U of A and Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Announce Energy Innovation Event

Russell Cothren, University Relations

The campus of the Arkansas Research and Technology Park in Fayetteville.

The Arkansas Advanced Energy Association in partnership with the U of A divisions of Economic Development and Research and Innovation has announced a collaborative event, "Energy Innovation in Arkansas," on Thursday, June 15, at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park.

The event was prompted by a growing need to connect advanced energy industry stakeholders with potential research partners and funding opportunities to ultimately spur relevant solutions to the state's expanding energy needs and markets.

"The University of Arkansas is excited be part of this event, which provides an opportunity to drive innovation and collaboration with our state's energy industry, entrepreneurial ecosystem and researchers," said Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development at the U of A. "We have the resources and know-how in Arkansas to make a significant positive impact in this sector."  

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the morning session will educate researchers and entrepreneurs seeking federal non-dilutive funding to commercialize energy technologies. Attendees will hear about the Department of Energy's small business funding (SBIR/STTR) program from Eileen Chant, Ph.D., outreach program manager at the U.S. Department of Energy.

The afternoon will begin with an industry overview panel to discuss a range of angles from state and federal funding opportunities, to private sector priorities, to alternative energy activities, to anticipated industry needs moving forward. 

Panelists include:

• Lisa Perry, senior manager, Energy Services, Walmart

• Becky Keogh, state infrastructure coordinator, Department of Finance and Administration

• Glen Hooks, policy manager, Audubon Delta

• Tom Waggoner, managing director, Syntex Industries LLC

• Douglas Hutchings, chief executive officer, Delta Solar

The panel will be followed by an Innovation Showcase that will highlight innovations in energy taking place at the U of A, with entrepreneurs at ARTP and other innovative companies around the state. The event will conclude with a direct opportunity for engagement via networking.

"The climate of the energy industry in Arkansas is changing daily, as are the needs for new innovations and technologies to support its developing sectors," said Heather Nelson, board chair of AAEA and co-founder and president of Seal Solar. "This type of collaboration can lead to advancements that will keep our state competitive in this space and ultimately benefit Arkansas ratepayers."

Attendance is free to the public. Learn more about the event and register by June 1. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lauren at lwaldrip@arkansasadvancedenergy.com or 870-295-8454. 

About Arkansas Advanced Energy Association: AAEA is dedicated to growing Arkansas's economy through expanded utilization of advanced energy technologies, including energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electric generation, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, alternative fuels and smart grid. These are innovations that make our energy supply more secure, clean and affordable. AAEA engages in policy advocacy at the federal, state and regulatory levels; industry policy group briefings; targeted outreach to other businesses and policymakers in Arkansas and across the country and regular communications with its members. For more information, visit arkansasadvancedenergy.com.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.