30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day
Connecting academia & government to explore cyber, AI, & critical infrastructure workforce & research innovations to support the warfighter.
AI/Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Research Day
Apr 30 - May 1, 2025
Co-Hosted by UA Little Rock, University of Arkansas & UA Pine Bluff
INVITATION
Join us for a premier event connecting government agencies and academic institutions to explore cyber, AI, and critical infrastructure workforce and research innovations that support the warfighter.
This Research Day facilitates collaboration between federal research entities, academic researchers, and government agencies by showcasing research, identifying mission needs, and advancing technology for national security.
Who Should Attend:
This event is tailored for government program managers seeking to align their mission needs with innovative academic research in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. It is also designed for academic researchers looking to showcase their work, understand federal R&D priorities, and explore opportunities for technology transition into government applications. Senior leaders, policy makers, and representatives from research institutions and federal agencies will benefit from this focused engagement.
What to Expect:
Over two days, attendees will engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations highlighting national security R&D priorities. Sessions will cover securing research, addressing workforce gaps, and leveraging academic innovation for national defense. The agenda includes breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one meetings to facilitate direct collaboration between academia and government entities. A classified session will be available for eligible participants, providing deeper insights into mission-critical research needs.
This event is open exclusively to government agencies and academic institutions.
Forge Institute’s Atomic Anvil program is in partnership with APEX, a Department of Air Force (DAF) Partnership Intermediary Program (PIA). https://apex-innovates.org
AGENDA
Tuesday, Apr 29:
6:00 PM Reception/Happy Hour - Venue TBD (optional)
Wednesday, Apr 30:
7:00 AM Breakfast, Registration, Check-in
8:00 AM Welcome Remarks
8:15 AM Keynote Speaker
9:00 AM National Security Research & Development Priorities
9:30 AM Arkansas Federal Research & Development Report
10:00 AM Networking & 30 minute break
10:30 AM Academic Presentations
Group A - Workforce
Group B - Research
12:00 PM Lunch & Panel Discussions: Program Manager Priorities
01:15 PM Presentation: Threats to Research
01:45 PM Panel Discussions: Securing Research
02:30 PM Networking & 30 minute break
03:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:45 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
05:00 PM Happy Hour & Posters
Thursday, May 1:
7:30 AM Breakout sessions
Group 1 (Classified)*
Group 2 (Unclassified)
11:30 AM Lunch & Guest Speaker
01:00 PM 1 on 1s
02:30 PM Facilitated Q&A
03:00 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
*additional information will be provided soon
February 27, 2024 - Defense Catalyst Series With Jeremy Dautenhahn
Jeremy will explore AI and give examples of Google’s real life usage of it.
Join us for an evening of learning and discussion with Jeremy Dautenhahn about AI in the world of Google.
Jeremy leads Google's South Central Public Sector region, overseeing operations across eight states in the Midwest and South, and serving education and government clients.
A five-year veteran of Google, he is an AI evangelist and manages a team that builds partnerships with government agencies to explore new technologies. Prior to Google, Jeremy gained valuable experience at a systems integrator and VMware, holding both technical and non-technical positions.
He holds a Master's in Information Technology from the Harvard Extension School, where he focused on designing and building public sector solutions.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 27th
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Downtown Little Rock
February 11, 2024 - Igniting Ingenuity - LAB INSIGHTS With Ginger Wright, Program Manager at Idaho National Labs
In this talk, Ginger will explore a process to leverage the existing enterprise risk management strategy to prioritize where to apply security mitigations proportionally to the consequence of a cyber attack on control systems / operational technology and additional engineering-based protections which can be applied.
When information technology systems are affected by cyber attacks, the impacts largely affect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of business data, but when operational technology and industrial control systems are affected, the impacts can range from loss of production capacity, lowered project quality, higher costs of doing business and physical damage. In this talk, Ginger will explore a process to leverage the existing enterprise risk management strategy to prioritize where to apply security mitigations proportionally to the consequence of a cyber attack on control systems / operational technology and additional engineering-based protections which can be applied.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 11th
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Virtual
About Ginger:
Virginia “Ginger” Wright is the program manager for Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). She leads INL’s implementation of the National Strategy for Cyber-Informed Engineering developed by the Department of Energy. Ms. Wright has led multiple cyber research programs at INL including DOE-CESER’s Cyber Testing for Resilient Industrial Control Systems (CyTRICS™) program, Software Bills of Material for the Energy Sector, critical infrastructure modeling and simulation, and nuclear cybersecurity. Ms. Wright has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems/Operations Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Jan. 14, 2024 - Igniting Ingenuity - LAB INSIGHTS With Megan Culler
The "Energy Sector Threat Brief: 2024 Round Up" will examine key cybersecurity incidents affecting the energy sector over the past year. Megan Culler highlights trends in vulnerability disclosure, operational impacts, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, while offering lessons for operators and partners to mitigate risks in 2025 amidst a more complex and interconnected grid.
