Forge Institute of Little Rock has announced the launch of Embers Xcelerator: Grid-Connected Cyber, a pre-accelerator program, and the Forge Institute Mentorship Program.
Both programs aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across grid-connected entities and utilities.
The programs are funded through an award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which received $5 million in federal funding to support efforts to enhance cybersecurity capabilities across the region. U.S. Sen. John Boozman helped secure the funding.
U.S. citizenship is required for all program applicants, and priority is given to those with an entrepreneurial commitment.
Participants in the Embers Xcelerator will take a comprehensive 12-week curriculum that was built by successful entrepreneurs and focuses on business development and strategy, Forge Institute said in a news release. The virtual program includes interactive lectures, workshops, guest speaker sessions and group activities
The course is aimed at growing innovations for grid-connected resilience, as well as providing tools to validate business ideas and gain market traction.
Each entrepreneur will also have access to the Forge Institute Mentorship Program, a component of the company’s mission to develop high-growth ventures.
The news release said each mentor goes through a “rigorous application and vetting process,” followed by a half-day of training. The mentors bring real-world experience in hopes to help guide startups through business growth.
Additionally, grid-connected entities have the opportunity to become members of the Emerging Threat Center. Membership provides access to a network of cybersecurity experts, as well as the ability to participate in ongoing threat intelligence analysis, collaborative research and training opportunities.
“Cybersecurity and resiliency are national priorities that require innovative solutions and private-public collaboration,” Boozman said in the release. “I am proud to support the Forge Institute, UA Little Rock and the CCI in their efforts to lead in the development of crucial cybersecurity infrastructure right here in Arkansas.”
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