September 23, 2013–Coralville, Iowa – In one month, hundreds of Iowans will get EXPOsed to some of the state’s fast-growing, Iowa-based companies and innovators at Innovation EXPO 2013, to be held at the Coralville Marriott on Wednesday, October 23.
Representing a partnership between the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI), the Iowa Capital Investment Corporation (ICIC), the Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (EDC), and the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), Innovation EXPO 2013 is comprised of four state-wide events to enable fruitful connections between resources and entrepreneurs. Last year’s EXPO drew a crowd of more than 550 entrepreneurs, inventors, investors, community and business leaders.
“Last year, the whole day made me happy and proud to be in Iowa,” said Anna Sobaski, Founder and President, Breads from Anna (Presenter and Exhibitor at Innovation EXPO 2012). “From the innovative businesses that presented and exhibited to the attendees who were supportive, the energy level and connections to be made were unmatched. The EXPO is a great opportunity to not only celebrate all we’ve done, but also to connect and inspire more innovation to occur.”
This year’s EXPO is one of the headline events during the Creative Corridor’s inaugural Creative Week (October 19-26), with events taking place throughout the seven counties of the region (Benton, Cedar, Linn, Johnson, Jones, Iowa and Washington). Creative Week will highlight the Corridor’s creativity in all forms – from art, technology and industry to performance, thought leadership and community building. For more information on Creative Week, visit CreativeCorridor.co.
“Each year, Innovation EXPO has gained momentum and has become Iowa’s largest entrepreneurial event,” said Curt Nelson, EDC President and CEO. “This year’s EXPO promises to be the largest yet and will be a true showcase of the innovation that is occurring in Iowa. Attendees will have an unprecedented opportunity to experience the synergies created by bringing together some of the state’s leading entrepreneurs with resources, business, community and state leaders in one venue. If you have an interest or stake in Iowa’s economic future, this event is not to be missed.
Innovation EXPO 2013 will kick off at 8:00 am with TAI’s Pitch and Grow, during which 16 Iowa entrepreneurs at virtually any stage of the business life cycle practice their pitches before a supportive “think tank” of industry experts.
The momentum will build with ICIC’s afternoon Seed and Venture Forum, where nine pre-screened companies will pitch their more-developed business ideas to a panel of seed and venture-stage company experts from across the state and country.
The EXPO will culminate with a celebration of Iowa’s entrepreneurial risk-takers. EDC’s evening Entrepreneur Showcase, Inventor’s Garage and Ventures@UI pavilion will feature up to 60 entrepreneurs and inventors in a convention-like setting.
Capping off the Showcase this year, will be Startup Iowa Town Hall which will feature guest speakers Scott Case and Scott Heiferman. Scott Case is the co-founder and former CTO of Priceline.com and CEO of the Startup America Partnership. Scott Heiferman is the co-founder and CEO of Meetup.com and a University of Iowa graduate. Startup Iowa Town Hall is presented by the University of Iowa and co-produced by Seed Here Studio and UP Global.
To register for or learn more about Innovation EXPO 2013, visit http://innovationexpo2013.eventbrite.com.
Innovation EXPO 2013 is sponsored by the following:
Iowa Economic Development Authority (Principal Sponsor)
Bankers Trust, Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services, UI JPEC (Major Sponsors)
Bradley & Riley PC, Corridor Business Journal, CMA Ventures, FedEX and UIRF (Supporting Sponsors)
Acumen, Management Recruiters of Cedar Rapids and Renew Rural Iowa (Friends of the EXPO)
About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) www.technologyiowa.org
TAI is a member-based, not-for-profit organization accelerating the success of Iowa’s technology industry. TAI works to create and sustain a positive environment for technology-based economic growth and job creation through innovation, advocacy, and leadership. TAI members include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Iowa.
About the Iowa Capital Investment Corporation (ICIC) www.investiowa.com
ICIC builds Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through an evergreen, self-sustaining fund of funds and partner venture funds. ICIC and the Iowa Fund of Funds empower promising Iowa entrepreneurs and local investors by stimulating the growth of Iowa’s professional venture capital and private equity industry.
About the Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (EDC) www.edcinc.org
EDC was incorporated in 2003 as a community-sponsored, non- profit business accelerator. The company provides economic growth through the development and expansion of entrepreneurial enterprises and has successfully assisted nearly 600 Iowa-headquartered businesses. Its focus is on creating local wealth for area re-investment by growing and cultivating regional, national, and international businesses.
About University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) www.iowajpec.org
JPEC is a unique, cross-campus collaboration among the Colleges of Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Medicine. The academic program combines coursework with experiential learning, and is open to all UI students through a certificate program and a major. JPEC provides advanced entrepreneurial education, technology commercialization, and business consulting services to start-up and high-growth companies across the state and region; as well as innovative training for high school teachers and youth.
