Iowa State University Makes it to Top 50 on Fast Company and Inc.’s 2025 Ignition Schools List of Educational Institutions Making an Impact on Business and Society

The annual list honors educational institutions making a significant impact through entrepreneurship and innovation

Ames, Iowa, October 13, 2025 – Iowa State University is proud to announce its recognition as No. 47 on Fast Company and Inc.’s 2025 Ignition Schools list. The prestigious list celebrates postsecondary institutions that are driving measurable impact in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Iowa State earned its place among global leaders for its hands-on, community-driven approach to entrepreneurship education—an approach that connects students, faculty, and industry partners through cross-disciplinary entrepreneurship programming. These initiatives empower students and faculty to develop their own ventures and turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.

The Ignition Schools list, now in its second year, honors 50 institutions worldwide that excel in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The selection process evaluates schools based on key metrics, including alumni entrepreneurship rates, the strength of incubators and accelerators, research commercialization success, and their role in driving economic growth. The schools recognized on this list don’t just produce elite students and original research—they propel their cities, states, regions, and countries toward a better future.

“This recognition by Fast Company and Inc. reinforces what we’ve long known—entrepreneurship and innovation are part of Iowa State’s DNA,” said Raj Agnihotri, Dean of the Debby and Jerry Ivy College of Business. “Our courses and programs are designed to nurture creativity, resilience, and a mindset for innovation across all disciplines. We’re incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and alumni who bring these ideas to life every day.”

“Schools play a critical role in the global innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Inc. and Fast Company’s publisher, Mansueto Ventures. “Now, more than ever, it is important for business media organizations to shine a spotlight on academic institutions that are powering economic growth.”

For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit fastcompany.com and inc.com.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.