NorthWest Arkansas Community College recently hosted the 2026 Biotechnology Symposium in Bentonville, Arkansas. The community college is part of the EPIIC Connect Four group, and this EPIIC-funded event brought together students, educators, researchers, industry professionals and community partners for a day focused on biotechnology training, workforce development and regional innovation.
The program opened with a welcome from Jennifer Swartout, associate vice president for general education at NWACC, followed by a presentation on “EPIIC Biotech: Technicians and Transfers” by Gary Bates, NWACC biotechnology coordinator, and LaShall Bates, NWACC science chair. Additional sessions explored topics including bio-polymer value chains in Mid-America, biotechnology training in food safety lab settings, and statewide approaches to innovation-driven economic development.
“The biotechnology symposium serves as an important catalyst for strengthening the regional biotechnology ecosystem by bringing together industry professionals, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, students, and community members to foster meaningful collaboration and shared goals,” says Gary Bates. “Through discussions focused on workforce pipelines, technician training, transfer opportunities, emerging research innovations, and strategic partnerships, the symposium helps align education, research, and industry needs while promoting the continued advancement and sustainability of biotechnology in the region.”
The event also featured poster presentations from undergraduate students, graduate students and professionals, with attendees invited to vote digitally for top posters. Research topics ranged from glioblastoma cell studies and bioreactor harvesting to sustainable protein production, agricultural biotechnology and plant-based therapeutic platforms.
The symposium concluded with moderated roundtable discussions on areas including agriculture, bioenergy, biomedical research, biopharmaceuticals, career pathways, engineering, high school-to-college transitions and synthetic biology. Each discussion focused on identifying regional gaps, workforce needs and opportunities for stronger collaboration among education, industry and community partners.