This Week's Latest Tech News in Little Rock, AR - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Little Rock's tech scene is leveling up with a $3 million funding boost for the Technology Park Phase 2, contributing to the city's 15% projected growth in tech employment.

The local startup ecosystem is thriving with 46 active companies, generating an impressive economic impact of $9.5 billion and employing nearly 83,000 workers.

Major players like PwC and ABC Fitness Solutions are processing over $11 billion in payments, while Connect2First's expanded fiber network now spans 4,371 miles serving 72,000 locations.

Three UA Little Rock researchers recently received Arkansas Research Alliance Impact Grants, advancing innovations in nanotechnology and plant biology.

The city's commitment to tech education is evident through the upcoming AI innovation event featuring leading Argentinian experts at UA Little Rock, focusing on real-world business applications and investment trends.

With AT&T's 5G evolution technology offering speeds up to 400 Mbps and contributing $1 billion annually to the state's economy, Little Rock is rapidly establishing itself as a significant tech hub in the region.

The combination of infrastructure development, research initiatives, and international collaboration positions the city for continued growth in the tech sector.

Amazon has significantly expanded its presence in Little Rock with two major fulfillment centers - a one-million-square-foot facility in North Little Rock and an 825,000-square-foot center at the Port of Little Rock.

The company's growth brings more than just warehouses; Amazon offers comprehensive benefits including healthcare, parental leave, and employee discounts, with wages starting at $15.80 per hour.

• Flexible schedules and payments: Job seekers can choose from flexible schedules, including night and early morning shifts, with an innovative "Anytime Pay" option letting employees pick their payday.
• Career advancement opportunities: Beyond basic employment, Amazon provides career advancement opportunities through tuition reimbursement and free job training in growing fields like nursing and tech.
• Diverse job opportunities: The facilities handle everything from small items to bulky products like patio furniture and outdoor equipment, creating diverse job opportunities across different skill levels.
• Strategic importance: The expansion showcases Little Rock's strategic importance in Amazon's distribution network, with the company leveraging the region's transportation infrastructure and central location.

With over 1,500 new jobs between both facilities, Amazon's investment strengthens Central Arkansas's position as a growing logistics hub while providing stable employment opportunities for local residents.

The spring of 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster season for startup pitch competitions across Arkansas. The Heartland Challenge, scheduled for April 3-5, leads the charge with its venture capital simulation format, offering graduate students invaluable real-world pitching experience.

Following closely, IdeaFame's pitch competition on April 25 at Bentonville West High School gives high school entrepreneurs a shot at $1,000 in prize money.

The momentum continues with Tyson Demo Day in Springdale, where selected startups can showcase their innovations directly to industry leaders.

GreenTech Solutions' eco-friendly battery technology, which promises to reduce electronic device carbon footprints by 30%, exemplifies the caliber of innovations emerging from these platforms.

The impact extends beyond immediate victories - previous pitch winners have seen an average 25% increase in venture capital funding post-event, with two-thirds reporting enhanced business visibility and networking opportunities.

These events collectively strengthen Arkansas's startup ecosystem, providing crucial exposure to investors, actionable feedback from industry executives, and pathways to strategic partnerships.

The combination of high school, graduate student, and professional-level competitions creates a comprehensive support structure for entrepreneurs at every stage, cementing Arkansas's position as a rising force in technological innovation.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has transformed its cybersecurity landscape with a $4.65 million grant aimed at expanding learning opportunities nationwide.

The program, recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, has grown to include over 100 students and recently established the Cyberspace Operations Research and Education (CORE) Center with an additional $1 million investment.

This expansion connects students directly with community leaders, law enforcement, and industry mentors on real-world projects. Employment prospects are strong, with the cybersecurity field maintaining zero percent unemployment since 2016 and local graduates being highly sought after by leading industries and federal agencies.

In an exciting development for Little Rock's fintech landscape, FinSolve has announced its blockchain integration initiative, following the industry-wide trend of major financial institutions embracing digital asset activities.

This strategic move aligns with recent regulatory clarity from the SEC and CFTC, making it easier for financial institutions to engage with blockchain technology.

The implementation focuses on improving transaction processing and security protocols, with FinSolve joining the ranks of established players like BTCS Inc., which recently expanded its block-building operations to enhance financial infrastructure.

By leveraging blockchain's capabilities, FinSolve aims to reduce operational costs by an estimated 30% while significantly improving transaction speeds.

The timing of this implementation coincides with broader industry developments in blockchain adoption, particularly in areas like smart contracts and digital asset management.

