On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Kelly Prickett, Regional SBDC Director and Director of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at Indian Hills Community College. Kelly shares her winding path through tourism, Main Street, and higher ed, and how her blended role lets her build rural entrepreneurial ecosystems across 10 southeast Iowa counties. She explains how SBDCs provide no-cost, one-on-one counseling across the entire business lifecycle—formation, growth, and exit—and how Iowa's 15-center network shares specialists to help with everything from marketing plans to QuickBooks and business valuations amid the "silver tsunami" of retirements. Kelly spotlights the vital role of community colleges in workforce development, citing real outcomes like CNC Machinery's growth from a small shop to 180 employees, and underscores how rural Main Street businesses create the culture and heartbeat of their communities.

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Kelly and Kaylee dig into the distinct challenges and opportunities of rural entrepreneurship: trusted relationships, the power of connectors, and the need to find real customers—not just friendly compliments. Kelly helped bring University of Iowa's battle-tested Venture School to Ottumwa—the first rural cohort outside the Pappajohn Centers—pairing five startups with nine local mentors to deepen customer discovery and sharpen their pitches. They discuss AI's rapid evolution, SBDC's new AI-certified counseling, and how rural founders can leverage tools while keeping "human in the loop." Kelly sees promising student-led innovation (including AI-assisted "vibe coding") and urges founders to share their ideas, ask for help, and define success on their own terms. Her closing message: don't be afraid to reach out, explore your idea, and tap Iowa's uniquely supportive network. To connect with Kelly or your local center, visit iowasbdc.org and request counseling (she's at the Ottumwa/Indian Hills location).

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

00:24 - Kelly's Iowa Career Path

01:40 - Inside the SBDC Role

03:33 - Why Rural Entrepreneurs Matter

06:26 - Common Small Business Challenges

08:14 - Main Street vs High Growth Startups

09:50 - How the SBDC Network Helps

13:02 - Community Colleges and Workforce Impact

15:48 - Defining Success for Founders

18:22 - Venture School in Rural Iowa

20:00 - Pitch Anywhere Anytime

20:44 - Venture School Basics

21:12 - Bringing It Rural

21:55 - Cohort Mentors Network

22:22 - Real Customer Discovery

24:11 - First Cohort Results

26:29 - AI Counselor Training

28:49 - Vibe Coding In Rural

32:26 - Advice And Resources

35:04 - Human Soul Over AI

37:19 - Wrap Up and Conclusion

Host Kaylee Williams sits down with Jacki Boldt, executive director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses in Iowa, to unpack how the free, 12‑week hybrid program helps established small businesses scale. Jacki shares her path from business education to leading the statewide initiative, which focuses on growth through new markets, products, or services—not "more of the same." She details eligibility (roughly two years in business, at least two employees including the owner, and $75,000+ in annual revenue), the hybrid format with kickoff and finale in Des Moines, and the program's strong outcomes: about 66% of graduates increase revenue and 40% add jobs within six months, while roughly 98% end up doing business together. The program spans all industries and nonprofits—think restaurants to manufacturers to tech—and prides itself on statewide reach, with most cohorts drawing heavily from outside the Des Moines metro and potential expansion to the Quad Cities and Omaha on the horizon.

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Jacki also spotlights the engine behind the results: a 15‑person team, including seasoned business advisors and subject‑matter faculty, plus a highly engaged alumni network. While there's no direct funding (despite the name), participants gain a repeatable playbook for evaluating growth opportunities and de‑risking decisions—sometimes deciding not to pursue an idea after running the numbers, which can be a win. The commitment is real—10–12 hours per week for 12 weeks—and you only get one shot per business, so timing matters. With two cohorts annually (spring and fall), applications for the fall cohort are open now with a June 1 deadline for initial eligibility. Beyond the curriculum, the episode celebrates Iowa's collaborative small‑business spirit—turning isolation into connection and competition into partnerships.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and Guest Intro

00:29 - Jacki's Career Path

01:58 - Program Overview and Eligibility

03:40 - Growth Plans and Playbook

05:35 - Who Joins the Program

07:19 - Measuring Success Metrics

10:01 - What Makes Iowa Unique

12:18 - Cohort Experience and Commitment

13:28 - Meet the Team Behind It

15:49 - Networking and Alumni Collaboration

16:58 - How to Apply and Timing

18:54 - Why It's Called 10000

19:50 - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Julie Pearce, co-chair of the 12th Global Insurance Symposium, to preview this year's event happening April 14–15 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. With the theme "Insurance in an Era of Possibilities," Julie shares how the program is designed by industry executives for industry professionals, balancing cutting-edge innovation with real-world priorities across P&C, life and health, risk management, and reinsurance. Expect deep dives into AI's impact on talent and operations, global regulatory perspectives (including digital assets and payments), and a must-see CEO panel moderated by Terri Vaughan. The symposium has evolved into a focused, day-and-a-half format that maximizes high-value networking with more than 500 executives and regulators from Iowa and around the world.

