According to Dr. Aaron Duvall, director of workforce development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, two out of every three jobs will be exposed to AI as it continues to become normalized in daily tasks. Rather than resulting in fewer jobs, he sees the rise of AI reimagining the way people work altogether.

鈥淲ithin the next four years, over 60% of jobs will have job task changes 鈥� not layoffs, but a reimagining of the way work is being done,鈥� Duvall said. 鈥淚n that case, it鈥檚 interesting that half the people in the workforce right now have had zero AI training in the past year. It creates a big gap.鈥�

Employers want their employees to have AI skills as they enter the workforce, and experts such as Dr. Duvall and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Tech Entrepreneur-in-Residence Marla Johnson see these skills as a necessity in today鈥檚 constantly evolving technical landscape. Through new training initiatives, industry partnerships, and hands-on events for students, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is working to ensure graduates are prepared to work in an AI-driven economy.

AI tools are already helping businesses streamline everyday work. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort 鈥� such as compiling reports, analyzing data, or summarizing meetings 鈥� can now be completed in minutes with AI support. Duvall said AI often changes how long tasks take rather than eliminating the work itself, allowing employees to focus on higher-level decision-making.

In her current role, Johnson works with STEM faculty and students to commercialize research and build high-growth startups. A technology entrepreneur and business leader with more than 30 years of experience in innovation and company building, she encourages students to use AI, saying they will not be as competitive candidates in the workforce if they do not know how to use these tools to their full potential. Her advice is to become an expert in how AI is used in your specific field.

鈥淚t will be a competitive disadvantage for my students if they are starting a company and they don鈥檛 know how to apply AI toward their market research or pitch presentation development, for example,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 specifically teach my students prompts to use and ways to utilize AI in order to develop ideas into an actual business plan.鈥�

Being workforce ready has taken on a whole new meaning in this AI-driven economy. Entering the job market now requires the skills and knowledge not only to use AI as a support tool but also to support business needs. 

鈥淲e have to move from fear to fluency with AI,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淭he limits of what these tools can do are really your clarity of thinking and your imagination.鈥�

Duvall draws an important distinction between simply using AI tools and understanding how to apply them effectively in the workplace. While many workers are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, far fewer know how to integrate them into real workflows or use them to improve productivity and decision-making.

Duvall said the university is working to help students acquire these skills in order to be leaders and trendsetters in AI as they enter the workforce. The skills highlighted include advanced prompting, deep research with AI, and the ability to build and use AI-powered agents to automate everyday tasks. 

Beyond preparing students, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is also working to connect AI innovation with industry and the broader community. Johnson also coordinates AI training and education programs for companies and community members and regularly hosts events and workshops that bring together students, faculty, and business leaders to explore how AI can be applied to real-world challenges.

One example is the university鈥檚 鈥淐oding for Wellness鈥� AI hackathon, which brings together students from across the state to develop technology solutions focused on healthcare and wellness. During the event, students collaborate with mentors from healthcare organizations and industry partners to design applications that address real problems.

While the technology is evolving rapidly, both Duvall and Johnson emphasize that AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances human work rather than replaces it entirely. According to Johnson, critical thinking is essential to effective AI use. Users must be able to evaluate and question the information it provides, using the technology not just for answers but as a thought partner that challenges ideas and helps expand knowledge.

鈥淲orkers who use AI are going to replace workers who don鈥檛,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淐ompanies are looking for innovative, creative people who understand how these tools can help solve problems and improve processes.鈥�

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is working to ensure students graduate with the skills needed to work alongside AI rather than fear it, positioning them to lead in the workforce of the future.

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The event, 鈥淕overnor鈥檚 Cup & Pitch Studio,鈥� will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Building Atrium and Room 103. Attendees can enjoy a free pizza lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the atrium, followed by an engaging workshop session focused on pitching, business planning, and startup strategy.

The interactive session will feature three speakers who play key roles in Arkansas鈥檚 entrepreneurial ecosystem:

路   Mallory Race, senior project manager for the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will provide an overview of pitch events and opportunities for student entrepreneurs across the region.

路   Maddy Stricklen, program director at the Arkansas Capital Corporation Foundation, will share insights on the Governor鈥檚 Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition and discuss the level of preparation and competitiveness needed to succeed.

路   Kristopher Adams, leader of the ARise program and former director of the NWA Tech Summit, will teach 鈥淎 30-Minute Lesson鈥� on preparing for a pitch and the anatomy of a successful pitch deck.

The event will conclude with an open mic session, where students can pitch their startup ideas and receive real-time feedback from the guest speakers.

