The Global Solutions Institute Summit convenes visionary leaders from across academia, industry, government, and the international community to accelerate technology deployment and shape the future of food systems worldwide. Hosted by the Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at the University of Arkansas in partnership with the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and with support from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, this three-day gathering explores cutting-edge advances across the entire seed-to-table continuum—from AI-enabled agriculture and sustainable supply chains to cell-based proteins, water innovation, and next-generation commercialization pathways.

Through high-impact panels, global roundtables, and interactive sessions, delegates will engage directly with Fulbright scholars, CEOs, policymakers, researchers, investors, and technology pioneers who are designing solutions to feed a growing world amid climate disruption and shifting global demands.

Special sessions highlight international deployment models, cross-sector financing innovations, transformative university-industry collaborations, and the launch of the GSI “Landing Pad–Launching Pad” Initiative—a major step toward accelerating global access to proven, deployable technologies.

Delegates will leave with actionable insights, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for a resilient, technology-empowered global food system. This summit is more than a conversation—it is the engine for real-world solutions with global impact.

Airport:

Northwest Arkansas Airport (XNA)

Suggested Hotels: 

The Graduate by Hilton | 70 N. East Avenue | Fayetteville, AR | 479-442-5555 

Inn at Carnall Hall | 465 Arkansas Avenue | Fayetteville, AR | 479-582-0400 

Conference parking:

Harmon Avenue Parking Garage - Map Link

The Harmon Avenue Parking Garage location at 146 N. Harmon Ave. is the closet parking garage. Garage parking can be paid through "pay by text" following instructions on signage in the garage or through the Flowbird app. Guests can park on levels 1-3, please do not park on levels 4-8 as those are reserved for permit parking and you may be ticketed.

To reach I³R from the Harmon Avenue Parking Garage, walk out onto N Duncan St, and up the hill to Dickson St. Make a right on Dickson, and I³R will be on your immediate right at the corner of N Duncan and Dickson. I³R's main entrance on Dickson St will be open for easy access and conference volunteers will be immediately inside the building to welcome guests.

Food, Drink, and Things to Do:

For information on local restaurants and things to do visit Experience Fayetteville. 

SUMMIT SCHEDULE - Please register separately for each day of the summit.

Monday, Dec. 15

Delegate arrival

Optional VIP Tour of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - transportation provided, RSVP required

Click to RSVP for optional VIP Tour of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Tuesday, Dec. 16

    8:30 AM - 9:00 AM        Opening Plenary Session

  9:00 AM - 10:15 AM        Panel 1: History and Mission of the Global Solutions Institute - Focus on Accelerating the Deployment                                                                                     of Technology and other Problem-Solving Solutions

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM        Break and Networking

10;30 AM - 11:45 AM        Panel 2:  Broad Discussion of New Proven Deployable Technologies to Benefit the Production of Food

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM        Break and Networking

   12:00 PM - 2:00 PM        Lunch and Governmental Impact Roundtable

      2:00 PM - 3:30 PM        Panel 3: An International Roundtable Focused on Accelerating Global Agriculture Tech Innovation &                                                                                       Deployment

      3:30 PM - 4:00 PM        Break and Networking

             4:00 - 5:15 PM         Panel 4:  Roundtable Focused on Deployment of Technologies and Innovations Related to "Row Crop"                                                                                     Agriculture from Seed to Table Including Use of AI in all Aspects of Agriculture

      5:30 PM - 7:30 PM         Reception

Wednesday, Dec. 17

      8:30 AM - 9:00 AM          Welcome, Opening Remarks and Summary of Day one of the Summit

    9:00 AM - 10:15 AM          Panel 5: The Future is Now - Viewpoint of Food Distributor, Transporters and Retailers Looking for                                                                                          Technology Solutions to Deploy

  10:15 AM - 10:30 AM          Break and Networking

   10:30 AM - 11:45 AM         Panel 6: Future of Food in the Less Development World

      12:00 PM - 1:45 PM         Lunch and Panel 7: Financial Conduits for Technology Deployment Co-Investment Vehicles for                                                                                                   Institutional Investors

        1:45 PM - 3:00 PM          Panel 8: Future of Water in Agriculture including with Respect to Oceans, Water Reclamation and                                                                                             Aquaculture

         3:00 PM - 3:15 PM          Break and Networking

          3:15 PM - 4:30 PM         Concluding Session

          4:30 PM - 5:00 PM         Wrap up, Discussion, Next Steps