Here at InnoVenture Iowa, we believe in helping good things grow.

That’s why we are proud to announce the first annual InnoVenture Challenge, a pitch competition that will bring together three innovative startups to compete on-stage for a $100,000 non-dilutive cash prize. This competition is open to any Iowa-based, early-stage startup company in bioscience, advanced manufacturing or information technology.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by our partners at BioConnect Iowa, Next Level Ventures, ISAV and Maple Studios.  Three (3) finalists will be invited to present their companies before a panel of judges on December 7^th at the Temple Theater in downtown Des Moines. One company will receive a $100,000 award to help catapult their growth into 2023 and beyond.

This Challenge seeks to shine a light on Iowa’s brightest innovators and provide the capital they need to catalyze their momentum. We’ll be working with all three regent universities, as well as local startup hubs, coworking spaces and accelerator programs to encourage entrepreneurs from across the state to apply.

Iowa is leading the nation in deep tech; together, we can bring these transformative innovations forth. Please join us on December 7 to watch the final pitches in downtown Des Moines, and if you know a startup seeking funding, encourage them to apply on or before November 15 at www.innoventureiowa.com.