The Iowa Economic Development Authority board awarded July 18 funding to three Iowa startups based in Ames, Des Moines and Urbandale.
Ames-based NarrateAR Inc. was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for product refinement, key personnel and market planning and entry activities. The company has created a product to better support K-12 students with learning differences. The AI-driven platform, Ama AI, is a personalized learning companion, integrating and processing data from multiple sources to ensure lessons remain engaging, accessible and tailored to individual learning needs.
Des Moines biotech company NutriDent was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for IP development and evaluation, product refinement and market planning and entry activities. The startup is focused on biocompatible, sustainable oral care solutions for consumers seeking natural, fluoride-free alternatives. DenTab, the company’s initial product offering, is a slow-dissolving dental tablet that uses natural compounds found in teeth to strengthen enamel and promote a balanced oral microbiome.
Force Fitters, based in Urbandale, was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for product refinement and key personnel. The company developed an apparel management solution to reduce inefficiencies and administrative burdens associated with outfitting employees, particularly those requiring safety apparel and utilizing employee allowances. Its proprietary technology is delivered through an e-commerce platform customized for each client’s needs.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