鈥淓vents like this bring together students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to build an innovation culture right here on our campus,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a student who鈥檚 curious about entrepreneurship or actively building a company, this is a valuable chance to learn how to communicate your ideas effectively and connect with people who can help you grow them.鈥�

The Governor鈥檚 Cup & Pitch Studio is part of Go 4th Fridays, a new monthly series launched this fall to foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Each session features guest speakers, hands-on learning, and opportunities for students to share their own ideas.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available next to the Jack Stephens Center in Lot 13 off of 28th Street. For more information and to register, visit .

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The Go 4th Fridays Entrepreneurship Lunch Series will kick off at noon Friday, Sept. 26, at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a free pizza lunch, an inspiring talk from alumni, and an open-mic session for students to pitch their own ideas.

The inaugural program, 鈥�3 Grads鈥� Legendary Video Game: Immercenary with Electronic  Arts,鈥� will feature 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates JD Robinson, Christopher Stashuk, and Elton Pruitt, who will share the story of how they developed the video game 鈥�鈥� in the 1990s for .

Each alumnus will highlight the unique role he played in the project鈥攚hether as a writer, artist, or developer鈥攁nd the challenges and surprises that came with building a console game as independent creators.

Robinson, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in creative writing, said his goal is to share a message with students about readiness and resilience.

鈥淔ocus on a goal or live your dream is sound advice, but I鈥檇 add that the ability to recognize opportunity when it presents itself is even more important,鈥� Robinson said. 鈥溾�楤e ready鈥� is the best advice I can give. Something can be ephemeral and meaningful at the same time, and if a few students leave with that understanding, I will feel like I鈥檝e made a worthwhile contribution.鈥�

The lunch series is co-sponsored by the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business and Tech Launch. The events will take place on the fourth Friday of every month the campus is open and will feature free lunch, inspirational speakers, and student open-mic sessions where participants can share ideas, ask for input, and connect with peers.

Organizers hope the events will encourage students from all disciplines to collaborate on entrepreneurial projects like applying to the Governor鈥檚 Cup competition, entering pitch contests, and even starting new companies. Local investors and community leaders will also be invited to meet students, hear their ideas, and explore opportunities to support innovation at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淭his is how we create interaction and engagement between students from all disciplines,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. 鈥淲e want these lunches to become a watering hole where students, researchers, industry partners, and entrepreneurs come together to exchange ideas and fuel Arkansas鈥檚 next wave of innovation.鈥�

The Sept. 26 event will begin at noon with pizza and networking in the atrium in the Reynolds Business Building, followed by the alumni presentation and Q&A at 12:15 p.m. in Room 103. The final half-hour will be devoted to student open-mic pitches and idea-sharing.

The Go 4th Friday Entrepreneurship Lunch Series is free and open to the public. For more information, email mkjohnson@ualr.edu. Fill out to register for the event.

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The courses, including Supercharge Your Marketing Strategy with AI and Basics of AI for Better Living, aim to give business leaders, marketing professionals, and curious learners hands-on experience with AI tools that are transforming industries.

鈥淭hese courses are about more than learning technology. They鈥檙e about giving professionals the ability to apply AI to real business challenges, solve problems creatively, and gain a competitive edge,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence and instructor for several courses.

Johnson, a tech entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in innovation and digital transformation, leads classes that combine strategy, tools, and hands-on application.

The new offerings include:

路   : A four-week certificate program teaching marketers how to leverage ChatGPT and other AI tools to accelerate campaign planning, uncover customer insights, and generate content at scale.

路 聽 : A 1.5-hour, beginner-friendly course introducing AI for everyday applications, from planning travel to organizing hobbies.

路   Customized AI Solutions for Business: Tailored AI consulting and training to help companies integrate AI tools for operations, marketing, and customer engagement. 

These courses are designed to meet a wide range of professional and personal goals. Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, said the programs provide practical, immediately applicable skills.

鈥淲hether someone is new to AI or looking to implement advanced solutions in their business, participants will leave these courses with actionable strategies they can apply right away,鈥� Duvall said.

In the Customized AI Solutions for Business program, Johnson will provide company-specific training and consulting, helping organizations build AI-driven tools and streamline processes, with every team training tailored to each individual company鈥檚 goals and systems. You can schedule a free consultation by contacting Johnson at mkjohnson@ualr.edu or Nick Stevens, director of extended education, at njstevens@ualr.edu. 

Other courses, like Supercharge Your Marketing Strategy with AI, are aimed at marketing professionals seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. This course will take place from 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 6-29 with seven live virtual sessions and one networking event (Oct. 29) at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock.

