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 be a group that “functions […]
The Global Insurance Accelerator has announced seven companies that will participate in the 2024 accelerator program beginning Jan. 10. The 100-day program will operate in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual portions, concluding with the companies’ presentations at the Global Insurance Symposium on April 17. The GIA has also hired Jenni Gruenisen as its […]
During 2023, innovationIOWA covered stories of innovation and entrepreneurship across Iowa, including the expansion of Maple Studios to the Quad Cities, Techstars Startup Weekend returning to Des Moines for the first time in seven years and the launch of Novy, Iowa’s first venture studio. Below are the five most-read innovationIOWA stories in 2023. Revisit more […]
The Iowa Biotechnology Association is accepting nominations for the Iowa Biotech Leader of the Year Award through Friday, Jan. 12. The Iowa Biotech Leader Award aims to honor exceptional individuals who have shown leadership within their organizations and the industry, consistently delivered innovative biotech solutions, and actively advocated for Iowa’s biotechnology sector. The winner of […]
As I was wrapping up 2023 and preparing for 2024 last week, I read through Diana Wright’s final Startup Iowa Hot List newsletter of the year. She included a story in her introduction reflecting on expanding entrepreneurial communities through one of her experiences participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program. Read more […]
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. Laura Formanek is the creative director and owner of the Studio Process, a full-service video production company. She runs the business full time and currently works […]
InnoVenture Iowa, the first public venture capital fund in Iowa, has added three new companies to its investment portfolio since the second quarter, it has announced. The fund began co-investing in early-stage, Iowa-based startups in bioscience, advanced manufacturing and information technology in 2023. A list of all of InnoVenture Iowa’s investments to date is available here. The […]
The U.S. Department of Economic Administration has chosen the Center for Industrial Research and Service to continue its role in the national University Center program. According to a news release, the designation, along with a five-year grant, will provide CIRAS with the resources needed to enhance its support for Iowa’s construction industry. CIRAS will focus […]
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 […]