ISU Startup Factory

The ISU Startup Factory is a startup incubator helping researchers and inventors develop a roadmap to realize the societal and economic impact of their high-tech innovations. Our goal is to help innovators and founders move from “tech-speak” to “business-speak.”

Who is the ISU Startup Factory recruiting?

Primary Criteria:

  • Technology or innovation with commercial potential and a founder(s) willing to see it through
  • Founders are currently based in Iowa

Ideal participants have:

  • Already been awarded funding for their research  
  • Completed a local ISU I-Corps program, or National NSF I-Corps program   
  • A baseline understanding of customer discovery and have completed 20+ customer conversations.  
  • A willingness to put in the effort to work outside of your comfort zone 
  • A strong desire to be a part of an entrepreneurial community that seeks to change the world
  • Special consideration offered to ISU faculty members, graduate students, or staff

 

Not sure if your innovative idea can be a business? Contact Peter Hong, ISU Startup Factory Director, at petehong@iastate.edu to brainstorm the possibilities!

 

Learn about the Startup Factory Program

 

Applications for Cohort XIII are open now! Apply below

 

Join the ISU Startup Factory

 

ISU Startup Factory Alumni

 

Join our Venture Mentoring Service

Iowa Go-to-Market (G2M) Program

 

Startup Factory Leadership:

Jon Kallen,
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Expertise: G2M

Peter Hong, Director of ISU Startup Factory
Expertise: Biotech, Funding Strategies (including state and federal grants), Project Management

Hannah Kirkendall, Program Manager, ISU Startup Factory / Iowa G2M Accelerator
Expertise: Project Management, Program Planning and Execution

Donna Ramaeker-Zahn, Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Expertise: Global Ag & Biosafety, Food Policy, Strategy, Investing