Four businesses affiliated with the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) are semifinalists for the winner-take-all $100,000 InnoVenture Challenge presented by BioConnect Iowa and InnoVenture Iowa.

The Iowa JPEC companies are Dhakai, FBB Biomed, Repaint Studios, and SimplSupport. The final three companies will be announced Nov. 15 and three finalists will compete on-stage at Curate in Des Moines’s East Village on Wednesdsay, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The event will be streamed live HERE.

Dhakai is a factory-direct supply chain solution for promotional and workwear clothing. Current clients include sports teams like the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League, as well as HALO Branded Solutions, and several universities.

FBB Biomed provides a blood test to replace the painful spinal tap procedure. The test is able to diagnose multiple diseases with 100% accuracy in the early trials.

Repaint Studios offers an eco-friendly silicone paint tray, liner, and lid that could last a lifetime.

SimplSupport allows people to find individualized and customizable nursing care and support on their terms.

Iowa JPEC is the hub for entrepreneurship education and outreach at the University of Iowa.