innovate link

Entrepreneurship is
innovation in action.

 Get your startup off the ground. Connect with real-world entrepreneurs. Take business training courses. Whatever you want when it comes to entrepreneurship, the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is here for you.

Get Involved

Since 1996, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs across the state succeed, including Iowa State students, faculty, and alumni along with Iowan innovators and business owners. From our entrepreneurship-focused programs like CYstarters, to friendly competitions like our College-by-College Pitch Off, to resources like our ISU Startup Factory incubator and more, here you can find tools and support to help you engage your inner innovator.

And since we’re part of Iowa State’s Start Something Network, you can be confident that you’ll always have access to the latest in innovation opportunities.
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Here to help you get started.

Maybe you’re an aspiring business owner who wants help with a business plan. Maybe you’re a faculty member who wants to learn how to bring out your innovative side. Maybe you’re a student who’s not even sure what entrepreneurship is all about, but you’re intrigued. Whatever stage you’re in, at the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, we’re here to help.

Contact Us

You can email us at info@isupjcenter.org. Or call us at 515-296-6532. Or see us during office hours.

Because if you can dream it, we can help you do it. Even if you’re not quite sure what “it” is just yet.

Events

March 28, 2026
Smart Start Workshop

SMART START WORKSHOP Saturday, March 28, 2026 Location: ISU Research Park Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl, Ames, IA 50010 The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance will be hosting a “crash course” workshop for anyone who has ever considered starting…

SMART START WORKSHOP Saturday, March 28, 2026 Location: ISU Research Park Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl, Ames, IA 50010 The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance will be hosting a “crash course” workshop for anyone who has ever considered starting…

SMART START WORKSHOP Saturday, March 28, 2026 Location: ISU Research Park Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Pl, Ames, IA 50010 The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance will be hosting a “crash course” workshop for anyone who has ever considered starting…

Details >
March 30, 2026
Beyond Borders: International Student Entrepreneurship Information Session

 If you are an international student interested in starting a business or startup and want to learn more about the rules for entrepreneurship as well as pathways after graduation, join an information session on Monday March 30, 4:30-6pm at the Memorial Union, Room 3580. The ISU Student Government IDEA Committee…

 If you are an international student interested in starting a business or startup and want to learn more about the rules for entrepreneurship as well as pathways after graduation, join an information session on Monday March 30, 4:30-6pm at the Memorial Union, Room 3580. The ISU Student Government IDEA Committee…

 If you are an international student interested in starting a business or startup and want to learn more about the rules for entrepreneurship as well as pathways after graduation, join an information session on Monday March 30, 4:30-6pm at the Memorial Union, Room 3580. The ISU Student Government IDEA Committee…

Details >
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News

March 20, 2026
Rise Energy Selected for DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative

Distribution Statement “A” (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited) Rise Energy Selected for DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative, Secures $340,000 to Commercialize Autothermal Pyrolysis Technology  Ames, Iowa (March 23, 2026) — Rise Energy has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative (EEI), securing $340,000 in non-dilutive…

Distribution Statement “A” (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited) Rise Energy Selected for DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative, Secures $340,000 to Commercialize Autothermal Pyrolysis Technology  Ames, Iowa (March 23, 2026) — Rise Energy has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative (EEI), securing $340,000 in non-dilutive…

Distribution Statement “A” (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited) Rise Energy Selected for DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative, Secures $340,000 to Commercialize Autothermal Pyrolysis Technology  Ames, Iowa (March 23, 2026) — Rise Energy has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative (EEI), securing $340,000 in non-dilutive…

Details >
March 12, 2026
A Faster Way to Solve Big Business Challenges: The CyBIZ Lab Case Competition Format

A Faster Way to Solve Big Business Challenges: The CyBIZ Lab Case Competition Format   For years, companies have partnered with CyBIZ Lab for semester-long consulting projects which are immersive, 3–4 month engagements that deliver one highly refined solution.  But what if your company needs multiple ideas fast?  CyBIZ Lab’s case competition format offers a shorter-term, high-impact alternative. Instead…

A Faster Way to Solve Big Business Challenges: The CyBIZ Lab Case Competition Format   For years, companies have partnered with CyBIZ Lab for semester-long consulting projects which are immersive, 3–4 month engagements that deliver one highly refined solution.  But what if your company needs multiple ideas fast?  CyBIZ Lab’s case competition format offers a shorter-term, high-impact alternative. Instead…

