Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 14 on Aug. 16 directing the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council “to ensure that every Iowa student in every geographic location and from every background has access to cutting-edge educational opportunities.” The STEM Advisory Council was first established in July 2011 by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and chaired…
Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, has some advice for anyone who wants to work in fundraising. Spend time in sales. Prior to becoming CEO, she worked in pharmaceutical sales, among other experiences. “It taught me to not take rejection personally,” she said. “It also taught me that no doesn’t…
The Iowa Department of Management has released a new broadband grant opportunity for internet service providers. A total of $400 million is available through the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program with funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment fund administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This round…
America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa has announced the appointment of Austin Strawhacker as its new state director. He succeeds Lisa Shimkat, who was recently appointed associate administrator of field operations and acting associate administrator for the Office of International Trade at the U.S. Small Business Administration. In his new role, Strawhacker will oversee…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…