Arkansas – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

HeartX Selects Four Startups for 2024 Accelerator Program

HeartX, an Arkansas startup accelerator, has selected four startup healthcare companies to participate in their 2024 cohort. The accelerator is powered by HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom with the goal of assisting startups in bringing new cardiovascular technology to market.

The selected companies include:

Caristo with their Caristo Diagnostics CaRi-Heart® Technology focused on detecting and quantifying hidden coronary inflammation.
Haermonics which develops solutions to address bleeding-related post-operative challenges.
MultiplaI Health which develops precision diagnostic technologies using RNA-based blood tests and artificial intelligence.
Peterbridge Health and their Cor technology – a unique ambulatory ECG monitor that combines best-in-class signal fidelity with explainable AI to detect heart failure, determine ejection fraction, diagnose sleep apnea, and identify 31 arrhythmias.

“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort of innovative companies to the HeartX program,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. “Each of these startups brings groundbreaking technology that has the potential to transform cardiovascular care. Through our unique model, which guarantees pilot projects and clinical trials with leading healthcare providers, we are confident that these companies will make a significant impact in advancing heart health.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Streamlining Video Podcast Production: The Rise of PodcastVideos.com

Podcasting has rapidly grown in popularity in the past few years. Every day we see new podcast ideas popping up, from celebrity talk shows to fitness advice to true crime. PodcastVideos.com is working to meet the needs of these creators, deleting friction from the production and distribution of video podcasts.

Founded by entrepreneur Eric Howerton, the company is reshaping the podcasting landscape by offering professional-level studios and turnkey services tailored to creators of all levels, from aspiring podcasters to Fortune 500 companies.

With PodcastVideos.com, anyone with a podcast idea can book recording time at one of their state-of-the-art studios, starting at an accessible price point. For a comprehensive package including audio and video recording, editing, custom intros, and social media teasers, creators can opt for a membership plan, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

What sets PodcastVideos.com apart is its commitment to quality and convenience. The company boasts five studios with different configurations, equipped with pre-lit setups and screens for presentations or branding. Moreover, their efficient workflow ensures a swift turnaround time, with the goal of delivering the final product within 48 hours of production.

Beyond production, PodcastVideos.com offers support in distribution and promotion, helping creators reach their audience across various platforms such as Apple, Google, YouTube, and more. By providing guidance on search engine optimization and marketing strategies, the company empowers creators to maximize their reach and potentially secure sponsorships.

While PodcastVideos.com caters primarily to businesses and professionals, its versatility extends to personal projects as well. From corporate podcasts to family vacation recaps, the studio serves as a creative hub where ideas come to life. This inclusive approach reflects Howerton’s entrepreneurial spirit, honed through years of experience with ventures like “Get Out” magazine and the creative agency WhyteSpyder.

As PodcastVideos.com continues to expand its footprint, with plans to scale into larger metro markets, it represents a beacon of innovation in the podcasting realm. With a bootstrapped foundation and a vision for growth, Howerton’s venture is poised to redefine the way video podcasts are created, shared, and experienced in the digital age.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

GTL Americas and Hyundai ENG America Partner for $3.5 Billion Green Fuel Project

ClearFlame Engine Technologies Receives Funding to test Clean Diesel-style Fuel

GTL Americas (GTLA) is set to embark on a groundbreaking $3.5 billion industrial project in Jefferson County, Arkansas. The company’s ambitious endeavor is to produce 1.7 million gallons of environmentally-friendly motor fuel daily, a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector. In this exciting venture, GTLA has joined forces with Hyundai ENG America, Inc. (Hyundai) for the construction of a colossal facility sprawled across an 1,800-acre site, located just 13 miles north of Pine Bluff.

The project, slated to commence within the next 18 months, is anticipated to unfold in four phases and could reach completion by 2029. It’s worth noting that this project holds the distinction of being the largest industrial initiative in the history of Arkansas and is set to employ approximately 225 workers, with the potential for further cost escalation as it progresses.

The GTLA project in Jefferson County represents a significant leap towards sustainability, as it will convert natural gas into 1.7 million gallons of ultra-clean transportation fuels daily. Additionally, it will generate 150 MW of carbon-free steam-generated electricity. Notably, the construction phase and commissioning period alone will create an estimated 2,500 jobs.

