Buena Vista University’s computer science program earned first and second place at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium held in April. This academic conference celebrates excellence in computer science education and innovation across the Upper Midwest. Held in Minneapolis, the event brought together 34 teams from colleges and universities in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota […]
The ISU Startup Factory is looking to hire two entrepreneurs-in-residence to mentor and guide founders through the early stages of building a scalable business. The roles are part time, flexible contract positions (about eight hours per week). Responsibilities include working one-on-one with startup teams, delivering and supporting program content, sharing expertise in IP, funding, pitch prep and […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority board on May 15 approved assistance for four startups in Ankeny, Eldora, Indianola and Iowa City. Ankeny-based Koos Medical Innovations, LLC patented a disposable isolation gown that ensures a custom fit for every patient to reduce the risk of health care-associated infections. The design intends to provide more consistent protection […]
The Technology Association of Iowa has launched a new subcommittee dedicated to shaping the future of artificial intelligence policy in Iowa. Formed under the association’s broader public policy committee, the group will provide expertise, context and recommendations on proposed legislation impacting the state’s ability to lead in emerging technologies. Comprised of technology executives and government […]
Established in 2021, the city of Des Moines’ Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program has awarded $1.5 million in matching funds to support mid- and large-scale renovations of more than two dozen buildings in key neighborhood corridors across Des Moines. The program has extended the life of buildings in neighborhoods like the Highland Park and Drake neighborhoods […]
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa is launching the Rural Compost Operations and Compost Use Training Project, which aims to teach attendees how to compost food waste, including best management practices and strategies to use compost to protect local water resources from pollutants and contaminants. The project is funded by the United States Department […]
Big Grove Brewery has launched a new micro-grant program to offer direct funding to local projects aiming to enhance or revitalize neighborhoods. The grants will be funded by sales of Big Grove’s new lager, Neighborhood Beer, with $1 for every case sold going back to the grant program. Big Grove has created a private nonprofit […]
Lisa Shimkat, state director of America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa, has been appointed the associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration and the acting associate administrator for the Office of International Trade. Shimkat has led SBDC Iowa, which has 15 regional centers across the state, since 2014. Under her leadership, […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is awarding Rural Innovation Grants, totaling more than $275,000, to 20 Iowa small businesses. The grant program, part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa initiative, supports nontraditional ideas that address critical issues faced by communities that have both fewer than 20,000 people and are not located next to a […]
The Iowa Rural Development Council is accepting nominations now through Jan. 15 for the Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards. The awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to improving and advancing rural development in Iowa. The three award categories are: The awards will be presented at the IRDC’s 2025 Iowa […]