Three University of Iowa–affiliated startups were honored at the 20th Annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, held Aug. 22 at Iowa State University in Ames. The statewide event drew more than 35 applicants, with 12 finalists competing for $100,000 in prizes.

Hanna Golf, founded by University of Iowa alumnus Jared Doerfler, captured third place and a $15,000 award. With headquarters in Mason City, Iowa, Hanna Golf designs and manufactures premium golf putters using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling from high-grade stainless steel. The company emphasizes craftsmanship, customer relationships, and local production—shipping putters to 47 states and eight countries while proudly positioning itself as “Iowa’s Golf Company.” Hanna Golf participated in the Mason City cohort of Venture School.

Two additional University of Iowa-affiliated ventures were recognized with honorable mentions. S5G Therapeutics, co-founded by University of Iowa faculty member Aliasger Salem and alumna Jessica Skeie, received $10,000. The company is advancing new approaches in therapeutic development to address pressing healthcare needs. S5G has participated in the University of Iowa NSF I-Corps Workshop.

Tumbleweed Vida, founded by Paul Richardson, earned a $5,000 award. The venture focuses on health, wellness, and innovative lifestyle solutions designed to enrich daily living. Tumbleweed Vida participated in the Global Insurance Accelerator and the Des Moines cohort of Venture School.

The competition honored the legacy of the late John and Mary Pappajohn, whose philanthropy and vision have fueled entrepreneurship across Iowa for decades. Since its inception in 2006, the competition—supported by the Iowa Economic Development Authority—has awarded more than $1.4 million to Iowa startups, strengthening the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through the collaborative efforts of the five Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers, including the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC).