Empower Rural Iowa, an initiative under the Iowa Economic Development Authority created to advance growth and investment in rural Iowa, has adopted a new strategic focus centered on finding innovative ideas with potential to scale statewide. A new executive order signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in October updated Empower Rural Iowa’s mission to…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds are: Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR), Demonstration Fund and the Innovation Acceleration Fund,…
The Iowa Biotechnology Association, in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Bio Nebraska, has announced the launch of Bio Innovations Midwest, a new event designed to “propel the growth of biomanufacturing” in the Midwest. The event will feature prearranged 1-2-1 commercial meetings followed by a conference that…
The Technology Association of Iowa has announced its 2024 state and federal legislative priorities. Several of the industry association’s state-level priorities remained the same from 2023, including connectivity, cybersecurity, data privacy and business growth. Additions for 2024 are artificial intelligence and workforce. TAI’s 2024 federal policy agenda has the same three priorities…
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday in the U.S. government’s first move to regulate artificial intelligence. CNBC reports that the order issues specific directives to a range of federal agencies, establishes guidance for how federal agencies use AI and creates requirements for some companies that are developing AI tools. According…
The Department of Management Division of Information Technology, formerly the Office of the Chief Information Officer, has awarded $148,960,000 as part of the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant program. Awards are going to 39 broadband providers in 47 Iowa counties. This round of grant funds will be used to incentivize…
TAI hosting Cybersecurity Action Month events during OctoberThe Technology Association of Iowa is hosting a series of events throughout October in partnership with Iowa technology companies in recognition of Cybersecurity Action Month. Nationally, October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Last year, TAI and Heartland Business Systems, formerly Pratum, launched a partnership to also…
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Sept. 14 the formation of the Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect Iowa livestock from foreign animal diseases. Though the threat of…
Finding the resources to start a business is one of the first tasks new entrepreneurs will always need to navigate, and a new tool from the Greater Des Moines Partnership is aiming to provide an “easier on-ramp” to the existing pathways and resources. The Resource Compass is an online platform of entrepreneurial…
Bunker Labs Des Moines, a nonprofit supporting veterans and military spouses starting their own businesses, is looking for a new volunteer entrepreneur ambassador. According to the Bunker Labs website, the Entrepreneur Ambassador program includes a 12-month training for individuals who are already established leaders in their community and well-positioned to build…