Startups / Technology

Arkansas to receive $1 billion from Biden administration for high-speed internet

The U.S. Department of Commerce released details Monday (June 26) of a $42.45 billion high-speed internet grant program and Arkansas will receive more than $1 billion as a result. The…

Ritter Communications hires Victor Esposito to head engineering, network operations

Telecom provider Ritter Communications hired Victor Esposito as Senior Vice President, Engineering and Network Operations. As SVP of Engineering and Network Operations, Esposito will serve as a key technology executive and…

Healthcare startup Mejo lands first client/partnership

Mejo, a Northwest Arkansas startup and web application, has partnered with the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) to create a branded version of the app called My Rett Ally. Mejo…

Ark Angel Alliance hires Melissa Kempkes as executive director

The Ark Angel Alliance announced Tuesday (June 20) it has hired Melissa Kempkes as its new executive director. She replaces David Moody who has taken another job, but will remain…

Walmart expands generative AI to include a ‘Playground’ for employees

Walmart said it’s been testing the potential uses of generative artificial intelligence (AI). During the retailer’s recent shareholders week, tech execs explained how Walmart is using generative AI across its…

The reality of fintech partnerships

As August approaches, bankers should be aware of the access and insights VenCent Fintech Summit will provide related to what’s happening in the banking industry, especially around financial technology. The…

The Supply Side: Generative AI or ChatGPT next holy grail for retailers, suppliers

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT are the latest sought-after technology among retailers and the supply chain. While conversation technology has been around for several years, it has recently…

Walmart showcases robots, drones, AI chatbots during shareholder week

A robot makes hamburgers at Sam’s Club. Robots retrieve items for order fulfillment in Bentonville. AI chatbots help Walmart merchants. Drones make deliveries in Northwest Arkansas. Highlighting such technology was…

Energy Innovation Day will connect entrepreneurs with federal funding

Entrepreneurs and researchers looking to commercialize energy technology can attend a June workshop to learn about programs providing federal money for their projects, according to an event announcement. Energy Innovation…

Springdale startup EasyBins closes, seeks grocer acquisition

Springdale-based online grocery startup EasyBins has ceased operations after failing to complete a $2 million series-A funding round and running out of money. Still, it looks to be acquired by…

The Supply Side: Electronic shelf tags coming to 500 Walmart stores this year

Walmart Inc. has announced plans to expand electronic shelf pricing technology in the next 18 months to 500 more stores for 60 million shelf labels through a partnership with Vusion….

Leaning into AI a smart choice for Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit organizers

The Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit will have multiple programming areas for this year’s fall conference attendees. Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI)/automation is one of them. According to a Deloitte study,…

HealthTech Arkansas, MedAxiom launch 2nd accelerator

HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom have launched year two of HeartX, a cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator that facilitates guaranteed hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular…