About
A founder-first community for UAMS startups
The Founder’s Forum is a curated peer group for UAMS startup founders who want practical help on real business problems. We meet regularly to workshop challenges like customer discovery, go-to-market, hiring, fundraising, and execution.
Each session is facilitated, confidential, and focused on actionable next steps, not pitching. Founders can also access optional 1:1 expert support through the ARise program.
Researchers
Teams
Founders
Startups
Who it's for
This program is for UAMS-affiliated startup founders who want actionable support across the early and growth stages of company building, including:
- Researchers exploring commercialization pathways
- Founders preparing for customer discovery or go-to-market
- Teams navigating hiring, fundraising, or operational execution
- Startups working through commercialization decisions in parallel with IP and licensing strategy
1:1 support through ARise at no cost
BioVentures supports IP protection, tech transfer, and licensing to industry partners. ARise complements that foundation by helping founders pressure-test commercial viability and execution readiness, from market demand and differentiation to pricing and reimbursement, operating model decisions, and team gaps.
If you have promising research and need practical guidance on the market and operational side, ARise is a fast way to get expert input.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Founder’s Forum is a curated peer group for UAMS startup founders focused on practical problem solving. We meet regularly to workshop real business challenges like customer discovery, go-to-market, hiring, fundraising, and execution.
It is designed for UAMS-affiliated startup founders and teams working to commercialize UAMS innovation, from early exploration to active company building.
Sessions are facilitated and structured around founder challenges. The focus is on discussion, peer feedback, and actionable next steps, not pitching or formal presentations.
Yes. The Founders Forum is designed to be a confidential space so founders can discuss real challenges openly and get practical input.
Tipically, the group meets monthly. Specific timing and frequency may vary based on scheduling and founder availability.
Yes. To join the Founder’s Forum, you need to have a formed startup.
The Founder’s Forum is a founder support initiative powered by BioVentures and ARise, designed to help UAMS startup teams move forward with practical guidance and peer connection.
ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs) is a separate program that offers no-cost 1:1 support with paid subject matter experts (SMEs). Founder’s Forum participants can use ARise as an optional extra resource for deeper guidance.
Click “Request to join the Founder’s Forum” and email AThompson9@uams.edu with your name, venture, and what you’re currently working on.
Reach out anyway. Share a short description of your project and current needs, and the team can point you to the best next step (Founder’s Forum, ARise, or BioVentures support).