Innovation Challenge Fall Application

INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. $225,000 in total funding will be awarded during the 2024-25 academic year to the most innovative ideas! The competition is open to all University of Iowa faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students, and incubator startups. 

This second phase will award up to $175,000 in seed funding. 
 

Employer/Department
We define "Incubator Startup" as either participating in the UI's Research Park or active alumni members receiving support from the UI Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory.
College
Are you the founder or a partner with equal or controlling interest?
Founders are required to present the pitch.
Do you have more than one team member?

TEAM MEMBER 2

Employer/Department
College

TEAM MEMBER 3

Employer/Department
College

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Does your business have a valid University of Iowa vendor ID?
Please indicate the level of your business below in terms of annual revenue.
Previous funding awarded
I consider my business to be
Are you legally able to operate a business in the United States?

UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY

INCUBATOR STARTUP ONLY

Incubator Startup Qualification

PLEASE NOTE
Following the application deadline of Nov. 11, you will be contacted via email with scheduling options for your pitch

Prizes over a set amount ($2,000 for faculty, staff, graduate students, and incubator startups | $1,000 for undergraduate students) will not be paid until the individual(s)/team meet with a member of Iowa JPEC leadership or UI Ventures to discuss how the funds will be used.

Significant prizes will be distributed when set milestones are met by the individual(s)/team as agreed upon in this meeting.

Winners and award amounts will be announced at the Iowa Innovation Challenge Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. at MERGE.

A pitch workshop will be held at the BELL at 322 North Clinton Street on Friday, Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. If you are unable to attend one of the workshops please email Patti Fields to receive our training handout. Please inquire about additional coaching options.

To RSVP to the pitch workshop Oct. 25, contact Patti Fields.

EMAIL PATTI