Innovation Challenge Fall Application | John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

INNOVATION CHALLENGE -- APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOV. 6

The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. $175,000 in total funding will be awarded during the 2025-26 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 $125,000 in seed funding.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Academic Major or Job Title

Employer/Department

Phone Number

Status

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.

Are you the founder or a partner with equal or controlling interest?

Yes

Founders are required to present the pitch.

Do you have more than one team member?

Yes

TEAM MEMBER 2

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Academic Major or Job Title

Employer/Department

TEAM MEMBER 3

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Academic Major or Job Title

Employer/Department

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business Name

Business Description

Does your business have a valid University of Iowa vendor ID?

Yes

If yes to the above question, please enter your University of Iowa vendor ID number.

Please indicate the level of your business below in terms of annual revenue.

None

$0-1,000

$1,000-10,000

$10,000-20,000

$20,000-25,000

$25,000 or more

Previous funding awarded

None

$0-1,000

$1,000-10,000

$10,000-20,000

$20,000-50,000

$50,000-100,000

$100,000-150,000

$150,000-200,000

$200,000-250,000

I consider my business to be

early stage

advanced

Are you legally able to operate a business in the United States?

Yes

Unsure

How did you hear about this competition?

UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY

Hawk ID

Student ID Number

Major

Minor

Certificate

INCUBATOR STARTUP ONLY

Incubator Startup Qualification

UI Research Park

BELL Alumni

The Fall Elevator Pitch competition requires a 1-page executive summary

Executive Summary

One file only.
50 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.

PLEASE NOTE
Following the application deadline of Nov. 6, 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. 19 at 5 p.m. at MERGE.