The University of Arkansas has partnered with industry and nonprofit organizations to support the state's lithium economy.

Cofounded by Erik Pollock, director of the U of A Stable Isotope Lab and Trace Element and Radiogenic Isotope Lab, the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) is America's first accelerator program dedicated to lithium innovation and the battery supply chain. The U of A developed the program with the Venture Center and Standard Lithium, with support from the Walton Family Foundation and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The university recently hosted the first ALTA cohort — three startup companies bringing innovative solutions to Arkansas as the state positions itself as a leader in lithium and energy technology.

"The ALTA cohort companies are on the frontline of the emergent lithium economy," Pollock said. "It was great to have them on campus. It was a greater pleasure to see my research colleagues ready and willing to engage in everything from geothermal to next generation battery technologies."

Cohort companies Telescope Innovations, RAM Geothermal and Nano One met with U of A researchers in fields ranging from geophysics to soft separation to battery science, toured leading-edge university facilities such as the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, and learned about how the U of A can partner with them on startup spaces and entrepreneurial support.

"The U of A is uniquely equipped to support Arkansas' lithium initiatives," said Margaret Sova McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation. "We offer solutions, from sustainable lithium extraction to production and deployment through the supply chain, to providing the workforce that will drive success."

Arkansas is home to one of North America's largest lithium reserves, and lithium is a critical resource used to power critical technology like batteries, electric vehicles, drones and smartphones. While the state's work in this field is still in its early stages, continued investment and growth will help create high-paying jobs and position Arkansas as a domestic supplier of lithium — reducing the nation's reliance on foreign suppliers.

ALTA is currently selecting its second cohort, to be announced at the Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit, Oct. 28-29, in Little Rock.

To learn more about the U of A's work with lithium and the resources available, please visit lithium.uark.edu.