30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day

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

Sept. 17-19, 2025 - Forge AR Cyber Summit

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.

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