Forge Institute is hosting its next Igniting Ingenuity event! During this virtual lunch and learn, Megan will present an Energy Sector Threat Brief.” Megan is an electrical engineer with a background in power systems and cybersecurity, and a passion for clean, secure, resilient energy. Her experience in cybersecurity and power engineering roles allows her a unique approach to problems of grid modernization and the clean energy transition.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, January 14th
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 PM
Venue: Virtual
The "Energy Sector Threat Brief: 2024 Round Up" will examine key cybersecurity incidents affecting the energy sector over the past year. Megan Culler highlights trends in vulnerability disclosure, operational impacts, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, while offering lessons for operators and partners to mitigate risks in 2025 amidst a more complex and interconnected grid.
Jan. 16, 2024 - Igniting Ingenuity with Perry Carpenter
Step into the world of the FAIK Files, where Perry Carpenter, cybersecurity expert and author, unravels the mysteries of AI-driven deception. Explore how artificial intelligence is blurring the lines between reality and fabrication. Through a series of eye-opening "case files," witness the anatomy of digital deception campaigns and the cognitive attacks that make them effective.
Forge Institute is hosting its next Igniting Ingenuity event! This monthly discussion series and happy hour, will feature insightful conversations about innovation, mentorship, AI, infrastructure, and more. It will also be an opportunity to network with fellow experts, students, technologists, and entrepreneurs.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, January 16th
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Venue: Few Digital Product Agency - 1310 S. Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
Step into the world of the FAIK Files, where Perry Carpenter, cybersecurity expert and author, unravels the mysteries of AI-driven deception. Explore how artificial intelligence is blurring the lines between reality and fabrication. Through a series of eye-opening "case files," witness the anatomy of digital deception campaigns and the cognitive attacks that make them effective.
Learn to apply the FAIK Factor, a powerful framework for navigating our AI-saturated information landscape. Leave equipped with practical tools to spot AI-generated content and strategies to protect yourself in a world where the authentic and artificial increasingly converge. Don't miss this crucial briefing on thriving in our hyperreal future! Register on eventbrite today and bring a friend!
January 28-April 26, 2025 Embers Xcelerator: Grid-Connected Cyber
Are you passionate about cyber, AI, operational technology, or strengthening our nation’s electric grid? Join Embers and be part of the solution.
No-Cost, No-Equity Program Funded by Dept. of Energy
WHEN: January 28 - April 26, 2025, Tuesday nights from 6 pm - 9 pm
WHERE: Virtual
REGISTRATION: Application Form
Are you passionate about cyber, AI, operational technology, or strengthening our nation’s electric grid? Join Embers and be part of the solution.
No-Cost, No-Equity Program Funded by Dept. of Energy
Our program provides the guidance you need to turn your idea into a successful business. We offer essential resources, connections, and support to help refine ideas and provide access to funding opportunities. Participants benefit from personalized mentorship, industry insights, and targeted training in product development, compliance and risk management, market validation, and customer acquisition.
Don’t have an idea? No problem! You can join a team to collaboratively develop and commercialize next-gen tech into a viable market solution.
Dec. 5, 2024 - Igniting Ingenuity with Allyson White Lewis
We are honored to have Allyson White Lewis, CEO/Founder of The Seven Minute Life, to join us for our event. As an expert in artificial intelligence, Allyson will discuss innovations in Ai, ways to harness it to boost productivity, implications of its use, and more.
This series is designed to cultivate collaboration and innovation within our community, and we know your participation, perspective, and experience will significantly enhance the quality of the conversation and Q&A session. The discussion with Allyson will begin at 5:30 pm.
WHEN: Thursday, December 5th, 5:30-6:30
WHERE: Few Digital Product Agency 1310 S. Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
REGISTRATION: Eventbrite
We are honored to have Allyson White Lewis, CEO/Founder of The Seven Minute Life, to join us for our event. As an expert in artificial intelligence, Allyson will discuss innovations in Ai, ways to harness it to boost productivity, implications of its use, and more.
This series is designed to cultivate collaboration and innovation within our community, and we know your participation, perspective, and experience will significantly enhance the quality of the conversation and Q&A session. The discussion with Allyson will begin at 5:30 pm.
AGENDA: Allyson plans to speak on:
Arkansas AI Innovation - The Arkansas AI Revolution for Small Business"
Making AI accessible to everyday users
Practical applications for small businesses
Increasing productivity through AI
Bridging the technical skills gap in the workforce
Practical strategies for implementing AI that enhances rather than replaces human capability
Vision for making Arkansas a leader in AI adoption
Sept. 17-19, 2025 - Forge AR Cyber Summit
The 6th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held in Central Arkansas. Join us for special discussions with leading CISOs, award-winning researchers, and state, federal, intelligence and military leaders. Enjoy topic-specific breakout sessions, networking opportunities, round tables, and keynote presentations. Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, current threats, success stories, and strategic partnerships driving cybersecurity awareness and development.
WHEN: September 17-19, 2025
WHERE: Little Rock, Arkansas
REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration required. Click here to register. Attendees must be U.S. citizens.
The 6th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held in Central Arkansas.
Join us for special discussions with leading CISOs, award-winning researchers, and state, federal, intelligence and military leaders. Enjoy topic-specific breakout sessions, networking opportunities, round tables, and keynote presentations. Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, current threats, success stories, and strategic partnerships driving cybersecurity awareness and development.
Note: To attend Forge Institute’s annual summit, all attendees must be US Citizens. We (along with our partners) reserve the right to deny admittance to anyone for any reason. Attendees must be pre-registered. Click any of the “Register Now” buttons on this page.