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Julie also spotlights two signature features: the Future of Insurance Showcase on day one—where startups deliver three-minute pitches, meet decision-makers at dedicated tables, and compete for Best in Show—and the Global Insurance Accelerator cohort's demo day on day two. Beyond founders, the event is a strong fit for young and mid-career insurance professionals, with programming shaped directly by carriers and brokers to address timely topics like bolt-on products and private credit. A Student Case Competition brings fresh thinking from universities nationwide, reinforcing the symposium's role in talent and ecosystem development. Tickets, sponsorships, and Showcase applications are available on the GIS website; innovators and sponsors can also connect with co-chair Cory McAnelly of Principal Financial Group.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome + Meet GIS Co-Chair Julie Pierce

01:10 - What is the Global Insurance Symposium (Dates, Scale, Theme)

01:54 - AI & Talent: How Tech Is Reshaping Insurance Work

02:59 - Global Insurance Accelerator: The 100-Day Program & Startup Pitches

04:29 - Future of Insurance Showcase: 3-Minute Pitches, Tables & Best-in-Show

06:38 - Julie's Background + Why GIS Hits the Sweet Spot for Networking

08:38 - Big 2026 Agenda: Stablecoins, Reinsurance, and the CEO Panel

10:35 - How to Network, Register, and Who Should Attend

13:32 - Panels for Every Insurance Track + A Customer-Driven Planning Committee

16:24 - Why GIS Works

17:29 - How to Get Involved: Tickets, Showcases, and Sponsorships

19:48 - Julie's Iowa Roots & Why Insurance Matters to Consumers

23:19 - How GIS Evolved

25:34 - Student Case Competition & Gen Z Ideas Shaping the Future

27:48 - Closing

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan, CEO and founder of ImmunoNanoMed, to explore a moonshot innovation: a dry-powder, needle-free vaccine platform called "powder wax" that's inhaled through the nose. Balaji explains how their particle-based technology could deliver stronger, faster mucosal immunity right where respiratory pathogens take hold, improve protection against variants, and eliminate the cold chain—potentially slashing costs and enabling at-home, self-administered vaccination. He also shares how the platform could multiplex vaccines (think flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia) and extend to companion animals and even livestock and poultry via mass-vaccination approaches, with an eye toward DIVA compatibility and safeguarding human health supply chains.

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Balaji traces the technology's origins to a Seahawk collaboration between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, then details ImmunoNanoMed's path from lab success to commercialization: building a cross-functional team, partnering with CROs to get FDA-ready, pursuing scalable, high-quality manufacturing, and engaging potential big-pharma partners—all targeted over the next 6–18 months. He reflects on Iowa's innovation ecosystem (Startup Factory, I-Corps, IEDA, InnoVenture) and why he's committed to proving world-class health tech can emerge from the Midwest. The episode closes with personal notes on mentors, teamwork, and family, plus a call for collaborators. Learn more or get in touch at immunonanomed.com.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:01 Immuno Ed's Innovative Vaccine Technology

02:14 Advantages of Powder Wax Technology

04:18 Potential Applications and Impact

07:25 Journey and Collaborations

15:39 Challenges and Future Steps

18:30 Why Iowa?

22:04 Personal Inspirations and Family

25:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Paula Kueter, professor at Morningside University and director of the Joan and Larry Arnold Entrepreneurship Center. Paula shares her journey across Iowa's private colleges and her mission to elevate entrepreneurship beyond the state's flagship institutions, spotlighting smart, creative students who often fly under the radar. She details how Morningside is scaling its MBA, integrating AI across the business curriculum, and partnering closely with Sioux City, SIMPCO, and neighboring schools like Dordt, Buena Vista, Northwestern, and Briar Cliff to build a stronger Northwest Iowa ecosystem. The conversation explores redefining innovation around practical scaling, process improvement, and buying-and-improving existing businesses—plus the importance of data literacy, critical thinking, and ethical AI use for the next generation of founders.