GTLA’s vision is to establish Arkansas as the nation’s premier producer of ultra-clean, high-grade diesel, naphtha, and even jet fuel. Hyundai and S&B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd. (S&B) are collaborating to deliver the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) phases of this historic industrial project.

Upon completion, this facility will be the only one of its kind in the United States, further cementing GTL Americas’ position as a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions. The project is backed by Energy Security Partners, Hanwha Petrochemicals from Korea, and the Arkansas Teachers Retirement Funds.

The distribution of these clean fuels will encompass various modes of transportation, including trucks, rails, and marine barges, with the added capability of connecting to product pipelines, supplying customers regionally and across the U.S. and international markets.

Arkansas was chosen as the ideal location for this facility due to its strategic advantages: it lies outside the hurricane zone, boasts excellent access to railroads, interstate highways, airports, and its central geographic location in the country.

GTL Americas, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, is spearheading a remarkable gas-to-liquids (GTL) project with a daily capacity of 33,000 barrels. This cutting-edge plant will utilize the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology to transform pipeline natural gas into clean liquid transportation fuels and specialty chemicals. With a construction workforce of over 2,500 and around 250 permanent employees, this world-class project is poised to redefine the energy landscape in Arkansas and beyond.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Gene MassID Wins $2K at University of Arkansas’ Funding Pitch Competition

Louisiana Patent of the Month - August 2021

Gene MassID, a student team competing in the fall seed Funding Pitch Competition organized by the University of Arkansas’ Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has secured $2,000 for legal fees and further research.

This team is focused on improving treatment for brain cancer through DNA analysis by developing a diagnostic tool that uses personalized medicine to treat glioblastoma multiforme. This is an aggressive form of cancer with a 95% mortality rate.

The startup believes their tool will help to get rid of guesswork in brain cancer treatment, giving patients another chance at life.

Gene MassID was among 10 teams to receive funding in the Oct. 11 competition, which awarded more than $10,000. The competition was held in tandem with OEI’s inaugural SEED Arkansas Summit and hosted at the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History in downtown Fayetteville.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Allied Cycle Works Releases their First Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

Allied Cycle Works has announced the official release of their first-ever full-suspension mountain bike.

Based in Arkansas, the company has been designing and developing unique carbon fiber bicycles with perfectly crafted manufacturing processes. Allied Cycle started their journey with the intention of producing top-quality bikes right here in America. This mission included the need for control over each piece that goes into each bike. From brand, to design, to raw material selection, each component is treated with the same care and consideration.

This attention to production and quality continues, and is felt in every bicycle made. Including the new BC40 mountain bike. This is a first for the company as they have not previously designed a full-suspension mountain bike. They have spent countless hours designing this bike from front to rear. From design to prototype to testing, and finally release, the company has spent more than 2 years conducting research and development for this bicycle. Despite supply chain issues and other challenges, the bike came to fruition with a 4.5 lbs frame and a cross between cross-country and all-day trail sled capabilities.

“We can’t wait to see this bike pushed to the limit by our athletes Lea Davison and Payson McElveen at the upcoming Leadville 100, Marathon Nationals, and more,” Medlock said.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Venus Aerospace Unveils Stargazer – their first conceptual hypersonic vehicle designed for one-hour global travel

South Dakota Patent of the Month - August 2021

Venus Aerospace, an aerospace startup, has made an exciting announcement at the UP.Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company introduced their first conceptual vehicle design, the “Stargazer”, which will fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo in just an hour.

The Mach 9 hypersonic aircraft has been under development since the company’s founding in 2020. The aircraft’s design is meant to allow it to fly at hypersonic speeds at the edge of the atmosphere.

This kind of design is no joke and requires some serious funding. Venus has been backed by leading venture capitalists and has received $1 million in government funding. The company has stated they have raised over $33 million to build a Mach 9 hypersonic drone and Mach 9 spaceplane – each of which will be capable of one-hour global travel.

Venus has made significant progress since their founding, scaling rapidly in their bid to design and build a demonstration engine. This engine has since been tested in hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities across the U.S.. Next tests include their plans to start subsonic and supersonic flight testing of a scaled drone.

With a team of experts including aerospace, military, and R&D veterans, the company is focused on three main technologies: a zero-emission next-generation rocket engine, innovative aircraft shape, and leading-edge cooling.

