Katie Thompson, Executive Director of Science Venture Studio (SVS), has more than a decade of experience working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and economic development in Arkansas. Her work focuses on helping researchers and entrepreneurs move innovative technologies toward commercialization while building the partnerships and resources needed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems.

Launched in 2020 with support from the Walton Family Foundation, SVS has supported nearly 100 Arkansas based science and technology startups and helped companies secure more than $17.4 million in non-dilutive federal research funding to develop and commercialize their technologies. Katie has also helped develop and lead statewide commercialization initiatives, including SURGE Arkansas, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry, higher education, philanthropy, and government to expand opportunities for innovation and technology-based economic growth.