The Arkansas Department of Commerce is leading the State's proposal submission to establish a statewide AI Coordination Hub under a new National Science Foundation funding program called
TechAccess: AI-Ready America.
The AI-Ready Arkansas Coordination Hub will serve as a liaison to multiple Federal agencies on AI efforts and provide cross-sector support for AI readiness and deployment. Key priorities are to:
- Maintain a statewide, publicly accessible repository of AI-related resources, training programs, infrastructure, and support services
- Support Arkansans with AI adoption — including advisory services, training, and technical setup, integration, customization, and deployment — to help local governments and organizations, small businesses, and others implement AI solutions effectively
- Coordinate cross-sector education and workforce development efforts to strengthen AI readiness in Arkansas and nationwide
- Build relationships and foster collaboration in the key industries that support the State's economy: Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail, Steel & Minerals
- Diffuse evidence-based best practices and share high-quality resources throughout the AI-Ready America community
