Cohort companies showcase breakthrough lithium and battery-supply-chain technologies to industry leaders and investors
El Dorado, Ark [April 27, 2026] – The Venture Center, in partnership with Standard Lithium, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the University of Arkansas, and funded by the Walton Family Foundation, among others, on Friday hosted the third cohort Demo Day for the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) — the nation’s first accelerator program dedicated to lithium innovation and the emerging U.S. battery supply chain.
Held at the El Dorado Conference Center for the first time, the event marked the conclusion of a multi-week accelerator designed to position Arkansas as a national hub for next-generation lithium and energy technology. Three cohort companies selected for ALTA’s third cohort presented their innovations to an audience of industry leaders, researchers, economic developers, investors, and public officials.
“Our third ALTA cohort continues to support the state’s strategy of building out a new Lithium economy in Arkansas, and we are excited to have hosted them for three weeks of substantive programming culminating in South Arkansas,” said Arthur Orduña, Executive Director at The Venture Center. “The cohort companies were selected by the ALTA Technology Council, which includes senior executives from Lithium producers, and we’ve all been impressed by the world-class quality of the founders and their teams.”
Throughout the evening, ALTA companies showcased innovations strengthening the domestic battery supply chain — from cathode and anode material production to breakthrough extraction technologies — with a focus on scalable, U.S.-based manufacturing and continued growth in emerging hubs like Arkansas. This year’s participating companies included:
- Entegris POCO Materials – Leveraging Entegris’ global leadership in advanced materials, POCO Materials is scaling the production of anode-grade synthetic graphite critical for next-generation batteries. With an existing facility in Russellville, Arkansas, the company is advancing plans to expand domestic manufacturing and is seeking strategic investment to support the growth of its graphite production capabilities.
- NewGenium – Originating from research at Caltech, NewGenium has developed a patented method to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) directly from brine, significantly reducing cost, complexity, and environmental impact. The company is raising early-stage capital and exploring opportunities to establish operations in Arkansas as it scales its technology.
- Western Cam – A U.S.-based battery materials company, Western CAM manufactures high-performance LFP and LMFP cathode active materials for electric vehicles and energy storage. Focused on reshoring critical supply chains, the company is actively raising its seed round and evaluating Arkansas as a potential location for its headquarters and future production.
“Arkansas is in a strong position to lead in this space because we have the resources, the partnerships, and the commitment to get it right,” said Sen. Steve Crowell, who spoke at the Demo Day event. “Our role at the state level is to make sure we’re creating an environment where companies can innovate, invest, and grow responsibly. Programs like the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator are helping turn that potential into real economic opportunity for communities across the state, beginning here in South Arkansas.”
Launched in July 2025, ALTA is the first program of its kind in the United States. It was created to accelerate innovation across lithium extraction, processing, sustainable production, and battery-supply-chain technologies while elevating Arkansas’ visibility as a global energy innovation hub.
Throughout the program, cohort companies engaged directly with major producers — including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Standard Lithium, Albemarle, and Lanxess — as well as leaders across Arkansas’ academic, governmental, and economic development communities. The 2025 program included stops in El Dorado, Magnolia, Little Rock, and Bentonville, giving founders a firsthand look at the region’s rapidly growing lithium ecosystem.
To learn more about ALTA or future accelerator opportunities, visit www.venturecenter.co.
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About The Venture Center
The Venture Center is a globally recognized Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) based in Arkansas. It supports entrepreneurs in building successful, high-growth businesses through world-class mentorship, programming, and investor connections, fueling economic growth in Arkansas and beyond. Learn more at www.venturecenter.co.
About Standard Lithium Ltd.
Standard Lithium is a near-commercial lithium development company advancing high-grade lithium-brine projects in the U.S., with a focus on sustainability and scalable Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology. Its flagship operations are located in the Smackover Formation across Arkansas and Texas, including a greenfield project in partnership with Equinor. Standard Lithium trades on the TSX Venture Exchange and NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”; learn more at www.standardlithium.com.
About University of Arkansas
As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the University of Arkansas offers more than 200 academic programs and contributes over $3 billion annually to the state’s economy through education, research, and workforce development. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having the highest level of research activity and is ranked among the nation’s top public universities by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.
For more information, contact:
Viktoria Capek | (770) 557-6196
viktoria.capek@venturecenter.co