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Paula also previews a growing collaboration among Iowa's private colleges, including a new consortium pursuing 501(c)(3) status to pool resources for pitch competitions, shared courses, and donor support—"entrepreneurship as Switzerland," where all ships rise together. She and Kaylee discuss post-COVID student dynamics, the power of belonging and small class sizes, and why private campuses function like innovation extension offices for local businesses. From Manufacturing 4.0 opportunities to unsung ecosystem champions like NIACC's Candy Carstens and longtime connector Judy Iles, Paula makes a passionate call to action: if you're a business with a problem, tap into your nearby private college—students are capable, eager, and ready to build. To connect with Paula and Morningside, email [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast

01:06 Introducing Dr. Paula Keter

01:34 Paula's Journey at Morningside

02:56 Championing Entrepreneurship in Iowa

04:56 The Ecosystem of Private Colleges

07:46 Collaborative Efforts Among Colleges

11:05 Innovation and Scaling in Northwest Iowa

13:24 The Role of AI in Modern Education

20:12 The Transformation in Private Institutions

20:38 Benefits of Private Colleges for Students

21:46 Sense of Belonging and Community

24:10 Adapting to Changing Student Needs

25:57 Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation

27:33 Collaborative Efforts Among Institutions

35:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Krista Martin, Partner at Novy, a healthcare-focused venture studio building software companies from the ground up. Krista shares her path from Iowa-born product leader to venture studio operator, influenced by her time in Indianapolis and exposure to High Alpha's model. She breaks down Novy's six-stage approach—ideation, validation, creation, and growth at its core—and how the team co-founds with physicians and industry experts to move ideas from back-of-napkin to market. Novy runs a highly selective funnel (their first round took 50 ideas down to zero, the next 25 down to one), and every applicant gets value: a 90-minute working session to produce a product-market fit narrative that doubles as a practical business plan. The studio invests up to $1M in each portfolio company, tailors financing strategies case-by-case, and stays hands-on with operating support.

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Krista also lifts the curtain on Novy's first portfolio company: an AI-enabled emergency medicine scheduling platform born from a University of Iowa physician's insight into the complexity and strain of 24/7 shift coverage across multiple hospitals. With Krista serving as CEO during creation, the team continues deep customer discovery and pilots while preparing for go-to-market. They discuss why healthcare innovation matters—professionally and personally—and how the studio model can accelerate founders who might otherwise stay on the sidelines. Want to get involved? Novy is expanding its subject matter expert network, seeking emergency medicine contacts for pilots and presales, and welcoming healthcare software ideas via their open application. Connect with Krista on LinkedIn or visit Novy's site to learn more.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:41 Krista Martin's Background and Career Journey

03:51 Role and Evolution at Novy

04:34 Novy's Venture Studio Model

06:09 First Business Creation and Growth

06:41 Ideation and Selection Process

08:16 Healthcare Focus and Challenges

09:10 Operational Involvement and Team Dynamics

10:53 Why Choose a Venture Studio?

13:50 Future Plans for Novy

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams welcomes back Dr. Tony Vanden Bush, CEO of Syntherna, for a candid look at how the biotech startup has navigated a shifting market. Since their last chat in August 2024, attitudes toward RNA vaccines have cooled and animal-health regulatory timelines have lengthened - two forces outside the company's control. Tony explains Syntherna's dual pivot: opening their in-house RNA manufacturing capabilities as a CRO-style "pick-and-shovel" service to generate non-dilutive revenue, and elevating their slow-release vaccine implant for companion animals (with potential in livestock) to the front of their R&D roadmap. He details how a four-person team re-triages time and talent, explores crossovers like RNA delivery via implant, and keeps stakeholders aligned through frequent, transparent communication - even when the answer is "I don't know."

The conversation broadens into practical founder wisdom: why platforms beat "widgets," how to think about failure as learning, and the realities of capital in Midwest biotech - balancing smart, value-add investment with the occasional need for passive dollars to bridge gaps. Tony remains bullish on RNA's long-term role, especially in cancer immunotherapeutics, even if broad adoption takes years. They close with a teaser for his forthcoming book, The Elements of Science: a pocket guide to thinking and experimenting like a scientist - applicable well beyond the lab - and an invitation to connect via the email in the show notes.

