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
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