Our initiatives
One mission. Seven ways in.
Each initiative has a plain name that says what it does, and together they tell one story: bring people together, turn ideas into businesses and build a stronger Iowa.
01 / Iowa Business Hackathon
Bring an idea. Find your people. Build something that matters.
Founders, companies, students and problem-solvers take on one real challenge in a day and leave with working solutions.
Next: Nov 12 at Elevator, Des Moines
Get a ticket →02 / Iowa Startup Network
Every great business starts somewhere.
We meet new businesses the week they form. Through Startology, our accelerator, your first year is built for free: formation, brand, website, a customer test and a launch plan.
Open now
Start free at Startology →
03 / Corporate Innovation Partnerships
Your next great business relationship might be a startup.
Established companies get first look at Iowa founders, talent and new technology, and bring their problems to our hackathons.
Founding seats open for 2027
Partner with us →04 / Iowa Career Routes
Every route to a great career, starting in high school.
High school students get paid routes into apprenticeships at partner companies, jobs at Iowa startups or a business of their own.
Pilot launches in 2027
Bring it to your school →
05 / Iowa Investment Network
More capital. More connections. More possibilities.
Investors meet promising Iowa founders early, and good businesses find the capital to grow.
Coming in 2027
Join the list →06 / Women Build Iowa
Keep her. Back her. Hire her.
Relationships, resources, investment and visibility for the women building Iowa businesses.
Open now
Get involved →
07 / Iowa Innovation Economy Report
Progress deserves to be measured.
Every year: businesses formed, jobs created, investment attracted, partnerships made and problems being solved.
First report in 2027
See what we measure →