FinSolve's CEO emphasized that this upgrade positions Little Rock at the forefront of financial innovation, potentially attracting tech talent and fostering economic growth.

The company plans to launch pilot projects focusing on smart contracts and peer-to-peer lending platforms in Q3 2025, with special attention to regulatory compliance and security measures.

These initiatives include implementing multi-signature wallets and advanced cold storage techniques for digital assets, reflecting industry best practices in blockchain security.

The move represents a significant step forward in Little Rock's evolution as a regional fintech hub, promising faster, more secure financial services for businesses and consumers alike.

April 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark month for tech events in Little Rock, with multiple high-profile AI conferences converging in the region.

The Arkansas AI Conference series kicks off with Sp4rkCon 2025 on April 12 at Walmart's David Glass Technology Center, followed by HackNWA's Sockpuppet Tycoon conference on April 11, and an ISACA Hybrid Meeting on April 15.

These events align with the city's growing tech ecosystem, which now includes 46 active startups and has created 1,200 new jobs. The conference lineup features practical workshops on AI applications in drug safety, toxicology, and emerging technologies.

A significant addition to the schedule is the HBCU AI Conference and Training Summit, focusing on AI innovation in higher education. The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub has expanded its reach to 37 counties, engaging over 24,714 participants through mobile initiatives.

Local tech employment is projected to grow by 15%, supported by major players like PwC and ABC Fitness Solutions. The integration of AI technologies is further enhanced by AT&T's 5G Evolution Technology, which offers theoretical peak speeds up to 400 Mbps.

The infrastructure development includes 170 new cell sites, covering 97% of state routes, contributing to an estimated $1 billion annual economic impact.

These conferences not only showcase technological advancement but also demonstrate Little Rock's commitment to becoming a leading tech hub in the Southern United States.

Windstream's collaboration with AT&T is transforming Little Rock's digital landscape through an ambitious 5G rollout across their 18-state footprint.

The deployment promises network speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G LTE, with sub-5 milliseconds latency, supporting everything from seamless streaming to next-gen business applications.

Through Kinetic by Windstream's $2 billion investment in gigabit internet service expansion, residents and businesses are seeing dramatic improvements in connectivity options.

The company's "Business Ready Internet" solution, launched in February 2025, specifically targets small businesses with integrated connectivity tools, marking a significant step forward in commercial services.

The economic implications are substantial, with projections showing $150 million in added value to Little Rock's economy.

Infrastructure modernization extends beyond basic connectivity, supporting IoT integration and smart city initiatives. Through partnerships with technology providers like STL, Windstream is upgrading its infrastructure to support up to 400G wave capabilities, with plans for future 800G support.

This positions Little Rock ahead of the curve in digital infrastructure development.

The transformation is already showing results, with customers experiencing an average 20% improvement in internet quality scores.

The initiative aligns with broader state goals for digital inclusion while establishing Little Rock as an emerging tech hub. Recent free speed upgrades through "Project Gas Pedal" have benefited thousands of customers, demonstrating Windstream's commitment to delivering enhanced digital experiences.

As the city embraces these technological advancements, the foundation is being laid for a robust digital future that will support innovation and economic growth for years to come.

The Little Rock Tech Park's expansion is gaining momentum with $1.5 million in funding approved by city directors, marking a significant milestone in Phase Two of its 20-year master plan.

The project, which has already created over 1,000 high-paying tech jobs since its 2017 opening, is transforming Main Street into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.

The $9.6 million expansion into Five Main Place will add 53,000 square feet of workspace, featuring a state-of-the-art conference center, podcast studio, and flexible floor plans designed to accommodate growing companies.

The facility currently houses 49 companies, including 19 minority/women-owned businesses, and has successfully attracted firms from major cities like New York, Atlanta, and New Orleans.

The impact of this expansion extends beyond physical space.

Little Rock's tech industry is projected for 15% growth by 2024, with focus areas including cybersecurity, fintech, and healthcare IT. The renovation, expected to complete in Spring 2024, will include modern amenities like improved HVAC systems, updated break rooms, and enhanced streetscape features.

Adding to the innovation ecosystem, The Croissanterie will open a location within the Tech Park, creating a collaborative atmosphere where entrepreneurs can connect over coffee and croissants.

This strategic development positions Little Rock to compete effectively in the national tech landscape while retaining local talent and fostering new business creation.

April 2025 marks an exciting transformation in Downtown Little Rock's workspace scene, with Workflow by Evo leading the charge in Argenta.

This new coworking venture, situated along the Arkansas River, features 22 private offices, communal desks, and bookable meeting rooms, all designed to inspire productivity and innovation.

