The recent opening of the Innovation Center at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro was a big deal for local innovators who are commercializing their research.

Twenty grants were awarded out of more than 150 applicants nationwide, with an average grant of $1.8 million. Arkansas will receive $2.15 million.

UA economist Kathy Deck told the Quarterly Business Analysis breakfast on Friday that the recovery is going to drag on for a while longer.

University of Arkansas startup Silicon Solar Solutions recently made more news, but not for earning another round of funding or excelling in another prestigious business plan competition.