Iowa State University Economic Development and Industry Relations

David Spalding, Vice President of EDIR, is featured on the newest episode of the Innovators Podcast hosted by the Iowa State University Research Park.
David chats with host Rick Sanders, President and Director of ISU Research Park, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Economic Development Core Facility and discuss his professional journey.
Listen here: https://www.isupark.org/news/innovators-podcast/16/podcast-76

What started as a vision 10 years ago has grown into a thriving space for innovation and collaboration.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Economic Development Core Facility’s 10-year anniversary. We’re grateful for the partnerships and people who have helped shape this milestone and continue to strengthen Iowa State University’s innovation ecosystem.

Congratulations to Kira Kistner, manufacturing research strategist with CIRAS, on receiving the inaugural Wintersteen Innovation Award!

Kira and her team were recognized for their work connecting Iowa State researchers with industry partners, helping identify new applied research opportunities, and strengthening collaboration between academia and manufacturing leaders.

This award celebrates faculty and staff who drive innovation and create meaningful impact across Iowa State.

Meet Kelly Schmitz, the newest member of the EDIR team! 👋 Kelly joins as our Executive Administrative Assistant. We’re excited to have her!

Join us for Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo on June 30th at the Scheman Building! Register today to secure your spot: ernst.senate.gov/expo

Check out these two USDA Rural Development programs that are open now:

📍Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) — funding for business development, training, equipment, and community economic development projects for rural communities under 50,000 in population. Deadlines: June 15 & 30, 2026.
🔗 Link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-development-grants

📍Meat & Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) — grants for equipment, facility upgrades, and expansion projects to strengthen local meat processing capacity and making renovations to install modern technology. Apply by Aug. 7, 2026.
🔗 Link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4

We’re proud to celebrate the opening of Bayer’s Seed Production Innovation (SPI) Innovation Center at the Iowa State University Research Park.

This new collaboration strengthens industry–university partnerships, accelerates digital agriculture innovation, and expands workforce development opportunities for students and professionals. By bringing Bayer teams alongside Iowa State faculty, researchers, and students, the center will drive practical, data-enabled solutions that support seed quality, farmer success, and the future of ag technology.

Read more here:
https://www.isupark.org/news/latest-news/1909/bayer-opens-innovation-center-at-iowa-state-university-research-park-to-expand-digital-ag-collaborat

We are thrilled to share that Rise Energy has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative, securing $340,000 in funding to advance its Autothermal Pyrolysis technology!

This milestone brings a decade of research at Iowa State University one step closer to commercial impact—turning waste into low-carbon energy solutions. Congratulations to Jordan Funkhouser, COO, Tannon Daugaard, CTO, and Ryan Smith, CEO on this achievement!

Read the Full Story: https://go.iastate.edu/EIKTAU

Incredible achievement by the Iowa State University Research Park. Congratulations!

Congratulations to the Iowa State University Research Park, honored as AURP’s 2025 Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year!

With an impressive $5 billion economic impact on the state of Iowa and a thriving ecosystem of students, startups, industry partners, and global collaborations, ISU Research Park exemplifies the power of industry–academia–community convergence.

Alison Doyle, Associate Director at Iowa State University Research Park, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

AURP Awards Chair Harry Brislin highlighted the boldness and collaboration embodied by this year’s honorees — qualities that define ISU Research Park’s continued impact and leadership in advancing regional innovation.

Congratulations to ISU Research Park for its transformative contributions and its role as a leading community of innovation. Explore more about the park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwcYc444f1k

We gathered yesterday morning for an EDIR holiday breakfast! The perfect way to kickstart our day and start the month strong with some holiday cheer. 🎄