The space joins The Nest, Little Rock's first women-focused coworking community, in reshaping how local professionals work.

These developments align with the city's broader economic development initiatives, which prioritize creating diverse business opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.

The spaces offer flexible membership options, including monthly plans and day passes, catering to various work styles and needs. Tech amenities include high-speed WiFi, while amenities like coffee bars and mail services add convenience for members.

Recent data shows that 70% of Little Rock's tech professionals prefer these collaborative environments, highlighting the growing demand for flexible workspaces.

These coworking spaces have become central hubs for professional networking and innovation.

Regular events, including Tech Talks and weekly meetups, facilitate connections between emerging entrepreneurs and established professionals. The spaces reflect a shift in work culture, offering environments that rival elevated coffee shops while maintaining professional standards.

Joseph Thompson, President of Evo, emphasizes how thoughtful design transforms the way people work, while data from the Arkansas Tech Network shows that 85% of networking event participants form lasting professional relationships.

With inspiration drawn from successful models like Ledger in Bentonville, these spaces are positioning Little Rock as an emerging hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Little Rock's solar energy landscape is experiencing a major transformation with the launch of a $12 million solar array project at the Port of Little Rock.

The city has partnered with Scenic Hill Solar to construct installations that will power approximately 70% of the city's needs, marking a significant step toward Mayor Frank Scott Jr.'s goal of 100% clean energy by 2030.

The project, which received crucial approval after securing financial backing in April 2024, is expected to save the city $1 million annually in electricity costs. Looking beyond immediate benefits, projections indicate potential savings of $27 million over the next two decades.

The initiative is part of a broader solar expansion in Arkansas, where an unprecedented $31.8 billion investment is funding multiple solar installations across the state.

• Smart financing strategies: The city set to receive a 40% rebate on project costs through the Inflation Reduction Act.
• 4.9-megawatt solar facility: Represents more than just energy savings; it's positioning Little Rock as a leader in sustainable urban development.

The city is also exploring additional green initiatives, including electric vehicle charging stations, funded through a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase.

This comprehensive approach to renewable energy demonstrates Little Rock's commitment to combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility, creating a blueprint for sustainable urban development that other cities might follow.

The Arkansas robotics scene is absolutely crushing it this spring! Arkansas Tech University is hosting over 150 K-12 teams across multiple divisions, featuring epic showdowns in both VEX IQ and VEX V5 competitions.

The stakes are super high, with the best teams earning their shot at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas this May.

The state's tech game just got stronger with the new Robotics Competition Grant Program, introduced by Senator Dismang and Representative Eaves, making it easier for schools to jump into the robotics scene.

• Competition Schedule: The competition schedule is packed with elementary teams throwing down on Tuesday, middle schoolers taking over Wednesday and Friday, and high school teams bringing their A-game on Saturday.
• Team Innovations: Teams are building everything from remote-operated underwater vehicles to autonomous robots, proving Arkansas is serious about growing its next generation of tech innovators.
• Testing Skills: The competitions test more than just robot-building skills - teams have to submit engineering notebooks, nail their technical presentations, and crush it in both autonomous and driver-controlled challenges.
• State Support: What makes this year extra special is how the whole state is getting behind it, from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas backing events to schools opening up their facilities for regional qualifiers.
• World Championship Spots: With spots at the World Championship on the line, these young engineers are showing everyone that Arkansas is a force to be reckoned with in the robotics world.

Little Rock's tech scene is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, marked by significant developments and opportunities. The tech job market is expanding at a 2.9% rate, adding approximately 1,200 new positions across various sectors.

The research grants totaling $1.86 million awarded to UA Little Rock researchers advance projects in nanotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and materials engineering.

A recent Tech Launch panel at UA Little Rock featured insights from Celara Labs experts on AI implementation, highlighting that cultural adaptation accounts for over 50% of successful AI integration costs.

The city's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through research grants totaling $1.86 million awarded to UA Little Rock researchers, advancing projects in nanotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and materials engineering.

The local startup ecosystem is thriving, with companies like Apptegy planning to create over 300 new high-paying jobs, while innovative ventures like the 101+ longevity app showcase the city's potential in health tech.

• Tech Salaries: With median software developer salaries starting at $83,970 and machine learning engineers commanding $135,000 annually, Little Rock is positioning itself as an attractive destination for tech talent.
• City Expansion: The city's Tech Park expansion plans and collaborative workspaces continue to foster a vibrant tech community.
• Innovation and Partnerships: The community is driving innovation and sustainable partnerships in emerging fields like AI, fintech, and renewable energy.