Scale your growth with Iowa's best accelerators & incubators

The influential annual program situated in Des Moines, Iowa, is dedicated to scaling innovative technology startups. As one of the largest pre-seed investors, it aims to facilitate capital flow to entrepreneurs with a focus on vital industries in the Midwest and beyond. The immersive 13-week program supports teams by providing access to essential financial, human, and intellectual capital, as well as invaluable mentorship and ecosystem exploration. The 2022 accelerator class included ten remarkable startups that operate across diverse sectors, including agriculture tech, augmented reality, edtech, environmental technology, fintech, healthcare tech, renewable energy, and SaaS. Key individuals behind the initiative include notable founders such as Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, and David Cohen. With a commitment to innovation and connectivity, this program serves as a catalyst for growth in the tech startup landscape.

Techstars Iowa Accelerator's Website

Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) is a mentor-driven accelerator pioneering innovation in the insurance industry by supporting startups targeting global insurance markets. The institution focuses on early-stage insurtech startups developing disruptive products, providing initial investments, valuable insights, and key connections. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, at the heart of the U.S. insurance industry, the organization offers a unique ecosystem of insurance professionals and global organizations as mentors, exclusive to the insurance sector. It invests in startups, aiding in product-market fit validation, and ensuring readiness for growth. With top insurance companies as investors, the accelerator offers customer insights, pilot programs, and ongoing opportunities. The 15-week accelerator program comprises three phases: Orientation and Validation, Product Development and Customer Traction, and Scaling and Demo Day Preparation. GIA specializes in insurtech solutions across various domains while providing networking opportunities, exposure to leading carriers, and fostering innovation within the insurance industry. Notable founders include Brian Hemesath. Successful alumni such as Jack Kudale from Cowbell have attributed their success to GIA's support and guidance, emphasizing the role of the accelerator in propelling insurtech visionaries towards success.

Global Insurance Accelerator's Website

The Start Something program at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University was founded in 2005 and stands as a premier initiative for cultivating agricultural entrepreneurs globally. The Ag Startup Engine, an accelerator within the university's Research Park, is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative agricultural startups. Its structured pathway offers entrepreneurs the necessary resources to evolve from initial business concepts to investment-ready ventures, emphasizing mentorship, rapid prototyping, product development, and customer acquisition. This initiative particularly nurtures students from CALS, encouraging them to explore business ideas, launch startups, and connect with successful entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. The program focuses on domains such as agricultural technology, precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and food technology. The commitment to innovation and technology transfer is a defining aspect of the Ag Startup Engine, equipping participants with invaluable industry insights and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in the agricultural sector.

Iowa State University - Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative's Website

The first and largest broker-led insurtech ecosystem globally serves as a dynamic hub for innovation, ideation, investment, and communication within the insurance industry. It specializes in connecting startups with insurance brokers who offer mentorship, pilot programs, and potential purchasing opportunities. The accelerator invests $50,000 into each participating startup through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), emphasizing broker-centric solutions across various domains including claims, underwriting, distribution, and customer experience. The 2024 cohort showcases promising startups, such as one from Basking Ridge, NJ, which automates quote comparison and policy management, and another from San Francisco, CA, that offers no-code tools for insurance data collection. Previous participants include a New York-based startup enabling brokers to facilitate cyber insurance for middle-market businesses. Founded by Daniel Keough, the organization not only facilitates access to crucial industry expertise and a network of insurance professionals but also promotes collaboration to bring validated solutions to the insurance market. This accelerator is a pivotal player in fostering the growth of insurtech innovations.

BrokerTech Ventures's Website

An accelerator and incubator based in Iowa City, Iowa, specializes in investments within the healthcare technology sector, including healthcare software and medical devices. The organization has made a total of 11 investments in various companies, with notable portfolio entities such as CartilaGen, which focuses on drug discovery; SynderBio, involved in biotechnology product development; and Farapulse, a surgical device company generating revenue. Other significant companies in the portfolio include Geminii Health, specializing in therapeutic devices, and Iotamotion, which operates in the surgical devices domain. The institution has achieved 4 successful exits, including Farapulse, which exited in August 2021, and Immortagen, which exited in March 2016. The program primarily supports early-stage companies that are pre-revenue and pre-investment, aiming to prepare them for growth and funding opportunities. While specific details about the duration of the program are not disclosed, they are committed to working closely with participants to enhance their business prospects. With a focus on the healthcare sector and a robust investment strategy, it positions itself as a key player in the innovation landscape.

UIVentures's Website

The institution is a private/public sponsored business accelerator established in 2003, dedicated to enhancing economic growth in Iowa, particularly within the Technology Corridor. It supports startup, early-stage, and established businesses, fostering their development and scaling potential. Specializing in various industries, including Agriculture Tech, Consumer Electronics, General Tech, Healthcare Tech, and SaaS, the organization empowers entrepreneurial ventures to thrive in a competitive landscape. Under the leadership of founder Curtis R. Nelson, the accelerator plays a pivotal role in nurturing innovation and driving commerce in the region. Recognized as a key player in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iowa, it contributes significantly to the local economy.

