The 2025 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The 20th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures.
The $100,000 in seed funding includes a $50,000 contribution from the late John Pappajohn, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The goal of the competition is to support Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by assisting entrepreneurs. Iowa businesses that have been in operation for four years or less, or are not yet cash flow positive, are eligible to apply. This competition is open to businesses including, but not limited to, technology, biotechnology, green technologies, medical, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, engineering and education industries.
The deadline for first round submissions is 11:59 p.m. May 12. Second-round submissions for select applicants are due by 11:59 p.m. July 14, with the final round pitch taking place on Aug. 22. Winners will be announced that day. Participants will be judged first on their written submissions; those who advance to the final round of the competition will give a formal presentation to a panel of judges. First place will be awarded $40,000, second place $25,000 and third place $15,000. Awards for other honorable mention categories will total up to $20,000.
The competition is a collaborative program among the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa.
To apply, visit www.pappajohncompetition.com.