This combination of technology could be the key to making one-hour global transport a cost-effective possibility.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

ACHI and U of Arkansas Awarded $1.3M in Funding to Study Medical Marijuana Use

Dewey Scientific Raises $3.2M for Cannabis Innovation

The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have been awarded a $1.3 million research grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a division of the National Institute of Health.

This money will go towards the study of medical marijuana utilization in Arkansas. This research is coined the “Population-Based Analyses of Healthcare Utilization and Outcomes in Users of Medical Marijuana” and will be a first-of-its-kind population health analysis of the medical marijuana program. They are focused on analyzing consumer purchase information with insurance claims records to understand the impacts on their medical care. It will also factor in the impact of COVID-19 on the Arkansas medical marijuana program.

With this type of quantitative research, scientists will be able to evaluate how effective cannabis is for therapeutic use. They are specifically looking to expand the body of knowledge on the dose, strain, potency, and method of use and their impact on a person’s health experience.

The study will integrate 6 Arkansas-based data sources to form a dynamic tool to bring greater understanding and transparency in the healthcare data field. We are seeing state policies surrounding both medicinal and recreational use of cannabis changing rapidly in the United States. With Arkansas being one of 36 states with a form of legalized marijuana, they have more than 79,000 active medical marijuana ID cardholders to begin their research on. This will help them better inform the potential role of marijuana in medical therapy.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Lapovations Receives $100K SBIR Grant from AEDC

Minnesota Patent of the Month - June 2021

Lapovations has a mission to redefine laparoscopy by developing innovative medical devices that minimize invasiveness, simplify procedures, and improve surgery outcomes. They have recently been awarded a Small Businesses Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Matching Grant of $100,000.

This grant comes from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and will be used to support the continued development of their trademarked AbGrab. The grant is made to support small businesses and help support their pursuit of R&D with the potential for commercialization. Lapovations have also been the recipient of a $1 million SBIR award from the National Science Foundation in 2020.

The AbGrab is a laparoscopic device that allows surgeons to lift the abdomen more reliably and safely prior to surgery. The novel device is designed to use suction to lift the abdominal walls.

Jared Greer, Founder and CEO of Lapovations stated, “This funding will help us accelerate our go-to market efforts to launch AbGrab® in the U.S. We are excited and grateful for the continued support from AEDC.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

UA at Little Rock Launch Tech to Market with Accelerators

Lab2Launch, a virtual accelerator running out of the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center, is teaching companies how to apply for federal grants for R&D and commercialization. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock actually has two accelerators. While Lab2Launch helps with grant applications, Tech Launch helps to commercialize inventions – at no cost.

The university is hoping to expand innovation and R&D throughout Arkansas with these no-cost, virtual services. However, they are highly competitive with Lab2Launch accepting just 12 companies annually. After kicking off in January 2020, 16 companies have participated from all over Arkansas, with 80% submitting to the SBIR/STIR Phase I applications. Increasing the transition from research to commercialization will help Arkansas’ economy and it’s incentive to commit to R&D work in the future.

Are you developing new technology or software for an existing or new application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Collaboration is the Key to Arkansas State Cyber Security

A three-way collaboration between the University of Arkansas’ National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT), the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the Forge Institute will allow engineers to research and develop national defense methods, including cybersecurity. Their efforts will focus on addressing the nation’s complex cyber security challenges, by integrating innovative technologies into the established cyber and defense sectors. Using NCREPT’s testing power, UALR’s Cyber Gym and the Forge Institute’s experience, they hope this collaboration will better position the state and country to defend against advanced cyber adversaries and grow the state’s economy.

National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission

NCREPT was established for the purpose of investigating solid-state solutions for the electric power grid including protection devices, FACTS and microgrids, as well as energy storage and distributed generation applications. They have the highest power-electronics testing facility of any American university. NCREPT will contribute to this cybersecurity research using these testing capabilities.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UALR’s Cyber Gym provides massively scalable cloud-based cybersecurity workouts in the form of problems and threat exercises appropriate for every level of the cybersecurity workforce pipeline. They hope to open the field of cybersecurity to a diverse workforce, engaging students at all levels, and providing hands-on training in emerging technologies.

Forge Institute

Initially, Forge Institute was designed to operationalize the development of technology to lower cyber risk at a national and state level.They have expanded to fuel national innovation between private sector and governmental partners.

Are you adapting technology for a new purpose? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.