At Iowa State University, A Culture That Revolves Around Innovation Enlivens The Mission And Is The Focus Of Their Strategic Plan.

aybe it’s our $84 million Student Innovation Center that’s dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration. Or our Start Something Network that provides innovation opportunities to students across the university. Or maybe it’s how our Research Park connects business and industry to Iowa State talent, research, technology, and more.

One thing’s for sure—no matter what assistance innovators need to bring their ideas to life, Iowa State has it. Not only is innovation the foundation of our strategic plan, but it’s also in our DNA, with our land-grant mission facilitating research breakthroughs for more than 150 years. We’re dedicated to helping others expand their innovation mindset, offering support so they can do what they were born to do—make a difference in the world.

Student Innovation Center: Where ideas take flight.

Take, for instance, Khushi Kapoor (’22 aerospace engineering). With a fascination for flying ever since she can remember, Kapoor came to Iowa State to study aerospace engineering. When our groundbreaking Student Innovation Center opened, Kapoor found that she could combine her passion for flying with hands-on learning in makerspaces equipped with the latest technology.

To further her flight design ideas, she became an Iowa State Innovation Fellow, where she discovered herself surrounded by a community of supporters. Said Kapoor, “That’s where I found my home. My lifelong mentors have come from the Innovation Fellows program.”

Given all this, it’s no surprise that Kapoor is launching her career as a systems engineer at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, making one of her childhood dreams come true.

Nurturing ideas to become marketable.

Another innovator who took full advantage of Iowa State’s innovation ecosystem is Shan Jiang, associate professor of materials science and engineering. Jiang and team had developed a cutting-edge way to inexpensively produce large quantities of specialized nanoparticles—but weren’t sure how to market them.

That’s where the ISU Startup Factory came in. This semester-long incubator helped Jiang market his product under his new company, Janas Materials, Inc. And now his startup has an agreement with Diamond Vogel to test the technology in more environmentally friendly wood stains. “I couldn’t find a better location for my startup than at Iowa State,” said Jiang. “With the Startup Factory, we’re given such a wonderful platform to translate our technology to business.”

Small particles. Huge impact.

When it comes to innovative research that’s benefiting humankind, Iowa State is leading the way with staples like our Nanovaccine Institute. This is a consortium of 82 researchers at 27 universities, research institutes, national laboratories, and companies, founded and coordinated by Iowa State.

The interdisciplinary research being conducted here is revolutionizing how scientists prevent and treat diseases, be it respiratory infections like influenza and COVID-19 or cancers like those of the pancreas, breast, and brain.

Director of the institute, professor Balaji Narasimhan, said, “We’re creating mini dream teams for each of these areas. Because of that we’re competing for grants and gaining national and international prominence.”

And it’s yet another example of how innovation that happens at Iowa State is moving the world forward.

Forget typical jeans and t-shirts.

At Iowa State, students in Design Studies 102 collaborate to create wearable designs that explore body motion, materials, and fabrication processes. The result? Stunning 3D constructions that respond to the human form.

And it all culminates in a one-of-a-kind Wearables Design Show that immerses audiences in an interactive exhibition at a venue complete with backdrops, lighting, cameras, and even a DJ. “It’s not only an exhibition,” said Nathan Edwards, Wearables Design Show director. “It’s a performative experience that celebrates the vibrant, innovative work created by these student groups.”

Different every year, this show has become a popular campus event, attended by students and the community alike.

Always advancing agriculture.

For decades, Iowa State has been known for our contributions to agriculture innovation—and that’s not slowing down. With the ISU Digital Ag research team, nearly 50 Iowa State professionals and grad students are developing smart sensors and controls, machinery electronics, and biomass logistics to make agriculture more productive, efficient, and sustainable.

Along with this comes a new state-of-the-art facility to meet the needs of the growing program. “The new ISU Digital Ag building will feature some of the latest and greatest technology and allow our team to keep expanding so we can continue to help transform agriculture,” said the team’s administrative leader, professor Matthew Darr.

Slated to begin construction in 2023, this building will be another Iowa State facility designed to foster innovation.

Entrepreneurship is for everyone.

At Iowa State, one of our goals is to help all students develop an innovative mindset, which often includes engaging them in entrepreneurship. The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship offers endless ways for students to get involved, including the CYstarters program. This innovative 11-week summer accelerator for Iowa State students or recent graduates focuses on their startup goals and entrepreneurial aspirations.

One recent CYstarters participant is Miranda Ekern (’22 biochemistry) of Ekern Designs, a shop that creates unique drinkware. “CYstarters has really allowed me to see the resources and access to mentorship that’s available at Iowa State,” said Ekern. “It’s such a supportive community that really wants to see you succeed.”

Even if students don’t end up starting their own business, learning these entrepreneurial skills can benefit any career they go on to pursue.

Supporting innovators is just what we do.

Whether it’s a large consortium conducting groundbreaking research or a small startup looking to hit the ground running, at Iowa State, we’re helping people turn their ideas into action and that action into impact. After all, we’re intentional about innovation. It’s how our students—and the world—benefit.

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