The organizers of the 2026 Global Insurance Symposium (GIS) have announced this year’s agenda and topics. With the theme of “Insurance in an Era of Possibilities,” this year’s symposium celebrates the convergence of global capital, innovation, technology and human-centered strategy that’s reshaping the insurance industry. “We’re witnessing a renaissance in…
The Community Broadband Action Network Corp. announced that its board of directors has selected Curtis Dean to serve as the organization’s first full-time executive director. Dean, who co-founded CBAN alongside Jon Willow and Todd Kielkopf, has served as the organization’s volunteer executive director since May 2024. He began his full-time…
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2026 Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit Pitch Competition. The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. All pitch competition applicants are invited to the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit on April 14-15, at the Sheraton West…
The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will hold the IDEA Camp for sixth- through eighth-grade students on Feb. 16. IDEA Camp guides young innovators through the stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. According to a news release, IDEA Camp…
The Iowa Startup Accelerator is now accepting applications for its seven-week evening program designed to help Iowa-based companies strengthen branding, marketing, prospecting, sales and revenue-growth strategies. The program includes educational workshops and presentations, pitch development and feedback, access to JPEC Venture Mentoring Services for targeted industry and vertical coaching and…
The Technology Association of Iowa has announced its 2026 state and federal principles and policy priorities ahead of the upcoming Iowa legislative session. Developed in partnership with TAI’s Public Policy Committee, these priorities will guide the association’s policy efforts in the year ahead. “We are excited to advance policies that…
Des Moines-based nonprofit Pi515 has announced its next Day of Innovation on April 23, 2026. This all-day experience will bring the community together to spotlight the talent of youth and celebrate the future of work. In its 12th year, participants will gather for workshops, industry conversations, inspiring speakers and student-led…
The National Academy of Inventors has elected Iowa State University agronomy professor Patrick Schnable as one of its 2025 fellows. Schnable has founded five startups in his 37 years as an Iowa State faculty member and holds 17 U.S. utility patents and two plant variety protections. Schnable joins a class…
The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center wrapped up an end-of-semester Pitch Showcase for its startup incubator program on Dec. 12 at Merge Iowa City. A total of $5,000 was awarded in two categories. Savanna Kaczynski and WedGen won first place and $1,000 in the Tech/Student Lifestyle category. WedGen…
The state of Iowa, through its Empower Rural Iowa task force, will provide dollars to expand the number of communities selected in the Iowa Rural Development Council’s Rural Business Initiative grant program. Last month, the council announced the selection of five small-business-focused projects for grants of at least $30,000. That…