Leadership Insights to Celebrate & Innovate
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Summertime Celebrations, Innovations and Insights

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Leadership insights from Billi Hunt, executive director of America's Cultivation Corridor

Summer always seems to go a bit too fast, and this year is no different.  

Last month we kicked off the 10th anniversary of America’s Cultivation Corridor, celebrating a decade of building momentum, elevating innovation and connecting businesses to the leading research, capital and talent resources here in Iowa. We hosted events at World Pork Expo and we’ll spend the next few months highlighting 10 ways that Iowa innovation makes the world better.

As part of the Next Gen Innovation Impact Study internship program that the Corridor convenes at Iowa State University, our interns conduct a survey with fellow college students to understand their perception of innovation in agriculture and specifically, sustainability in agriculture and the food supply. Overwhelmingly, today’s college students see that innovation in agriculture is increasing, with the majority also seeing an increase in sustainability and the safety of our food system.

We see these innovations every day in Iowa. Whether from a startup founded out of a university research project like Gross-Wen Technologies, from farmers adopting new technologies and management practices or leading edge companies investing in research to bring new products and services to market.

The third cohort of Next Gen Innovation interns will begin their work at Iowa State this fall, and we look forward to their insights and perspectives.

It was especially exciting to see Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen honored this month as the innovationENTREPRENEUR of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record. The award, sponsored this year by EO Iowa, recognizes a leader who is known for innovative accomplishments and fostering a culture of innovation. As president, Wintersteen has made innovation and entrepreneurship a priority by encouraging a community of collaboration on campus and beyond.

One example of this innovation at work is Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab which holds nearly a dozen patents and has 32 products sold globally that were developed from Iowa State research. Another is the $7 million in grant funding leveraged by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) to support advancements for small manufacturers in Iowa that generated $70 million in returns.

During Dr. Wintersteen's seven years as president, Iowa State has ranked consistently in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents, dedicated the $84 million Student Innovation Center in 2021, was named one of TIME Magazine's Best Colleges for Future Leaders, and was awarded the Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Americas in 2023. Iowa State's research park also has seen considerable expansion during this time, growing to more than 130 high-tech companies and 2,500 employees.

We shared many of these innovation stories with 2024 TechHub Live attendees in Des Moines and will wrap up summer with two iconic events – the Iowa State Fair and the Farm Progress Show.

Yes, it has been a busy summer of opportunities and outreach, but that is normal here in America’s Cultivation Corridor. When you are ready to take a quick “pause,” check out what has been happening in the Corridor now and over the past 10 years.

Published July 2024.

Corridor News