2022 NWA Tech Summit names Lee Watson of Forge Institute the “Emerging Innovator of the Year”

The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit named Lee Watson, Founder and CEO of Forge Institute, as the “Emerging Innovator of the Year in Cybersecurity.”

“The Emerging Innovator of the Year is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding technical or entrepreneurial talent, contributed positively to Northwest Arkansas, and helped advance the region’s economic ecosystem. We were excited to name Lee Watson of the Forge Institute as this year’s honoree.” –Kristopher Adams, Director of the NWA Technology Summit at the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It was my honor to be recognized by the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber and the NWA Tech Summit, which has truly become an influential voice in growing our state’s innovation sector,”  said Mr. Watson. “I happily accepted the award on behalf of our incredible team – who deserves all the credit for Forge’s incredible growth.”

Now in its ninth year, the NWA Tech Summit (held October 16 - 18) featured the exponential acceleration of technology with five programming tracks: Mobility & Supply Chain, Health & Wellness, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity and Web 3.0.

Forge Institute is a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyber defense related services, with partnerships spanning the public and private sectors.

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Key Facts

●      The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit named Lee Watson, Founder and CEO of Forge Institute, as the “Emerging Innovator of the Year in Cybersecurity.”

●      Forge Institute is a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyber defense related services