Research shows that marketers using generative AI report productivity gains of 5-15 percent and improved personalization at scale, yet only 29 percent of marketers feel confident using AI today, highlighting the demand for upskilling. Participants will earn an AI for Business Certificate upon completion of the program.

The Basics of AI for Better Living course also opens the doors to nontechnical learners, including seniors, retirees, and anyone curious about integrating AI into daily life, making this technology more approachable and practical to use in everyday life. Sessions this fall will be offered from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 17 in the Reynolds Business Building Room 108.

You can find out more information and register for these courses by visiting the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock .

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The weeklong event in June brought together high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to form interdisciplinary teams focused on real-world challenges such as social anxiety, attention deficits, emotional communication, and access to mental health services. Participants used modern AI tools to create rapid prototypes of digital products, with support from mental health professionals, academic mentors, and industry leaders.

鈥淭his hackathon was a great opportunity to improve my AI skills, meet new people, and collaborate across education levels,鈥� said recent computer science graduate Rana Olwan.

Her team created Story Buddy, a tool to help elementary-aged students express their emotions through AI-generated stories and imagery.

鈥淚t gives kids a way to talk about how they feel, especially boys, who often don鈥檛 speak up,鈥� Olwan added.

Hackathon organizer Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence, said she considered the event a success for its impact on both learning and collaboration.

鈥淓veryone learned a lot about mental health, about AI, and about practically working to bring those two together to create something impactful in a team environment,鈥� she said. 鈥淪eeing the participants present their solutions was my favorite moment. I knew how much effort went into each of those presentations.鈥�

Participants attended morning training sessions covering topics such as AI tools for rapid prototyping, prompt engineering, and regulatory and ethical considerations. Many also earned NVIDIA AI certifications, including coursework on retrieval-augmented generation and agentic AI.

Teams presented their projects to a panel of judges from Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Systems, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The winning team, Focus Coach, developed a web-based assistant to help users combat distraction and boost productivity through real-time monitoring and mindfulness techniques.

鈥淭he idea behind Focus Coach is to help users recognize when they鈥檙e getting off task and nudge them back into focus using summarization, timers, and wellness breaks,鈥� said James Dempsey, a senior computer science major at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淓veryone struggles with focus. This is a universal problem.鈥�

Johnson said the Focus Coach team stood out for addressing a widely shared issue.

鈥淭here is a big need for the tools they built into their solution,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen Dani DeVito of NVIDIA met with the Focus Coach team, she said she would use it and especially liked that she could nudge and be nudged by her friends.鈥�

The hackathon emphasized student wellbeing alongside innovation. Participants enjoyed daily mental health breaks, including art therapy and a drumming circle. Dempsey said the mindfulness drumming session offered as a break during the week stood out as a surprise highlight.

鈥淚 had so much fun,鈥� Dempsey. 鈥淚t puts me in a flow state. I could have done it for hours.鈥�

Ph.D. student Praveshika Bhandari, whose team created Hapy Capy, a Duolingo-style tool to help teens with social anxiety prepare for conversations and job interviews, said the experience broadened her perspective.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to use new AI tools quickly and work with students at different stages of life,鈥� Bhandari said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a real learning experience.鈥�

Anay Pandit, a rising 10th grader at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, said the hackathon fueled his interest in technology and engineering.

鈥淏eing part of a team that included Ph.D. students and recent grads was amazing,鈥� Pandit said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all learning from each other.鈥�

Hackathon challenges were based on real mental health needs identified by local organizations. Teen2Teen Connect, for example, was developed in partnership with the Arkansas Crisis Center to create a safe way for teens to offer support to other teens long before they are in crisis mode. The system was developed using AI prompts to include a way for teens to re-route calls to professional counselors if they feel the caller is in a crisis state.  

Additionally, Rapid Route, a scheduling and triage solution championed by the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, was aimed at getting patients matched with care faster based on urgency.

In total, students learned to apply AI ethics, prompt engineering, and software prototyping in service of community health.

Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital President and CEO Marcy Doderer said the students鈥� work aligned with growing concerns among healthcare providers.

鈥淲e see kids coming in for physical health issues, but underneath, so many are struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns,鈥� she said. 鈥淭raditional health systems don鈥檛 always have elegant solutions, but students like these give me hope.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Vice Provost for Research Brian Berry, who served as one of the judges, praised the students鈥� innovation, noting that final team scores were separated by less than two percentage points.

鈥淭hese projects blew us away,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淲hat you all produced in just a few days was phenomenal.鈥�

Johnson said the university is exploring ways to support continued development of the projects and plans are already underway for next year鈥檚 event, potentially with new themes and industry partners.

