Connections

EDGE Summit

The EDGE Summit brings together educators, students, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders who are working to grow entrepreneurship education across Arkansas.

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Education to Develop and Grow Entrepreneurs

Designed for faculty, campus leaders, and entrepreneurship champions, EDGE creates space to connect, collaborate, and share practical ways to help students think creatively, solve real problems, and build entrepreneurial confidence. Through hands-on workshops, networking, and peer learning, attendees leave with new ideas, useful tools, and stronger connections to support student innovation on their campuses.

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EDGE Summit 2026 Details

When Is It?

Tuesday, October 27 - Wednesday, October 28

Where Is It?

The 2026 EDGE Summit will be held on the Arkansas Tech University campus in Russellville.

Who Should Attend?

EDGE Summit is designed for two-year and four-year faculty from Arkansas colleges and universities who are currently leading entrepreneurship activities or want to bring more entrepreneurial learning opportunities to their students.

College and university students are also encouraged to attend, especially those interested in growing their entrepreneurial skills, exploring new ideas, connecting with mentors, or preparing to compete in the ACC Capital Governor’s Cup.

How Much Does It Cost?

EDGE Summit is free to attend through AR-NETWORK, funded by the National Science Foundation.

A limited number of hotel rooms are available at no cost for faculty and students. A special conference rate is also available at La Quinta Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Russellville.

2026 Topics

Full Agenda Coming Soon!

Faculty Track

  • Keynote from Jessica George, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Louisiana Tech University, founder, and former Shark Tank participant

  • Ecosystem Edge Scorecard workshop with Dr. Amy Beaird and Dawn Haynes

  • Entrepreneurial Engineering Workshops with the Kern Family Foundation

student Track

  • 24 Hour Student Startup Sprint with Startup Junkie

  • Team demonstration for cash prize

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The Student Startup Sprint

This year’s EDGE Summit will feature a Student Startup Sprint in partnership with Startup Junkie. During this fast-paced, hands-on experience, students will work in cross-institutional teams to develop a business idea using the lean canvas model.

Over 24 hours, teams will move from idea to opportunity by exploring the problem, identifying customers, outlining a solution, and preparing a pitch. The sprint will culminate in student teams presenting their business ideas to an audience of faculty and entrepreneurship leaders for the chance to win cash prizes.

The Student Startup Sprint gives students a real-world opportunity to collaborate, think creatively, build confidence, and experience what it takes to move an idea forward.

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See Previous Summits
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Join the 2026 EDGE Summit

Whether you're helping students build entrepreneurial skills or preparing to compete in the Governor's Cup, EDGE Summit offers the tools, connections, and inspiration to help move ideas forward. Register today to reserve your spot.

Register Here