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, which offers Launch, Propel and […]

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications now through Jan. 31 for the 2024 Athene Black and Brown Business Summit pitch competition. Applicants must be a for-profit business that is 51% minority owned and has been in business for at least two years. The selected businesses will be invited to participate in […]

Ramco will continue operating Maple Studios, director says Sheffield-based Sukup Manufacturing Co. announced Dec. 15 its acquisition of West Des Moines-based automation distributor Ramco Innovations. According to a news release, the acquisition will form a new entity known as Sukup Innovations, which will oversee Ramco Innovations and Sukup Innovations’ agtech offerings. “This collaboration represents a significant milestone […]

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the 10 graduates of the second cohort of the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator. The business owners completed a seven-month program centered around case-based peer learning, management skills and building networks to help them grow their businesses. The program uses curriculum from Boston-based nonprofit Interise and is sponsored […]

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 will include networking opportunities. The […]

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 as 2023: Develop, attract and […]

innovationIOWA is sharing profiles of the current members of Maple Studios, a startup studio for early-stage industrial technology companies based on the campus of Ramco Innovations in West Des Moines. Bailey Steinfadt, founder and lead engineer of Stone Path Engineering, shares more about the company below. For recent coverage of Maple Studios, visit innovationia.com. Know a […]