Faculty & Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial Ventures Group
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) at The University of Iowa has played a leadership role in launching a new initiative to promote faculty entrepreneurship and technology commercialization at The University of Iowa. This unique interdisciplinary partnership includes the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, College of Engineering, College of Law, University of Iowa Research Foundation, and Vice President of Research Office.
This new effort has two primary components. First, we have formed the Entrepreneurial Ventures Interest Group (EVIG). The EVIG is open to faculty, staff, and community members interested in education, networking, and supporting faculty entrepreneurship and technology commercialization activities. The EVIG meets on a regular basis throughout the academic year.
2006-07 EVG Speakers
“Organizing the Growth Company for Success”
Steven Tonsfeldt, Heller Ehrman LLF
Sept. 28, 2006
Listen 
"Discovering Value: Ideas to IPO - Medical Device Inventions"
Dr. Matthew Howard, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Feb. 15, 2007
Listen
"Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & Trade Secrets: Current Trends in IP Commercialization"
Timothy Bechen, Kenyon & Kenyon LLP
Mar. 29, 2007
Listen
The second part of the initiative is the creation of the Entrepreneurial Ventures Consulting Group (EVCG), an extension of the existing consulting and mentoring efforts offered through JPEC and the Small Business Development Center. Initial plans are to form interdisciplinary commercialization evaluation teams made up of graduate students, faculty, and outside advisors/mentors. This will provide UI graduate students with an exciting interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunity. The ultimate result could be the creation of a new Iowa-based company.
While the initial focus is on medical and engineering technologies, in the near future the program will expand to all disciplines at Iowa. If you are interested in participating or supporting this new initiative, please contact David Hensley (319.335.1022) or Michael Kienzle (319.335.9788).