Gregory Crabb, former CISO of USPS & Beth-Anne Bygum, CISO of Q2, one of America’s leading FinTechs, to discuss Cyber Survivability
Summit to convene local and national stakeholders in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 17-19th for national event. Forge Institute today announced the initial speaker and sponsor lineup for the 7th Annual Forge Summit. Taking place September 17-19 in Little Rock, the summit will convene top experts from the front lines of corporate and national security to provide actionable strategies for defending America's critical industries and opportunities to securely leverage emergent technologies to advance critical technology capabilities for national security.
Forge Institute Spotlights Arkansas's Future Aerospace & Defense Leaders at Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day on May 29
Forge Institute invites the community to experience the next wave of aerospace and defense innovation at the highly anticipated Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day. This premier event, taking place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM at the Clinton Presidential Center, marks the culmination of an intensive 12-week accelerator program featuring a cohort of promising startups from Arkansas and across the country, poised to impact national security and boost Arkansas’s economy.
Phoenix Xcelerator Announces 2025 Cohort, Innovative Defense Solutions
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the startups selected for the highly competitive Phoenix Xcelerator program. After an extensive review of applicants from across the nation, these early-stage innovators have been chosen for their cutting-edge solutions and potential to disrupt their categories.
The Phoenix Xcelerator is a no-cost, no-equity accelerator designed to fast-track promising startups tackling aerospace and defense challenges.
Phoenix Xcelerator Announces 2025 Cohort, Innovative Defense Solutions
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the startups selected for the highly competitive Phoenix Xcelerator program. After an extensive review of applicants from across the nation, these early-stage innovators have been chosen for their cutting-edge solutions and potential to disrupt their categories.
Forge Institute, in partnership with Department of Air Force APEX PIA, ignites Atomic Anvil to strengthen the Region’s Defense Innovation Ecosystem & Bring Innovation to the Warfighter
Forge Institute today announced the launch of Atomic Anvil, a groundbreaking program designed to bolster national security by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and non-traditional entities to mission partners within the Department of Defense. This initiative, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with Parallax Advanced Research (Parallax), will accelerate technology transfer and transition to address critical national security needs.
Forge Institute Announces Walter Burgess as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Phoenix Xcelerator Program
The Forge Institute proudly announces Walter Burgess as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Phoenix Xcelerator Program. With over 28 years of leadership in technology and innovation, Walter brings unparalleled insight to this flagship initiative, which empowers early-stage entrepreneurs and strengthens the national defense ecosystem.
Forge Institute and Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to collaborate on the advancement of analytic methods for publicly available information to support operations in the Information Environment
Forge Institute, recognized for pioneering private-public partnerships in the national defense arena, is proud to announce a multi-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
Forge Institute & Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Partner to Boost Veteran Talent and Cybersecurity for Arkansas’ Defense Industry
Today, the Forge Institute announced a strategic partnership with the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance (AADA). This partnership will boost access to veteran talent, enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the aerospace & defense industry in Arkansas, and drive innovation collaborations to support national defense.
Forge Institute Launches Phoenix Xcelerator to Scale Growth of Defense Tech Startups
Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower & grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. Through structured programming—including a rigorous high-quality curriculum, personalized mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator advances industry-informed and mission-led innovation. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
Forge Institute Receives Funding, Partners to Launch Structured Programs to Drive High-Growth Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Energy Sector
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of Embers Xcelerator: Grid-Connected Cyber, a pre-accelerator program focused on growing innovations for grid-connected resilience, and the Forge Institute Mentorship Program.
Cyber Threat Training Course Strengthens the Energy Sector’s Defenses Across the Mid-South Region
Forge Institute, in collaboration with UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas, has recently completed a successful Cyber Threat Training course which aims to bolster the cyber security defenses of the Nation’s energy infrastructure.
Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit
The 5th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held on October 7-8, 2024, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. This pivotal event will convene top cybersecurity experts and stakeholders to discuss the latest strategies and innovations in cyber defense.
Jim Richberg, Fortinet’s Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), will deliver a keynote address.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center Offers Water and Wastewater Cyber Health Check
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is actively working to help water treatment facilities across the state mitigate vulnerabilities from cyber attacks, particularly those posed by nation-state actors.
Mark Cheng and Dr. Barbara Stevens Join Forge Institute, Supercharging its Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Innovation Leadership
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark and Barbara to our Advisory Board. Dr. Stevens’ formidable expertise in cybersecurity and data science will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our national digital defenses. Mr. Cheng has a rich background in strategic analysis and leadership, and is quite skilled at forging partnerships to advance business and national security objectives. We welcome their expertise in supporting our mission of keeping America one step ahead in cyber and data security," stated Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO of the Forge Institute.
Forge Institute Adds Daniel Ross, Chief Growth Officer, and Jim Schnoes, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer, to the Leadership Team
Forge Institute has named new officers to its leadership team. Daniel Ross is the new Chief Growth Officer and Jim Schnoes will serve as the Chief Financial & Compliance Officer.
Black Basta Ransomware: An Emerging Threat
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organizations across the state of Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. In the context of increasing global ransomware incidents, this blog aims to spotlight the Black Basta ransomware variant, explaining its operational tactics and offering prevention strategies.
Forge Institute’s Commitment to Military Veterans Earns National Recognition from the U.S Department of Labor
Forge Institute, a leading national provider of cybersecurity training and workforce development solutions, has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award Platinum Level from the U.S. Department of Labor. This distinguished honor acknowledges Forge Institute's exceptional commitment to recruiting, upskilling, and employing veterans.
Forge Institute Strengthens Cybersecurity Resilience, Bridging the Talent Gap
"Employers like us are thrilled to have people who've been through great training and are prepared to hit the ground running because there is a shortage of cyber talent,” emphasized a cybersecurity professional. "It’s hard to put a price tag on what it means for our company when we can take current team members and add to their infosec and technical skills. It also helps employees progress their long-term career as an information security expert."
Michael Orlando Appointed to Forge Institute's Esteemed Advisory Board
Forge Institute is thrilled to announce the newest member of its Advisory Board, Michael Orlando, a seasoned leader with deep expertise in counterintelligence and national security. In his role on the board, Mr. Orlando will leverage his extensive background to further Forge’s goal of developing a fortified regional defense innovation ecosystem.
Forge Institute promotes Scott Anderson to Chief External Affairs Officer, adds additional team members and prepares for continued growth
Forge Institute promotes Scott Anderson to Chief External Affairs Officer, adds additional team members and prepares for continued growth