鈥淲e have business leaders hoping we will do an AI and entrepreneurship hackathon in their fields, or we may have challenges from five different sectors,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淓ven if every team is not focused on mental health next year, we鈥檒l continue to focus on participant wellbeing. Having real world problems made a world of difference. These time-compressed competitions open the door to exciting possibilities.鈥�

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The new course, Tech Entrepreneurship, will be led by Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech entrepreneur-in-residence, and guided by seasoned experts from the Forge Institute. The course provides full academic credit and gives students access to industry leaders, mentors, and real-world problem-solving experiences.

鈥淭his course is for students who are curious about startups and want to take their ideas from concept to reality,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a coder, a designer, a business major, or an engineer, this is your chance to build something meaningful with a team of innovators.鈥�

Students will spend the semester turning their startup ideas into viable business concepts. With guidance from instructors and mentors, they will explore topics such as product development, customer discovery, branding, legal structures, and investment strategy. The course culminates in a professional pitch presentation, giving students a chance to showcase their venture to a panel of experts.

The Tech Entrepreneurship course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from all majors. It鈥檚 especially designed for students in business, entrepreneurship, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, and any field where innovation and technology play a central role. Students will work to develop solutions to real-world challenges in areas including cybersecurity, AI, energy, electronics, health, entertainment and advanced manufacturing.

With access to mentorship, practical instruction, and a supportive entrepreneurial environment, students will leave the course with the tools, experience, and confidence needed to launch their own ventures. The course will also help students prepare for the Arkansas Governor鈥檚 Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition.

The course will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. during the fall 2025 semester. For more information, contact Johnson at mkjohnson@ualr.edu.

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The exciting pitch competition will serve as the culminating event of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 first-ever AI & Mental Health Hackathon, a weeklong hands-on summer program where high school students and college students have collaborated to design AI-powered solutions for mental health challenges created by local companies and educators.聽

The program is sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital and showcases how technology and compassion can come together to support mental wellness in our communities. Many educators and industry experts are also volunteering during the summer program to serve as pitch judges and support the students through fun wellness activities. 

鈥淭his event is more than just a competition. It鈥檚 a window into what鈥檚 possible when young people are empowered with the tools to make real change,鈥� said Marla Johnson, tech-entrepreneur-in-residence at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭hese students will spend the week learning about mental health issues and the power of AI from educators and industry experts, and now they鈥檒l get to present innovative solutions that could one day make a real impact. We鈥檙e inviting the public to come see just how inspiring the next generation of problem solvers can be.鈥�

Attendees will watch interdisciplinary student teams pitch their final projects to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize. Each participant in the program will also receive an AI certification from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and NVIDIA, marking their completion of the immersive experience.

The public is encouraged to come support these students and learn more about the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health care.Reserve by signing up for the AI Hackathon Pitch Event on June 13!

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The AI & Mental Health Hackathon will host 30 high school students and 12 college students from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 9-13. Participants will explore how emerging AI technology can be used to address real-world mental health challenges during this free summer program. The summer program is sponsored by .

Students will form interdisciplinary teams to identify and tackle a mental health issue of their choice using AI tools and strategies. With support from mental health professionals and AI mentors, each team will develop a solution and present their ideas during a pitch competition at the end of the camp. The winning team will receive a cash prize.

鈥淲e want to show students that AI isn鈥檛 just about coding. It鈥檚 also about learning how to use this growing technology to solve real problems,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. 鈥淢ental health is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and by connecting it with technology, we鈥檙e giving young people a chance to use their creativity and empathy in powerful ways.鈥�

Each morning will feature joint sessions and AI courses, followed by lunch on campus. In the afternoons, teams will work on their projects in the Ottenheimer Library鈥檚 collaborative spaces, guided by mentors in both AI and mental health.

By the end of the week, every participant will earn an AI foundations certificate from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock or an Advanced Certificate from NVIDIA, a global leader in AI computing.

Students of all backgrounds are welcome, and no prior AI experience is required. Teams will need a mix of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and software developers. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop, but computers will also be provided as needed.

Students who are interested in joining the AI and Mental Health Hackathon should complete the by May 5. For more information, contact Johnson at 501-551-0095 or mkjohnson@ualr.edu.

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Hosted by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Tech Launch, the event in the Engineering and Information Technology Building Auditorium will feature 12 presentations from faculty and graduate students across multiple disciplines, highlighting the breadth and depth of AI-related work taking place on campus.