In this New Year's kickoff episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes back Dan Israel, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), to preview their most international cohort yet. Six startups selected from roughly 75 applicants have descended on Des Moines for "day 2 of 100," with founders hailing from Sweden, the UK, Germany, Wales, Canada, and across the U.S. Dan explains how AI has shifted from flashy differentiator to expected infrastructure—what matters now is using it thoughtfully to solve real industry problems in approachable ways. He outlines the mentor-driven program: three intense weeks of "mentor speed matching" (about 75, 30-minute meetings), followed by tailored mentor teams, workshops with industry leaders, and a culminating pitch at April's Global Insurance Symposium. With 79 alumni and a striking 70–75% still operating, Dan credits rigorous, investor-led selection and a uniquely supportive Iowa ecosystem. The GIA's "handprint wall" symbolizes that family ethos—and the organization's 12-year legacy as the original insurance-focused accelerator.

The conversation also highlights how the GIA adapts for companies at different stages—pre-revenue to early traction—crafting a bespoke experience that often sparks smart pivots. A standout example: Lloyd Thileman's body-scanning tech shifted from insurance to agriculture in Iowa, illustrating how open doors (and not requiring companies to relocate) help founders find the right customers, partners, and investors. Dan invites listeners to meet the new cohort at the public welcome reception: Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the New Northwestern Bar (321 East Walnut). Expect quick pitches from all six startups and remarks from GIA leaders and partners, with support from the University of Iowa—a perfect "start line" moment to plug into Iowa's insurtech community.

Jayson Ryner, founder and CEO of ReEnvision Ag and entrepreneurship professor at NIACC, explains the Seed Spike planter—the first ultra–low soil disturbance planter built for the soil-health era.

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Chapters:

01:42 - Reenvision Ag: Revolutionizing Planting 08:50 - Challenges and Innovations in Agriculture 20:26 - Challenges and Opportunities in Market Gardening 23:46 - Innovations in Agricultural Technology 28:55 - Future Vision and Business Strategy

More Details:

Jayson explains how the simple "poke-and-place" mechanism lets farmers plant earlier with less power, improves emergence and spacing, and thrives in no-till and plasticulture conditions where traditional double-disk openers struggle. He shares why ReEnvision Ag is wedging into market gardens and commercial vegetables first—where labor is scarce and time savings are quantifiable—while building toward broader row-crop adoption. The company has first paying customers, defensible IP (an issued U.S. utility patent on the two-pin spike mechanism), third-party validation from an Iowa State study showing more even emergence, and is raising $1M to commercialize.

Jayson also paints a vision for precision ag: because Seed Spike geo-locates every seed, future AI tools can "know" cash crop positions, reduce compute for see-and-spray, cut herbicide and fertilizer use, and enable early robotic weeding—even pre-emergence. With dramatically lower horsepower needs, small electric robots or sub-100HP tractors can plant 12-row units without compacting soil, protecting Iowa's most valuable resource: its topsoil. Long-term, Jayson sees licensing or an OEM exit once product-market fit and sales are proven via paid trials, leases, and a dealer network. Want to see it in action or connect as an investor or grower? Visit reinvisionag.com and follow ReEnvision Ag on Facebook and YouTube.

Host Kaylee welcomes Drake University's Chase Spencer to the Iowa Tech Podcast from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio for a lively conversation about cultivating entrepreneurs in Iowa. Chase shares his path from Monroe, Iowa to Drake—pivoting during 2020 from a dream of theme park design to politics, and ultimately to entrepreneurship after a formative class sparked his venture "Chasing Cars," a QR-code storytelling tool for classic car owners now used by hundreds across the country. He explains his evolution at Drake from contractor to program manager overseeing entrepreneurship initiatives that bridge students and the community—spanning student-focused support and community outreach, the Drake Business Clinic, and a new student accelerator launching this spring with awards ranging from $500 up to $300,000 to help founders launch, learn, and iterate.

Together, Kaylee and Chase dig into the "why now" for ideas (QR codes, anyone?), the complementary strengths and gaps between arts and sciences and business students (big vision vs. execution), and how a culture shift in the Midwest can empower more builders to tackle big, hairy problems. Chase details the Drake Business Clinic's Demo Day—think speed-dating for founders and advisors—centered on "three goals, five things" to drive real progress beyond pitch decks. He makes a simple ask of the ecosystem: answer those .edu emails, show up as mentors, and invest time, relationships, and resources in students while they have a supportive safety net to experiment. To get involved with Drake's entrepreneurship programs, reach Chase at [email protected].

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/chase-spencer