Iowa Go-To-Market Accelerator Selects Three Diverse Startups for Summer 2026 Cohort
[07/06/2026]– Ames, Iowa– The Iowa Go-To-Market (G2M) accelerator—a partnership between the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, BioConnect Iowa and VentureNet Iowa—is happy to announce its Summer 2026 cohort!
The G2M accelerator supports technology-driven startups as they strengthen their business models and accelerate towards commercialization. Through hands-on mentorship, tailored strategic guidance and access to an expansive network of industry experts, service providers and investors, participants begin with individualized planning sessions before diving into focused programming that sharpens their go-to-market strategy and positions them for long-term growth.
Meet Cohort 10:
Peter Hong, Director of the ISU Startup Factory, noted that this cohort is strengthened by its three diverse companies, each addressing its own unique industry.
“The Iowa G2M Cohort 10 has launched! The G2M team is excited to have three companies addressing very different industries and their unique market opportunities. We are excited to provide resources and mentorship that will move these three companies to their next business milestone,” Peter said.
“BioConnect supports G2M and its mission wholeheartedly,” said Jessica Hyland, President and CEO of BioConnect Iowa. “We proudly partner with this important program that meets startups where they are, and provides uniquely tailored programming and access to specific resources each startup needs.”
Over the next four months, the G2M team including Peter, Hannah Kirkendall and Jon Kallen, will meet the companies where they are on the commercialization journey, while also offering support and addressing the common needs of all startups such as brand messaging, fundraising and equity dilution and effective pitching.
Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort
Applications are now open for Iowa-based scalable startups interested in joining the next G2M cohort, launching October 2026. Eligible companies have ideally completed a previous incubator or accelerator program and are based in Iowa. G2M accepts applications on a rolling basis, with cohorts beginning in April and October. For more information, founders can contact Peter Hong at petehong@iastate.edu.
About the Iowa G2M Program
The Iowa Go-To-Market accelerator serves companies in biosciences, ag tech, advanced manufacturing, and software. The program provides mentorship, strategic support and access to a robust professional network. No affiliation with Iowa State University is required. Participating companies typically:
About ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University provides resources and support to students, faculty and community members looking to develop entrepreneurial skills and start or grow businesses. The Center is home to the ISU Startup Continuum, which includes the ISU Startup Factory incubator program, ISU Venture Mentoring Service, and Iowa Go-to-Market Accelerator.
About BioConnect Iowa
BioConnect Iowa serves as the state’s primary resource for bioscience startups and deep-tech entrepreneurs from inception to investment. Through the Iowa Flywheel, BioConnect Iowa provides strategy, thought leadership, mentoring and professional services– connecting innovators with vital resources to accelerate business growth.
About VentureNet Iowa
VentureNet Iowa connects ideas to resources, management, and investors, to create jobs and build businesses in Iowa. VentureNet Iowa administers Iowa’s Public Innovation Funds, a series of low interest loans for early stage, Iowa-based small businesses commercializing proprietary technology in the IT, bioscience and advanced manufacturing sectors. For more information on VentureNet Iowa, visit venturenetiowa.com.
