PITCH. WIN. GROW. CELEBRATE.
Whether you’re a University of Iowa student or a community business owner in the state of Iowa, our competitions, awards, and funding provide you with opportunities to win cash prizes to boost your business. Keep an eye on our events page for deadlines corresponding with our competitions.
For University of Iowa students
IdeaStorm
FOR UI STUDENTS
Pitch your business idea in two minutes or less for a chance to win money to help you bring your idea to life. IdeaStorm is a great way to test out an idea and potentially win money to help you start your business. In each of the four IdeaStorm categories, cash prizes will be awarded to the best ideas. This competition is a great starting point for someone who is new to pitching and entrepreneurship competitions.
Innovation Challenge
FOR UI STUDENTS
The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. Up to $225k in prizes will be awarded during the 2025-26 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2025
- Up to $50,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2026
- Up to $125,000 in prizes
Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE STATE OF IOWA
This statewide competition invites students from colleges and universities across Iowa who have interest in starting their own venture to compete to win seed money. This competition is hosted in partnership among John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, and the five John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located in Iowa.
Innovation Challenge
FOR UI FACULTY, STAFF, INCUBATOR STARTUPS, PROGRAM & ACADEMIC ALUMNI
The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. Up to $225k in prizes will be awarded during the 2025-26 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2025
- Up to $50,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2026
- Up to $175,000 in prizes
John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial activity and create greater awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa. Participants will be judged on the basis of their written submissions. Participants who advance to later rounds will also be judged on their presentations to a panel of judges. $100,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
Iowa JPEC Honors Celebration
FOR UI FACULTY/STAFF
The Iowa JPEC Honors Celebration, hosted by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, recognizes students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Iowa JPEC program participants who create value through innovation and entrepreneurship.