CYstarters, since launching in 2016, has helped 151 students and graduates start 121 companies, with over 80% of those businesses still thriving or contributing to the startup ecosystem. This year, the program proudly welcomes Cohort 10, a group of 16 driven students from diverse majors across Iowa State University. Each of these entrepreneurs brings a unique academic background, bold aspirations, and a shared passion for building and growing their own businesses.

From health tech to entertainment and custom clothing lines, the businesses of Cohort 10 reflect the wide range of innovation and creativity that CYstarters fosters. The students will spend the summer immersed in hands-on learning, refining their ideas, growing their businesses, and gaining invaluable experience as they bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.

Meet Cohort 10:

Anders Otness  - North Star Scientific (Junior, Aerospace Engineering)

North Star Scientific sparks a passion for STEM through hands-on, build-it-yourself kits in astronomy, engineering, and more.

Boluwarin Ojo  – No-Sparc (Junior, Industrial Design)

No-Sparc creates fire-resistant, satin-lined welding caps that protect long hair from sparks while ensuring comfort and safety on the job.

Colin Witt  - OutWitt Creations (Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering)

OutWitt Creations is a 3D-printing Etsy shop solving real-world problems with quality products, starting with the StandKeeper for e-bikes.

Ella Janssen  – Greenhouse (Junior, Graphic Design)

Greenhouse is a branding and design studio helping product-based businesses grow through standout brand strategies and cohesive packaging design.

Tyler Anderson  – It’s Sew Tyler (Recent Graduate, Fashion Merchandising)

It’s Sew Tyler is a custom clothing line specializing in unique game day outfits, blending creativity and style for fans to represent their teams.

Jacob Duba  – VIPReply (Senior, Computer Science)

VIPReply helps busy small business owners quickly send warm, personalized email responses using smart AI templates.

Jesse Williams  – Dinder (Junior, Software Engineering)

Dinder is a smart restaurant-finding app that matches groups with the perfect place to eat based on everyone’s accommodations and preferences—no more endless circling back.

Kailey Stevens  – Kailey Stevens Design (Sophomore, Graphic Design)

I’m a brand and web designer crafting bold, strategy-driven brand identities that resonate emotionally and stand out—rooted in human connection, not just AI generation.

Madelyn Lindholm  – Port Patch (Recent Graduate, Entrepreneurship)

Port Patch is a medical device designed to relieve pain and protect the port site for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Port Patch is a step toward reimagining patient-centered care.

Madison Green  – Perfect Motion (Junior, Supply Chain Management & Entrepreneurship)

Perfect Motion is a flexible, affordable softball pitching platform offering personalized in-person, virtual, and video lessons to build strength, accuracy, and confidence.

Nathan Van Thomme  – Heat Halo (Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering)

Heat Halo is a stainless-steel attachment that enhances smokeless firepits by increasing heat, brightness, and heat distribution, and therefore enhancing the smokeless firepit experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nic Mackaman  – NJM Dampeners (Senior, Entrepreneurship)

NJM Dampeners is a tennis accessory startup offering fun, trendy, and unique dampeners designed for young adults to express their personality on the court.

Ryan Ryherd  – DAF Landscaping (Junior, Marketing)

DAF Landscaping is a full-service landscape design and property management company in Ankeny, IA, specializing in custom outdoor spaces that reflect each client’s unique style.

Sam Morrow  – Clay-mations Studio (Graduate, Integrated Studio Arts)

Clay-mations Studio offers ceramics lessons that promote mindfulness and relaxation, helping students create unique pieces through expert instruction.

Thabang Pila & Ethan Hunt  – Socialdeck (Senior, Software Engineering, Junior, Mechanical Engineering)

Socialdeck is a mobile game that turns your camera roll into a deck of cards for multiplayer party games, turning memories into competitive fun with friends and family.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Join us for CYstarters Demo Day on Thursday, July 31 to see these 16 exceptional entrepreneurs showcase their businesses and the progress they’ve made over the summer.

Congratulations, Cohort 10! Welcome to the CYstarters family—we can’t wait to see how you grow this summer!