Featured News
Winners announced in the 21st Annual John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
The 2021 John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition was held virtually with 13 students advancing to the final presentation round, where plans were reviewed by John Pappajohn and his team. Student entrepreneurs entering the competition came from Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The following businesses emerged as winners of this year’s competition, with each venture receiving $5,000.
- Thuy Nguyen, founder of Optic Origin, University of Iowa. Optic Origin provides vision correction to underserved communities through an intelligently prescription match platform.
- Mason Weh, founder of Mentoring for Change, Iowa State University. Mentoring for Change aims to mentor disadvantaged youth ages 15-19 through sports and art to help them reach their full potential.
- Anthony Piscopo, Hawkeye Surgical Lighting, University of Iowa. Hawkeye Surgical Lighting has developed a light worn by surgeons that lights up tumors during a surgical procedure.
Recent News
2018 Rose Francis Elevator Pitch Competition Results
On November 13th and 14th, the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) had the pleasure of hosting the annual Rose Francis Elevator Pitch Competition.
Fall 2018 Iowa Startup Games
This past weekend, October 26-28, the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) had the opportunity to host the Fall 2018 Iowa Startup Games. The weekend-long event was a success, with over 40 students participating to compete for $2,750 in cash prizes.
Sigma Nu Tau Ventures to Chicago
On October 11, 17 Sigma Nu Tau members traveled to Chicago to learn from Iowa JPEC alumni business leaders and entrepreneurs.
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.