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Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial ecosystem graphic

Connecting Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

The Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Model, shown here, comes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which has studied more than 60 innovation ecosystems across six continents.

Like a natural ecosystem, each actor in an innovation ecosystem …

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Jenn Tuetken named 2026 Iowa Innovation Leader of the Year 

Jenn Tuetken, director of innovation, design and brand experience at Pella Corp. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Jenn Tuetken, director of innovation, design and brand experience at Pella Corp., doesn’t just lead teams that create prototypes. …

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Dwolla acquired by NMI

Des Moines-based payment services provider Dwolla has been acquired by NMI, a global leader in embedded payments infrastructure headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the companies announced Tuesday. According to a news release, the acquisition brings Dwolla’s  …

Ankeny Angels

‘Quiet little group’ Ankeny Angels grows impact as Iowa startup investor

Ankeny Angels, an angel investor group with roots in Ankeny, calls itself a “quiet little group,” facilitator Joey Beech said.

But it is making a big impact, with $1.5 million invested in 13 businesses.

Ankeny …

dmu

DMU earns Carnegie recognition for growing research enterprise

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has received an updated Carnegie Classification recognizing it as a Research Colleges and Universities institution, adding to its existing Special Focus: Medical Schools and Centers designation and placing …

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Offline Cocktails preparing to tap into growing ready-to-drink beverage market

The power button symbol in Offline Cocktails’ logo nudges consumers to step away from their screens and instead, spend quality time with family and friends.

That’s the message Matt and Jodi Schweiger want to convey …

CL Chase Spencer

Helping students through pivots and failures at Drake University 

In December 2023, Chase Spencer graduated from Drake University with an American politics degree and some big questions.

“I didn’t really want to go to Washington, and so it was kind of – ‘Where do …

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Jacobson Institute hosting fourth annual Business Innovators Breakfast

The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University, in partnership with the university’s President’s Office, will host the fourth annual Business Innovators Breakfast on May 22, from 7 to 9 a.m. in Des Moines. The free …

caseys

Casey’s opens applications for 2026 Innovation Summit 

Casey’s has opened applications for its 2026 Innovation Summit, an annual event aimed at identifying emerging food and beverage brands for potential distribution across its stores. Applications are open through May 8. Finalists will be …

wdmchamber

WDM Chamber’s Latino Trade Network hosting event for Hispanic chamber leaders

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s Latino Trade Network will host Hispanic Chambers Unidos, an event for Hispanic chamber leaders from across the Midwest. The event is free and open to the public and …

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