The Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) has awarded the University of Arkansas $1.8 million to expand economic development initiatives as part of the National Science Foundation’s $8 million E-CORE program. The funding will boost the state’s research capacity, accelerate commercialization, and increase career pathways in STEM fields.
David Hinton, associate vice chancellor for Research & Innovation and executive director of U of A Technology Ventures, will serve as principal investigator on the subaward. He described the initiative as a pivotal opportunity for Arkansas. “By aligning our research capacity with commercialization pathways and industry partnerships, this program strengthens the state’s ability to turn research into impact,” Hinton said.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation David Hinton (Photo source: LinkedIn)
The university’s efforts will focus on three areas: conducting industry “needs” workshops to align research with business priorities, expanding commercialization retreats to guide researchers and entrepreneurs, and advocating for policy changes that incentivize use-inspired research and small business formation.
The award builds on existing programs at the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Technology Ventures, which have hosted workshops on intellectual property, federal grants, and startup creation. The new funding ensures these efforts will expand and continue for at least four more years.
ARA’s collaboration also involves Tiffany Henry of ACC Capital Foundation, Phil Shellhammer of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Catherine Corley of the U of A Small Business and Technology Development Center.
Margaret Sova McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation, highlighted the broader impact: “I’m grateful and proud that organizations like ARA and people like David Hinton are taking advantage of this opportunity to help Arkansas build its research competitiveness nationally and support economic vitality here.”
The E-CORE program also unlocks eligibility for Arkansas researchers to pursue additional NSF funding through the EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence (E-RISE) grants, further positioning the state to advance innovation and economic growth.
