Events

Upcoming Events

The Defense Catalyst Workshop

Virtual
Date: April 24, 2025
Time: 12 pm - 1 pm CDT
Join the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) program for a workshop focused on how innovators can engage with the Department of Defense through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
This session will provide an overview of SBIR/STTR and how the program funds emerging technologies for national defense applications. We’ll highlight ways small businesses and researchers can leverage SBIR funding to move from idea to impact and share practical tips for getting started.
Whether you’re a small business new to federal funding or a researcher exploring dual-use applications, this session will help you better understand the SBIR landscape and how to participate.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1321760213379?aff=oddtdtcreator
APEX operates under a partnership intermediary agreement (PIA) with the Department of the Air Force and managed by Parallax Advanced Research. APEX’s mission is to connect universities, businesses, and the government; build collaborations between these sectors; identify their transformational operational defense solutions and capabilities; and advance defense technology development for the Department of the Air Force.

Register
AI/Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Research Day

May 30 - April 1. 2025
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 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

Register
Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day

May 29, 2025
Details coming soon.
2025 Arkansas Cyber Summit

September 17 · 8am - September 18 · 5pm CDT
Join us for a day filled with cybersecurity, emerging technology and national security insights, innovative technologies, and networking opportunities.

Register

Past Events

Featured

Igniting Ingenuity: Lab Insights with Megan Culler of Idaho National Labs

In this talk, Megan will discuss how to develop a cyber supply chain risk management program, to include assessment of vendor risk and applying appropriate mitigations. She will discuss key risk factors and the challenges of securing supply chains in complex and dynamic vendor environments. Finally, she will share example language that can be adopted in RFPs and procurement contracts to promote supply chain security.

Igniting Ingenuity: Lab Insights with Rita Foster of Idaho National Labs

Overview of machine learning concepts linked to data, math, and purpose with examples from INL’s award winning Annotated Translated Disassembled Code (@DisCo) will be discussed.

Igniting Ingenuity Happy Hour and Tech Talk with Tom Cowles

In this talk, Tom will explore the transformative benefits of generative AI and the critical importance of data security in enterprise operations. This session will delve into the challenges organizations face when integrating AI, highlighting real-world scenarios that underscore the risks of trusting AI with sensitive information.

30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day

Connecting academia & government to explore cyber, AI, & critical infrastructure workforce & research innovations to support the warfighter.

February 27, 2024 - Defense Catalyst Series With Jeremy Dautenhahn

Jeremy will explore AI and give examples of Google’s real life usage of it.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Events

The Defense Catalyst Workshop

AI/Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Research Day

Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day

2025 Arkansas Cyber Summit

Past Events

Subscribe to Monthly Forge Institute Newsletter

Strengthening the Workforce

Advancing Innovation

Enhancing Resiliency