Iowa State University Of Science And Technology

This project is an effort among Iowa State University, the ISU Research Park, the ISU Startup Factory, Ag Startup Engine, and Agriculture Entrepreneurship Initiative to address key gaps in the innovation ecosystem in the Central Iowa region. These gaps include a lack of accelerator programs aimed at supporting startups focusing on commercializing food technology innovations (broadly defined for this project as food production, food safety and new food products) that will address the current and looming global food security challenges, and the need to link companies in rural states to experienced advisers or mentors and investors. At the end of the project, ISU expects to support 60 new companies that will launch 15 new innovations or technologies, raise $9 million in private investments, and create 120 new jobs.