FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Applications remain open for the first cohort of EMPOWER, a 16-week accelerator for Arkansas women, transwomen, and non-binary in the STEM fields who have an innovation and would like to explore ways to bring their idea or research to market by accessing non-dilutive federal funding. 

"We know the struggles first hand, but also the significant impact women can have in our world," said Katie Thompson, director of Science Venture Studio, which is overseeing the cohort. 

"We will connect them with mentors who will invest time into them as they continue to make waves in STEM."

Over the course of the program, accepted applicants will attend weekly webinar sessions focused on the impact of their innovation, commercialization strategies, and technical milestones needed to bring their innovation to market. Applicants also will be paired with industry and technology mentors to help them apply their learnings.

The program is scheduled to run from Jan. 18 to Feb. 28, 2022. Applicants should complete the application in narrative form or record themselves answering the questions. Applications close Dec. 22.

If choosing the recording option, we ask that the video be at a maximum of 90 seconds and that the file is uploaded via Vimeo or YouTube. 

Applicants are encouraged to schedule a 20-minute meeting with the EMPOWER team so we can get to know you better as well as answer any questions that you may have about the accelerator. 

About Science Venture Studio: The Science Venture Studio aims to help Arkansas science- and technology-based startups apply for non-dilutive federal funding. The SVS team is composed of a grant specialist, advisor, commercialization fellows and technology mentors all with the passion for helping small science and technology business secure funding to develop their technology and grow their company. SVS is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and collaborates with Innovate Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Council, University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Startup Junkie.