Seven Iowa-based small businesses received AI implementation service offers valued at $335,000 after completing the AI Services Challenge held Feb. 16–18 at the BioVentures Center in Coralville. The event was a partnership among Iowa JPEC, the Iowa Small Business Development Center, Amazon Web Services, and PREDICTif Solutions. The awards will support machine learning and AI-driven solutions, including generative AI tools, predictive analytics, data infrastructure and other resources that help automate processes and enhance decision-making. The February event builds on a traditional pitch competition held three months earlier, where more than $250,000 in AI services was awarded. In total, more than $580,000 in AI resources has been committed to Iowa entrepreneurs since November 2025. Participating companies included Ambient Grid, Design Lab, Elev8 Health, Pani Clean, Recap Books, Retention Insights, and Steerclear Mirrors. “I’m excited by this momentum and the value we’re delivering to Iowa founders,” said Dana Rupe, director of Iowa JPEC, in a prepared statement. “I look forward to expanding this partnership and growing our AI-focused initiatives.”
