INNOVATIVE PLACES: Iowa State University Computation + Construction Lab

The work of the Iowa State University Computation + Construction Lab can pop up anywhere. An art piece called Bluestem at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid pays homage to Iowa’s tallgrass prairies; 80 student-designed, 3D-printed clay vases given to Iowa State donors for President Wendy Wintersteen’s inauguration likely sit scattered…

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Meeting the moment

How Iowa suppliers contributed in the race to build personal protective equipment Early on in 2020, headlines of product shortages began hitting the screens and newstands. Consumers worried about finding diapers, toilet paper and disinfectant spray; organizations employing essential workers were suddenly seeking personal protective equipment for their staff. Chris…

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HOW DOES IT WORK: How thoughtful design and a few digital unicorns shape consumer mobile apps

Founders who target millennial and rising Gen Z consumers with app services have a design challenge. Apps are competing for engagement and interest against the likes of leisure giants Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — now, upcoming financial and insurance startups are taking a design cue from these platforms to…

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GET TO KNOW: ClinicNote

A Central Iowa electronic medical record startup finds opportunity among small practices and university education A Central Iowa startup built its business helping speech-language pathologists and audiologists communicate effectively with their patients’ health care insurance providers. Now, ClinicNote’s management of electronic medical records is reaching private practitioners and medical students…

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Ethanol producer uses new technology to make higher-protein animal feed ingredient

Flint Hills making NextPro protein at Shell Rock ethanol plant A Kansas-based ethanol producer is tapping into the byproducts of the production process at one of its Iowa plants to create a higher-protein ingredient that can be used in livestock feed and pet food. Flint Hills Resources LLC is producing…

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Schools pivot in face of pandemic, find partners to connect students to internet

How the sudden transition to online learning in 2020 pushed four Iowa school districts to arrange internet access for students in need in a matter of months. “Broadband internet should be widely available like any other utility.” Four Iowa school districts from across the state echoed this declaration after reviewing…

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BrokerTech Ventures drives collaboration in insurance brokerage industry

Holmes Murphy a founding co-leader of initiative BrokerTech Ventures is breaking new ground in bringing a more entrepreneurial mindset to the insurance brokerage industry. Conceptualized by Iowa-based insurance brokerage Holmes Murphy in 2019, the technology solutions and innovation initiative rapidly set up its operations and began producing tangible outcomes in…

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