University of Iowa Office of Innovation

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University of Iowa Office of Innovation

Supporting innovative, research-driven startups on the University of Iowa Campus

08/12/2026

As the state between two rivers, water has played a defining role in shaping Iowa's economy and communities, but Iowa's connection to water is about more than its history.

At this month’s First Round, Dr. David Cwiertny will explore how that relationship has evolved. From the state's waterways and the science behind today's water quality conversations to the research helping us better understand and protect Iowa's water future, this talk offers an accessible look at one of Iowa's most important natural resources and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

🗓️ Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 5-6pm
📍Riverside Theater

06/25/2026

Innovation is not one size fits all. It doesn’t always look like research in a lab, formal patents, and large funding pools. Oftentimes, innovation begins with the decision that something could work better.

While nurses may not match the typical definition of an “innovator,” the creativity, dedication and care they bring to their work prove that they may be the most experienced innovators in healthcare.

Think you aren’t an innovator? Think again: https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/23/2026

Many of the most important improvements in healthcare start at the bedside.

A nurse tries different positioning strategies until something works better, and soon others begin doing the same.

That isn’t just compassion.

That is human-centered design.

Read about all the ways that nurses are innovating: https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/18/2026

Nurses turn daily challenges into meaningful impact.

A nurse changes how they cluster care, document, or prepare medications to reduce inefficiency or unnecessary risk.

That isn’t just expertise.

That is process improvement.

Think innovation isn't part of your job? Think again. 👉 https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/16/2026

Patients cannot wait for policy updates, redesign committees, or budget cycles.

When something doesn’t quite function in the way care requires, a nurse finds a practical adjustment using the materials available.

That isn’t just being resourceful.

That is rapid prototyping.

Read how we’re redefining innovation:
https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/11/2026

For nurses, innovation doesn’t start with permission – it starts with the simple idea that something could work better.

A nurse develops a simple way to track delays, labs, or priorities because existing systems don’t fully support what the team needs in real time.

That isn’t just teamwork.

That is designing an information system.

Read more: https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/09/2026

Innovation in nursing depends on adapting, adjusting, and problem solving.

After making multiple trips during a procedure, a nurse reorganizes supplies or creates an informal kit system so everything is ready next time.

That isn’t just preparation.

That is workflow engineering.

Read more about the innovations nurses create every day: https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

06/02/2026

A supply was missing.

A process didn’t make sense.

Documentation took five extra clicks.

While they may not think of themselves as innovators, nurses are constantly adapting, bridging the gaps, and creating solutions when things don’t go to plan – because patients can’t wait.

Think innovation isn't part of your job? Think again. 👉https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/you-are-an-innovator-even-if-no-one

05/07/2026

Across Iowa, nurses are innovating in powerful ways. These moments don’t always look like big initiatives or formal projects. More often, they begin with a nurse noticing that something isn’t working as well as it should and caring enough to ask, “What if there’s a better way?”

As we celebrate Nurses Month, we’re honoring dedication, compassion, clinical excellence and the power of nurse innovation and the Iowa nurses who bring it to life every day.

Read more: https://iowanurseinnovators.substack.com/p/celebrating-the-power-of-nurses-in?r=7isbv2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

02/16/2026

Meet Alissa McEndaffer and Kate LeFleur, two of our Iowa Nurse Innovators!

At the Iowa Nurse Innovators Pitch Competition in November, Alissa and Kate presented their idea: a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) Securement Device. After evaluating existing securement options, they identified a clear gap—no device adequately meets the specific needs of CRRT.

As a team, they are in the process of designing a device to allow safe and dependable securement for CRRT to improve patient comfort, reduce infection risk, and reduce incidences of catheter dislodgment.

We’re proud to support Alissa and Kate through the Iowa Nurse Innovators program and look forward to following their progress.

Address

136 S Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA
52240

Website

https://innovation.uiowa.edu/

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