Iowa State University StartUp Factory and Vermeer Corp. will host the “Vermeer Applied Technology Hub Premiere: A Collaborative Technology Showcase” on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vermeer Applied Technology Hub in Ames. The event will present the Vermeer and ISU StartUp Factory spaces in their newly constructed 35,880-square-foot building at the ISU Research Park. The networking reception also intends to highlight the public-private partnership between Vermeer and ISU, and to showcase the ISU Startup Factory cohort. The formal program at 4 p.m. will include remarks by ISU President Steven Leath; Michael Crum, ISU vice president for economic development and business engagement; Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development; Mary Andringa, board chair at Vermeer Corp.; and Jason Andringa, Vermeer CEO. Following the formal program, ISU StartUp Factory cohort members will pitch their business ideas on a “soapbox stage” in the center of the facility’s shop space.