鈥淲e created the AI Tech Talk to shine a light on the incredible and diverse work happening across campus,鈥� said Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. 鈥淲e were thrilled by the response not just from computer science and engineering, but also from departments like history, education, and chemistry. AI is shaping every discipline, and this event gives us a chance to learn from one another, spark new ideas, and build a stronger, more connected research community.鈥�

Presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including:

• How cyberthreat intelligence analysts in the Emerging Threat Information Sharing and Analysis Center use AI to analyze information and generate threat reports
• Technical design and development of an AI-powered chatbot for couples counseling
• Use of AI tools by students in the Emerging Analytics Center to assist with content development for Project 360
• How to use AI tools to build online courses
• How high school students use generative AI in and out of the classroom

鈥淭his is a fantastic opportunity for the campus community to explore how AI is transforming research, teaching and professional practice in nearly every field,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淲e think everyone in every department across campus will want to come and learn.鈥�

Cookies and coffee will be served following the presentations to encourage informal discussion and collaboration among attendees.

The event is free and open to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty, staff, and students, who can for the AI Tech Talk event.

For more information, contact Johnson at 501-551-0095 mkjohnson@ualr.edu.

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On March 4, Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 tech entrepreneur-in-residence, moderated while over 40 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, faculty, and industry leaders asked Zubair Talib, an AI expert with an MIT background and executive director at Celara Labs, and Pablo Abdian, CEO and co-founder of , a wide range of questions about AI.聽

The event provided insights into AI-first products, business opportunities, and challenges associated with AI integration. Abdian referenced 鈥�AI Superpowers,鈥� a book that explores the global impact of AI, noting that societies that cultivate AI knowledge will drive the future.

Abdian also highlighted the company鈥檚 approach to AI innovation, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in AI technology development.

鈥淲e have always remained agnostic in our use of technology,鈥� Abdian said. 鈥淩ather than committing to a single major provider like Google or Microsoft, we integrate the best available tools while adding a personalized touch that makes our solutions adaptable.鈥�

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the significant cost associated with AI implementation. Abdian explained that developing AI solutions accounts for only 15 to 20% of total costs, while 25 to 30% is tied to infrastructure and deployment. However, the most substantial expense鈥攐ver 50%鈥攃omes from the cultural shift within organizations.

鈥淢any companies underestimate the impact of AI on their workforce,鈥� Abdian explained. 鈥淎I adoption requires careful planning to help employees adapt, rather than simply replacing them.鈥�

Talib underscored the importance of a systematic approach to AI investment, particularly in light of rapid technological advancements. He warned against rushing into AI-driven projects without proper planning, emphasizing the need for a step-by-step approach.

鈥淐ompanies often lose money by implementing AI solutions prematurely,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 thoughtful, incremental process ensures businesses maximize their return on investment.鈥�

The panelists discussed real-world applications of AI, including a predictive model for football game outcomes that initially boasted 94 percent accuracy but later failed due to an unexpected social factor鈥攖eam members’ personal conflicts (specifically not realizing when one player鈥檚 wife was cheating with another player). The experience led Celara Labs to incorporate social media data into their predictive models, demonstrating the importance of external influences on AI performance.

When asked about AI鈥檚 impact on future generations, Abdian stressed the need to balance hard and soft skills in education, while Talib highlighted the importance of creative intuition in navigating AI advancements.

鈥淚f technology becomes cheaper and easier to use, the real question is: What will you build?鈥� Talib asked.

The discussion also addressed the global AI investment landscape. Talib acknowledged the U.S. as a leader in AI, engaged in a competitive race with China. 鈥淓veryone is experimenting in some capacity,鈥� he said.

When asked about AI investment strategies, he advised business owners to seek efficiency and reduced risk through AI implementation, emphasizing the value of domain expertise over solely technological advances.

In response to a question about what Little Rock can learn from Argentina鈥檚 entrepreneurial culture, Abdian emphasized relentless problem-solving.

鈥淚n Argentina, when we face a challenge, we don鈥檛 stop until it鈥檚 fixed,鈥� he said. 鈥淗ow do you awaken that instinct in students? That鈥檚 the key to fostering innovation.鈥�

The panel concluded with a discussion on the state of Arkansas鈥檚 potential for AI-driven business growth. Talib noted the state鈥檚 rich healthcare and agricultural systems are industries ripe for AI integration.

鈥淪uccess begets success,鈥� he said, encouraging local businesses to experiment with AI solutions to drive innovation and efficiency.

The Tech Launch panel was part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 ongoing efforts to connect students and entrepreneurs with global technology leaders, with an emphasis on AI鈥檚 evolving role in business and society.

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