Cybersecurity, defense, and the future of AI in Arkansas with Lee Watson

On this week's episode, Rex is joined by Lee Watson, founder and CEO of the Forge Institute, to discuss how his organization is helping Arkansans understand cybersecurity risks and better leverage economic opportunities in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Lee emphasizes the growing sophistication of adversaries using AI to enhance their attacks, and outlines the Forge Institute’s efforts in raising awareness through workforce development, STEM education and cybersecurity training programs. Lee explains how the Forge Institute supports Arkansas’s defense industry by connecting small businesses, startups, and researchers with military partners through programs like the Atomic Anvil and Phoenix Accelerator. Rex and Lee also discuss the importance of building stronger economic and defense-related programs in the state focused on AI, drones, and electronic warfare to ensure cyber resilience in defense systems. Finally, Rex and Lee stress the need for stronger collaboration between elected officials, industry leaders, and education systems to drive technological growth. They emphasize the importance of preparing a tech-literate workforce through K-12 and higher education while also advocating for increased research and development funding for universities to fuel innovation in Arkansas.