Repaint Studios, a Hampton, Iowa-based startup, clinched the $100,000 winner-take-all prize at the InnoVenture Challenge on Dec. 5 at The Loft DSM in Des Moines. The company, founded by Billie Asmus, developed the Repaint Tray—a reusable liner and lid designed to eliminate the need for plastic paint liners—winning over judges with its sustainability-focused innovation. 

The victory marks the third consecutive year a startup affiliated with the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) has claimed the competition’s top prize.

Repaint Studios joins an elite group of Iowa JPEC-affiliated winners. In 2023, ReEnvision Ag, which designed the SeedSpike planter to extend planting windows, reduce soil compaction, and boost yield potential for farmers, took home the award. The company had participated in Venture School in Fall 2019. In 2022, Hawkeye Surgical Lighting earned the top spot for creating the world’s first voice- and motion-controlled surgical headlight after completing Iowa JPEC’s NSF I-Corps program in Summer 2020. This year, Repaint Studios stood out among finalists Immuno Nano Med and NarrateAR. The event featured a five-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes questioning from judges Charise Flynn, Clayton Nevins, and Paul Singh. 

The InnoVenture Challenge, produced by InnoVenture Iowa and BioConnect Iowa, is the region’s premier pitch competition for early-stage startups in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. It draws hundreds of applicants annually, narrowing the field to 10 semifinalists before selecting three finalists to compete for the $100,000 prize. 

Repaint Studios’ path to success underscores the value of persistence and preparation. After placing third at the EntreFest Venture School Launch Day in 2022 and earning an honorable mention at the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition in 2023, the company gained momentum. This year, it secured $40,000 at the Pappajohn competition before taking home the InnoVenture Challenge’s $100,000 grand prize. 

Repaint Studios’ ascent highlights the critical role Iowa JPEC programs play in supporting entrepreneurial growth. From early-stage idea development to securing significant funding, the center has consistently equipped startups with the tools to succeed.