Entrepreneurial Development Center's Website

Established in 1996, this pivotal resource located at the Iowa State University Research Park is dedicated to fostering the growth of tech companies. It serves students, faculty, alumni, and other innovators throughout Iowa, emphasizing practical support and comprehensive training to facilitate the transition from ideas to successful enterprises. The organization hosts several key initiatives, including CYstarters, an 11-week summer accelerator program that provides funding, mentorship, and skill development for young entrepreneurs. Additional offerings include the CyBIZ Lab for student consulting, a College-by-College Pitch Off competition, and the ISU Startup Factory incubator, which offers essential resources and guidance for startups. Founders are equipped with critical sales skills through the Startup Sales Fundamentals Series, and the institution actively promotes innovation within various tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mobile apps, and robotics. The commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs is evidenced by a robust support network and diverse programming, ensuring that participants can effectively engage their entrepreneurial ambitions.

ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship's Website

Situated in Iowa State University's Research Park, the Iowa State University - Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is dedicated to supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs in Iowa. The organization provides programs and services that connect students, community entrepreneurs, business professionals, and alumni. One of the prominent initiatives is CYstarters, an 11-week intensive summer accelerator empowering young entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and skill development. The center also houses the ISU Startup Factory, an incubator program guiding startups towards growth through resources, training, and networking. The center hosts events like the College-by-College Pitch Off, where students can pitch ideas and win prizes, and offers the Startup Sales Fundamentals Series to equip founders with essential sales skills. Participants benefit from networking with mentors and professionals, business training courses, and innovation opportunities through Iowa State's Start Something Network. Known for its sector-agnostic approach, the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship serves as a vital link between entrepreneurship education, experiential learning, and venture creation resources.

Iowa State University - Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship's Website

Situated in Ames, Iowa, this vibrant technology community and incubator covers over 500 acres and encompasses more than 800,000 square feet of developed building space. It serves upwards of 100 tenant companies, including the world headquarters for two publicly traded firms and major research and development facilities for 10 others. The park has significantly contributed to statewide economic growth, with five companies having gone public and several others achieving notable liquidity events. The accelerator programs include the Ag Startup Engine, which focuses on innovative agricultural startups by providing funding, mentorship, and support, and the ISU Startup Factory, a pre-incubator that has launched over 45 startups, creating 70 jobs and securing $20 million in external funding. CyStarters is another accelerator dedicated to fostering student entrepreneurship. With access to university resources, including talent management and specialized equipment, the organization supports the growth of various industries, particularly in agriculture tech and general tech. By facilitating collaboration and idea exchange, it plays a crucial role in driving innovation and technology transfer.

Iowa State University Research Park Corporation's Website

Known as NewBoCo, this nonprofit organization based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to position Iowa as a global hub for impactful startups, boasting world-class talent and significant social impact. The mission emphasizes the creation of a diverse and inclusive community supporting individuals with ambitious ideas, providing programs designed for entrepreneurs at various stages, from idea validation to scaling. Initiatives are led by experienced entrepreneurs committed to giving back to the community, with a particular focus on technology-based startups in agriculture, health, education, and transportation sectors. Emerging from the resilient spirit of Eastern Iowa post-2008 flood, it was inspired by successful startup ecosystems nationwide and has since aimed to build a vibrant entrepreneurial community throughout the state. Key programs include the Iowa EdTech Accelerator, which collaborates with regional business resources and education industry leaders to accelerate educational technology startups. The organization offers access to an extensive network of mentors, coworking spaces, educational programs, and other resources, positioning itself as a pivotal player in cultivating a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iowa. It was founded by Amanda West.

New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative's Website

Located at the University of Iowa, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is a prominent hub for entrepreneurship education and outreach in the Cedar Valley. The center offers various programs to support individuals and teams, including the Startup Incubator. This program provides access to experts, resources, collaborative workspaces, mentoring, funding opportunities, workshops, marketing support, and networking. Additionally, the center runs the Early Founders Program, focusing on nurturing early-stage startups through mentorship and networking. JPEC specializes in various domains to support innovators across Iowa, having supported 2,816 startup companies and awarded $3.15 million in seed money. Over 50,418 students have participated in JPEC courses, highlighting the dedication to fostering entrepreneurship among University of Iowa students. With a sector-agnostic approach, the center empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, drives innovation, and leaves a notable impact on the startup ecosystem in Iowa.

University of Iowa - John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Website

The center is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs through a comprehensive approach centered on lean methodology. It emphasizes a customer-centric framework that enhances creativity while minimizing risk and maximizing customer value. Key services for entrepreneurs include business feasibility analysis, business plan preparation, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The organization connects entrepreneurs with successful mentors and provides access to professional resources, including guidance on commercial and small business lending. Additionally, the center hosts the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy, aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs, with applications due by May 17, 2024. Specialization spans various industries, as it collaborates with entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. This institution not only aids in de-risking startups but also supports ongoing product and service innovation, thereby equipping both aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to navigate the business landscape successfully.

NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's Website