The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) and VentureWell are inviting individuals and teams of faculty, researchers, student innovators and industry experts to apply for funding  for advanced mobility projects through the FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Arkansas program.

The funding from this program will go towards developing innovative solutions that address transportation needs in the region.  

FLIPspace will help bring fresh ideas to life by providing participants with exclusive access to federal intellectual property through a partnership with the Federal Lab Consortium for Technology Transfer.  

"This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about solving real-world problems while learning how to transform research into a viable company,” said Tara Loomis, director of Federal Innovations at VentureWell. 

After being accepted into the program, participants will build business proposals around intellectual property from the federal labs’ advanced mobility portfolio. With Arkansas’ unique transportation landscape, the program positions them to solve state-specific challenges by leveraging innovative technologies.  

FLIPspace participants will have the chance to: 

• Access federal IP from national labs to turn advanced research into real-world mobility solutions. 

• Get hands-on guidance from industry mentors, learning the ins and outs of bringing an idea to market. 

• Receive $2,000 initial award per team member. 

• Pitch to Highway Ventures, a Bentonville-based venture studio known for launching and scaling innovative mobility startups, for potential investment. 

"This unique program offers teams the space to develop business plans for groundbreaking technologies to address challenges in their communities, economies and industries with unmatched mentorship that can kickstart ideas into market-ready realities," explained Meredith Adkins, assistant research professor at I³R. 

Information & Dates 

Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is Dec. 4. To learn more and apply, click the link here. 

Who should apply? 

Are you passionate about incorporating AI and sensor technology in vehicles? Do you have the next best drone delivery idea for goods in rural areas?  

This program is ideal for those with a curiosity about advanced mobility and a desire to create real-world solutions, regardless of their technical background. FLIPspace offers a chance to collaborate, innovate and potentially transform Arkansas' approach to transportation. 

• Individual applicants: Solo applicants will be paired with others to form a team that ensures at least one member has university affiliation. 

• Team applicants: Teams can be formed independently, but at least one member must be affiliated with a university as a postgraduate, faculty, staff or administrator. 

Why apply? 

• Impactful projects: Directly influence Arkansas’ transportation landscape. 
• Financial support: Each participant receives $2,000 to support their project work. 

• In-depth training: From tech transfer to lean startup methodologies, gain valuable skills. 

• Access to Federal IP: Work with leading-edge intellectual property to power your solutions.  [JT1] [EM2] 

To learn more, visit the FLIPspace website. VentureWell FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Northwest Arkansas is powered by Walton Family Foundation, Highway Ventures, Federal Lab Consortium, Licensing Executive Society and the U of A.

About the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R): Established through a transformational gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research pioneers solutions to wicked problems through convergence research across academic, industry, government and non-profit sectors to make a positive societal impact by creating and deploying innovations at scale. Learn more at i3r.uark.edu.   

About VentureWell: VentureWell supports the cultivation of an emerging generation of science and technology inventors and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that are critical to their success. Since its founding in 1995, VentureWell has funded or trained over 16,000 science and technology inventors and innovators, resulting in the emergence of nearly 3,900 ventures with groundbreaking technological advancements in fields like biomedicine and healthcare, sustainable energy and materials, and solutions for low-resource settings. The startups they have supported have raised subsequent funds totaling over $5.6 billion and are reaching millions of people in 50 countries. Visit venturewell.org to learn more. 

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 $3 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.