Events · 2026–2027

Where Iowa builders gather.

Iowa's startup events, startup weeks in nearby states, and every pitch competition and funding deadline worth putting on your calendar.

01 / The calendar

Every date in one place.

Nov 2026

10Nov 10–13
SPARK WeekFree with code FREE2026
IowaSioux City, IA
12Nov 12
Iowa Business Hackathon Ours. 40 women business owners, one build day, $49
IowaElevator, Des Moines
13Nov 13
SXSW Pitch applications close Pitch on the SXSW stage in March in front of VCs, angels and press
FundingOnline
16Nov 16–21
Nebraska Startup Week A week of founder events across Nebraska, run by Open Range
Other statesOmaha and Lincoln, NE
17Nov 17
Iowa Angel Investor SummitMeet Iowa angels. Half price with code SUMMIT50
FundingDes Moines
19Nov 19
Women's Entrepreneurship DayA day celebrating women founders
IowaWorldwide, with a Des Moines gathering
30Nov 30
YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge applications close$20,000 prize for Iowa startups and college students
FundingOnline

Dec 2026

19Dec 19
BrokerTech Ventures applications closeInsurtech accelerator with $500K+ in seed funding per cohort
FundingOnline

Jan 2027

JanJanuary
Iowa Startup Factory cohort starts18 weeks for tech-enabled Iowa companies
IowaIowa State University, Ames
22Jan 22
Iowa Startup Accelerator applications closeSpring 2027 cohort: seven weeks of evening sessions on sales and growth
FundingOnline
27Jan 27
YPO Innovation Challenge live pitchFinalists pitch for the $20,000 prize
FundingHolmes Murphy, West Des Moines

Mar 2027

13Mar 13–16
SXSW EDU Education and workforce innovation
Other statesAustin, TX
15Mar 15–21
SXSW Includes the SXSW Pitch finals
Other statesAustin, TX

May 2027

MayMid-May
Pappajohn Venture Competition applications due $100,000 in cash prizes for Iowa startups. The 2026 deadline was May 15
FundingOnline, statewide

Jun 2027

JunJune
EntreFEST Iowa's founder conference, with a $15,000 pitch competition in 2026
IowaIowa City

Aug 2027

AugAugust
Pappajohn Venture Competition finalsFinalists pitch and winners are named the same day
FundingIowa

Sep 2027

SepMid-September
Colorado Startup Week Free, and one of the largest startup weeks in the country
Other statesDenver, CO
SepMid-September
Twin Cities Startup Week Launch, industry, innovation, investor and community days
Other statesMinneapolis and Saint Paul, MN
FallFall
Iowa Startup Week 2027Home of Best of the Midwest, a $25,000 pitch prize, and the Buyer's Club investor showcase
IowaDes Moines

Nov 2027

NovNovember
Nebraska Startup WeekExpected again in November
Other statesOmaha and Lincoln, NE

2027 events without announced dates are listed by month, based on when each one usually runs. We update them as organizers confirm.

02 / Every week

1 Million Cups, Wednesday mornings.

Founders pitch and the room helps. Elevator Spaces, Des Moines. The easiest way to meet Iowa's startup community this week.

Running an event Iowa builders should know about?

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