Applications for the 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition are now open. The 21st annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures. 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 in industries including, but not limited to, technology, biotechnology, green technology, medical, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, engineering and education. The deadline for first round submissions is May 15. The final pitches will be held Aug. 19 and the winners will be announced that day. 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. The JPECs together contribute $50,000 of the prize money, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
