The University of Iowa Jacobson Institute, the youth outreach arm of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC), was named the official Iowa state affiliate for Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW), a competition from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

The Jacobson Institute joins a national cadre of ICW affiliates in their commitment to engage K-12 students in innovative problem-solving, helping develop the next generation of inventors. 

“Becoming the Iowa affiliate for Invention Convention Worldwide is a perfect fit for the Jacobson Institute,” said Dawn Bowlus, Jacobson Institute director. “We are excited to bridge connections between innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship via our KidInnovator and BizInnovator Startup programs. Iowa Invention Convention offers Iowa students one more opportunity to practice and develop the critical problem-solving skills and mindsets they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

As the official state of Iowa affiliate, the Jacobson Institute will partner with school districts, as well as individual educators, to organize state-wide participation and provide ongoing support and assistance with curriculum and training. Invention plays an important role in the KidInnovator and BizInnovator Startup curricula created by the Jacobson Institute, as it encourages students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, laying the foundation for entrepreneurial success.

For years, the University of Iowa ran the Invention Convention program under the direction of the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. With a strong belief in the importance and power of innovative-based education, the Belin-Blank Center continues to be a champion for the Iowa Invention Convention.

ICW is an internationally recognized program that encourages students from kindergarten to 12th grade to develop and showcase their inventive skills. By providing a platform for young inventors to explore, create and innovate, ICW has inspired thousands of young minds to tackle real-world challenges through ingenuity and problem-solving.

“The Henry Ford is thrilled to welcome the University of Iowa Jacobson Institute as the Invention Convention Iowa state affiliate,” said Patricia Mooradian, The Henry Ford president and CEO. “We have a shared purpose to inspire the next generation of innovators and inventors. Invention Convention is changing the lives of our students, and we look forward to working with the University of Iowa’s Jacobson Institute to expand this program and inspire young people across the state to shape a better future.”    

This ICW partnership provides University of Iowa Jacobson Institute an opportunity to expand its imprint and assist students in their development as the next generation of innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs. 

The first competition is set to take place in Spring 2025 with a limited number of educators and schools engaged. The top-placing students will advance to the national competition at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  

More information about the Jacobson Institute can be found HERE. 

More information about Invention Convention Worldwide can be found HERE. 

About Iowa JPEC: Iowa JPEC fosters entrepreneurship and innovation across the state of Iowa by providing a range of educational, training programs, and support services for entrepreneurial ventures and existing small-to-medium size businesses. Iowa JPEC is dedicated to nurturing the growth of new ventures and assisting them in reaching their full potential.