A Faster Way to Solve Big Business Challenges: The CyBIZ Lab Case Competition Format   For years, companies have partnered with CyBIZ Lab for semester-long consulting projects which are immersive, 3–4 month engagements that deliver one highly refined solution.  But what if your company needs multiple ideas fast?  CyBIZ Lab’s case competition format offers a shorter-term, high-impact alternative. Instead…

Details >
March 12, 2026
Turning Data Into Shelf Space: A Student Project with Merck Animal Health

Turning Data Into Shelf Space: A Student Project with Merck Animal Health Merck Animal Health has spent more than 130 years advancing healthcare through medicines, vaccines, and cutting-edge research for both humans and animals. Today, the company continues to compete in a crowded production animal health market alongside major brands such as…

Turning Data Into Shelf Space: A Student Project with Merck Animal Health Merck Animal Health has spent more than 130 years advancing healthcare through medicines, vaccines, and cutting-edge research for both humans and animals. Today, the company continues to compete in a crowded production animal health market alongside major brands such as…

Turning Data Into Shelf Space: A Student Project with Merck Animal Health Merck Animal Health has spent more than 130 years advancing healthcare through medicines, vaccines, and cutting-edge research for both humans and animals. Today, the company continues to compete in a crowded production animal health market alongside major brands such as…

Details >
All News >

They Don't Want You To Know This...

But entrepreneurs are some of the most fascinating people. But why do we find them so fascinating?

  • Entrepreneurs Start something + take lead
  • Entrepreneurs Vision + create where they want to be + are open to the possibilities
  • Entrepreneurs Pursue their passions and don’t fall for normalcy.
  • Entrepreneurs Live a self-directed life + are committed to not give up
  • Entrepreneurs Succeed or fail fast—But one thing is for certain, they’re always learning

So whether you come from an entrepreneurial background or maybe you just learned how to spell entre-pre-neur,

We believe that an adventure in entrepreneurship is worth starting while at Iowa State.

Start Your Entrebold Adventure At ISU

Grab the Starter Kit

Get to Know the Ames Entrepreneurial Landscape

It’s an exciting time for entrepreneurship in Ames…

Now, more than ever the resources, the minds + the ability to overcome, grow + be bold is apparent.

And guess what?

We would love to help you in anyway we can — whether it’s a connection within Iowa State, a live-case study for your business led by a student team, business counseling and training, or locating space within ISU Research Park.

Help us get to know you + where you fit in the entrepreneurial landscape in Ames!

Join the EntreBold Network

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers offer a comprehensive entrepreneurial program for learning.  My goal in establishing the centers is to educate and train adults and students to give them confidence…so that they can become successful entrepreneurs.

John Pappajohn Philanthropist & Founder and CEO of Equity Dynamics, Inc

The Pappajohn Center has been there for me and my business as I have gone through several pivots over the last two years. From teaching calligraphy workshops to now running a full-service creative design studio, I have found incredible mentorship, funding, and even collaboration opportunities working with their lovely staff as my business has grown and changed. They are always there to celebrate the successes, or help you work through all of the challenges that come along with running a startup!

Lauren Gifford Founder, Letter with Lauren Liz

To date, CYstarters has been the most pivotal move I’ve made in my professional life. My greatest passions, the majority of skillset, and even my current employment are ALL thanks to the people at the Pappajohn Center.

If you or someone you know is or will be attending ISU, CYstarters is a can’t-miss.

Jake Oswald Director of Marketing + Intrapreneurship
The atmosphere of entrepreneurial spirit is alive within the talent and resources of the ISU Pappajohn Center. The team at the ISU Pappajohn Center is always eager and very capable of offering assistance, especially during the early stages of new businesses.  We have also had the pleasure of working with CyBIZ Lab that is based at the Center, which has been a great resource of talented students for market research and business planning.  The connection with Iowa State University students, for internships, as well as faculty that support the entrepreneurial spirit of new businesses, isa great asset for any business that establishes their initial roots here.
Kevin Maher Founder of GlobalVetLink & VetMeasure
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Entrepreneurship. All Rights Reserved.