies, compete for funding, and succeed.”
Related:
Q&A with ARA Head Bryan Barnhouse
Arkansas Research Alliance Launches AR-NETWORK Program (ARA News Release)