Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster

04/09/2026

Have an idea worth protecting? Join us for Patent Basics with the USPTO, a virtual session designed to help innovators understand how intellectual property and patents can safeguard their ideas.

This event is co-hosted by the Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster (LRIC) and ARise, bringing together resources to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups working across technology and the lithium ecosystem.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of patents, how intellectual property protects innovation, and the first steps to navigating the patent process.

📅 Wednesday, April 15
🕙 10:00 – 11:00 AM
💻 Virtual Event

Whether you’re developing new technology, launching a startup, or exploring commercialization, understanding patents is an important step in protecting your work.

👉 RSVP today: https://luma.com/xmknlzgm

03/20/2026

AI is changing how customers find and choose businesses—and it’s happening fast.

If your business isn’t showing up in AI-driven search and discovery, you could be missing real opportunities.

Join us for an upcoming LRIC Event Series session focused on how AI is shaping visibility, marketing, and growth for businesses across the lithium and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

🎤 Featuring insights from Nicole Jolie and additional tech-focused SMEs

📅 March 25, 2026
🕛 Noon
💻 Virtual Event

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lric-event-series-if-ai-cant-find-you-neither-can-your-next-customer-tickets-1984500804327?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/09/2026

IN TWO DAYS!

Join us for an upcoming LRIC Event Series session focused on advancing innovation across the lithium and critical minerals ecosystem. ⚡

On March 11 at Noon CT, we’ll host a panel discussion on Commercializing Innovation in the Lithium and Critical Minerals Ecosystem, featuring insights from leaders working directly with emerging technologies and ventures in the space.

🎤 Panelists include:

• Andra Pantelimon

• James Gavilan

• Emily Lindberg

• Ryan DuChanois

This conversation will explore the realities of bringing new technologies to market, scaling innovation, and building the partnerships needed to strengthen the domestic lithium and critical minerals supply chain.

📅 March 11 | 12:00 PM CT

💻 Free Virtual Event

🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercializing-innovation-in-the-lithium-and-critical-minerals-ecosystem-tickets-1984479995086?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/25/2026

Day one at the 2026 ESO Summit in Conway, Arkansas and the energy is strong!

We’re excited to be connecting with entrepreneurial support organizations and ecosystem leaders from across the state who are all working toward one shared goal — strengthening innovation and small business growth in Arkansas.

Great conversations, new connections, and meaningful collaboration already underway. Looking forward to continuing the momentum tomorrow!

02/09/2026

Join us for an upcoming LRIC Event Series session focused on funding pathways for lithium-related businesses. ⚡

Grant Solutions for Lithium will feature Shannon Anastospopolos, Founder & CEO of GRANTED, sharing practical insights on identifying and pursuing grant opportunities that support growth and innovation.

📅 Wednesday, February 11

🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

💻 Virtual Event

This session is ideal for startups, manufacturers, and organizations across the lithium value chain looking to better understand grant strategies and non-dilutive funding options.

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lric-event-series-grant-solutions-for-lithium-tickets-1968307462606?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/23/2026

A fantastic opportunity!

Applications are now open for the 75Strong Business Building Program!

This no cost, 24-week virtual program is designed for growing companies ready to strengthen their operations, sharpen strategy, and build the skills needed to scale. If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level without leaving your office or paying program fees, this is an opportunity worth exploring!

Learn more + apply 👉 https://75strongarkansas.org/business-building-landing-page

01/05/2026

Join us for our first LRIC Event Series session of 2026! ⚡

Building the Future of Lithium is a virtual conversation exploring the technologies, partnerships, and regional strategies shaping the lithium value chain across the Smackover region and beyond!

📅 Tuesday, January 13

🕛 12:00 PM CT

💻 Virtual Event

🎤 Featuring Angela Fasnacht of Princeton Critical Minerals

This session will highlight how innovators, manufacturers, and industry partners can work together to strengthen domestic lithium supply chains and support long-term growth.
👉 Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lric-event-series-building-the-future-of-lithium-tickets-1979666928073?aff=oddtdtcreato

Let’s build the future of lithium—together. ⚡🔋

01/02/2026

We’re proud to see NewGenium recognized for the innovative work they’re doing in the lithium space. Their technology represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking solutions needed to strengthen the domestic lithium value chain.

The Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster is excited to support NewGenium’s growth and be part of their journey as they continue to scale and make an impact.

🔗 Read the full article here:

NewGenium unveils SuperSynth technology to produce battery-grade LFP directly from brine, cutting costs and enabling domestic battery manufacturing.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from LRIC! As we celebrate the season, we’re thankful for the people and partnerships powering innovation across the lithium value chain. Here’s to a bright year ahead. ✨🎄

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the LRIC team! Grateful today and every day for the ventures, partners, and community leaders driving progress across our region. 🦃🍁

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have worn our nation’s uniform. 🇺🇸

From the Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster, we extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans and military families whose dedication continues to inspire leadership, innovation, and resilience in our communities.

Thank you for your service. 💙

10/29/2025

Day Two of the Lithium Innovation Summit kept the energy high and the conversations flowing! ⚡

From insightful presentations by LRIC members and partners to continued networking with innovators and leaders across the lithium value chain — the momentum is stronger than ever.

We’re proud to see collaboration turning into action as Arkansas continues to lead the charge in lithium development and clean energy innovation. 💡