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
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.
RAGBRAI 2018: Iowa JPEC Students Promote Pass-Through Towns
Small towns across Iowa are ready for RAGBRAI thanks to the assistance of Iowa JPEC students who have been working with each community to promote its businesses.
Short-term Study Abroad Offerings Allowed Mother of Four, Heather Cook, to Study Business and Culture in China
Heather Cook, mother of four, full-time employee at ABB, and online management student, managed to incorporate a study abroad experience to China with the support of her family, scholarship funding, and short-term study abroad offerings available to UI students.
African Entrepreneurs Connect to the Quad-City Global Ag Market
The Mandela Washington Fellows share their experience from traveling to the Quad Cities to visit John Deere and what they've learned through the Fellowship so far.
25 Young Africans Learn Business Skills in Summer Program through the University of Iowa
The Mandela Washington Fellows share about their experiences so far at the University of Iowa for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Young African Leaders Arrive in Iowa City to Learn About Entrepreneurship and Promote International Dialogue
For the third consecutive year, UI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) welcomes 25 Mandela Washington Fellows from Sub-Saharan African countries to the University of Iowa to learn about U.S. entrepreneurship and promote international dialogue.
Aiming for Nationwide Buzz
Isaac Quiadoo, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, showcases his startup and what work he's done since the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Read more online.
Creative Habitat: Coworking Community for Busy Moms
Creative Habitat, a Venture School alum, is a community for moms that balances out their parenting and creative time. Read more online.