Featured News
Fall 2018 IdeaStorm Recap
The Fall 2018 IdeaStorm competition brought over 81 students from majors all across campus together to pitch their business ideas-- in just two minutes or less. The four-night event was hosted in various locations across campus. IdeaStorm competitions help students familiarize themselves with the pitching process and encourages them to share their innovative ideas. The top five ideas are awarded cash prizes at each competition -- $6,000 was awarded in total.
Recent News
Hawkeye Pitch Off Recap
On Thursday, October 11 Iowa JPEC students and alumni came together at WeWork in Chicago for a night of networking and ideation.
PowerPollen Takes Home $40,000 After Winning 2018 Pappajohn Pitch Competition
The 2018 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition commenced last week with 12 finalists. PowerPollen was announced the winner and was awarded $40,000.
Innovation Center Planned for Old University of Iowa Art Building
One last building sits untouched on the University of Iowa campus after the floods of 2008, but university leaders are now hoping to morph the space into a future home for inspiring entrepreneurs.
From Old Art Building, New Creations at University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is reviving the concept for a new innovation center with a twist - reincarnating the former Art Building along the Iowa River.
Student Businesses to Open Collaborative Retail Space at Iowa River Landing
Eight University of Iowa student-led businesses will open Foundry IRL, a collaborative retail space at Iowa River Landing in Coralville. Read more online.
Coralville Hopes These Student Startups Will Inject New Life Into Iowa River Landing
8 student startups from Iowa JPEC's Founders Club are seeking establish their brands as they grow their product lines at a brick-and-mortar space at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville.
U of I Students Opening Collaborative Retail Space at Coralville Development
Eight current or just-graduated University of Iowa students have ambitious business plans. They're going to launch a joint retail shop in Coralville and do it in a very visible location.
UI Art Building to be Home of New Innovation Center
The building where Grant Wood created his world-famous art soon will become a place where University of Iowa students and faculty can collaborate and innovate to change the world.
UI Students Entrepreneurs Trying Brick and Mortar
Eight University of Iowa student-led businesses will open Foundry IRL, a collaborative retail and event space, next month at Iowa River Landing in Coralville.
Gnarly Pepper: A Healthier Dip and Condiment Alternative
Sarah Gotch had grown frustrated with the lack of healthy alternatives to traditional dips and condiments on the market. That's why she started Gnarly Pepper, a healthier alternative to the traditional dips and condiments used everyday.
The "Good Enough" Pitch with Gregg Barcus
You have just designed the most awesome product of all time. You have put together a lean and brilliant team. Now it’s time to go out and pitch your company. How do you go about it? You learn from Gregg Barcus on how to make the "good enough" pitch.
Iowa City Sees Success in Opening Female-Led Businesses, with 4 New Openings Coming this Month
In the past five months, the Iowa City Downtown District has had success recruiting more female-led businesses and announced four women-owned businesses coming to the area including White Ivy Events, an alum of the University of Iowa's Founders Club.
Gregg Barcus Teaches a New Generation of Entrepreneurs at Venture School
For University of Iowa professor Gregg Barcus, entrepreneurship is an adventure that now consists of teaching and mentoring others through Iowa JPEC programs like Venture School.
Student Accelerator Final Pitches, Summer 2018
On July 24th, the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) Student Accelerator program finished with the Student Accelerator Final Pitches.
Made in the USA
Vako Darjania, the founder of Vako Design, tells his journey on coming to the University of Iowa and blending his passion for art with business. Read more online.