Seven Iowa-based small businesses received AI implementation service offers valued at $335,000 after completing the AI Services Challenge held Feb. 16–18 at the BioVentures Center in Coralville, Iowa.

A majority of participating businesses previously took part in programs offered by the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC), including Venture School and NSF I-Corps. The companies include Ambient Grid, Design Lab, Elev8 Health, Pani Clean, Recap Books, Retention Insights, and Steerclear Mirrors.

The event was a partnership among Iowa JPEC, the Iowa SBDC, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and PREDICTif Solutions.

“My connection to AWS and PREDICTif Solutions was initially established through the SBDC,” said Dana Rupe, director of Iowa JPEC. “Last November, we partnered to host a traditional pitch event. Following the success of that program, I proposed this deeper-dive format that focused less on pitching and more on structured AI strategy and implementation consulting with our partners.”

The AI implementation service awards support machine learning and AI-driven solutions, including generative AI tools, predictive analytics, data infrastructure, and other resources that help automate processes and enhance decision-making.

The February event builds on a traditional pitch competition held three months earlier, where more than $250,000 in AI services was awarded. In total, more than $580,000 in AI resources has been committed to Iowa entrepreneurs since November 2025.

Iowa JPEC recruited teams for the AI challenge through social media, email outreach to campus partners and former program participants, and collaboration with entrepreneurship organizations such as NewBoCo and the Greater Iowa City Area network. 

“I’m excited by this momentum and the value we’re delivering to Iowa founders,” Rupe said. “I look forward to expanding this partnership and growing our AI-focused initiatives.”