ISW 2026
ISW 2026
Where Builders, Backers & Innovators Meet
Des Moines, Iowa
Date
September 28 – October 1, 2026
Date
September 28 – October 1, 2026
Date
September 28 – October 1, 2026
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Startup Pitches
Speakers
Networking
Technology
Venture Capital
Startup Pitches
Speakers
Networking
Technology
Venture Capital
Overview
Overview
The Midwest’s Biggest Stage for Ideas, Impact & Opportunity
The Midwest’s Biggest Stage for Ideas, Impact & Opportunity
The Midwest’s Biggest Stage for Ideas, Impact & Opportunity
Join us for live pitches, networking events and conference programming in Iowa's capital city.
The conference will feature three key platforms (technology, bioscience, and manufacturing) with industry-specific tracks (streams) embedded within each. Meet fellow innovators, learn from successful and exited founders and connect with enterprise buyers.
Join us for live pitches, networking events and conference programming in Iowa's capital city.
The conference will feature three key platforms (technology, bioscience, and manufacturing) with industry-specific tracks (streams) embedded within each. Meet fellow innovators, learn from successful and exited founders and connect with enterprise buyers.
Join us for live pitches, networking events and conference programming in Iowa's capital city.
The conference will feature three key platforms (technology, bioscience, and manufacturing) with industry-specific tracks (streams) embedded within each. Meet fellow innovators, learn from successful and exited founders and connect with enterprise buyers.
2026 Platforms
2026 Platforms
Key Insights into the Future of Innovation
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
A deep dive into the innovations driving our economy's physical-product economy, from medical devices and precision fabrication, to automation, robotics and scalable manufacturing systems. This stream convenes engineers, healthcare technologists, production leaders and investors to accelerate the future of making and building.
A deep dive into the innovations driving our economy's physical-product economy, from medical devices and precision fabrication, to automation, robotics and scalable manufacturing systems. This stream convenes engineers, healthcare technologists, production leaders and investors to accelerate the future of making and building.
Bioscience
Bioscience
Bioscience
Where science meets commercialization. This stream highlights breakthroughs in agtech, bio based chemicals, life sciences and immunotherapeutics, showcasing startups advancing sustainability, productivity and global biotech leadership, rooted in lowa.
Where science meets commercialization. This stream highlights breakthroughs in agtech, bio based chemicals, life sciences and immunotherapeutics, showcasing startups advancing sustainability, productivity and global biotech leadership, rooted in lowa.
Innovative Technology
Innovative Technology
Innovative Technology
A full-day of programming focused on code, data, automation and digital transformation, featuring founders building high-growth solutions from cloud infrastructure to Al-powered platforms. This stream spotlights the builders shaping the future of digital innovation across every industry.
A full-day of programming focused on code, data, automation and digital transformation, featuring founders building high-growth solutions from cloud infrastructure to Al-powered platforms. This stream spotlights the builders shaping the future of digital innovation across every industry.
2026 Agenda
2026 Agenda
Four Days of Breakthrough Ideas and Inspiring Leaders
MON 28
MON 28
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Registrations Open
Welcome Breakfast
Keynote Speaker/Opening Presentation
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
Kickoff Party (evening)
TUE 29
TUE 29
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Breakfast
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
Buyer’s Club Showcase, includes Best of the Midwest finalist selection
Networking Lunch
Networking Happy Hour (multiple evening events)
WED 30
WED 30
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Breakfast
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
VIP Sponsor Dinner (invitation only)
VIP Sponsor & Showcase After Party
THU 1
THU 1
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Founder/VC Breakfast
Resource Fair
VIP Sponsor & Founder Networking – Hoyt Sherman Theater
Best of the Midwest – pitch competition final
Best of the Midwest After Party
Why Attend
Why Attend
Build, Connect, and Grow
Startups
If you're a founder looking for talent, mentorship, investment funds or anything else to help catapult your company's growth - Iowa Startup Week is the event to attend.
Startups
If you're a founder looking for talent, mentorship, investment funds or anything else to help catapult your company's growth - Iowa Startup Week is the event to attend.
Startups
If you're a founder looking for talent, mentorship, investment funds or anything else to help catapult your company's growth - Iowa Startup Week is the event to attend.
Startups
If you're a founder looking for talent, mentorship, investment funds or anything else to help catapult your company's growth - Iowa Startup Week is the event to attend.
Startups
If you're a founder looking for talent, mentorship, investment funds or anything else to help catapult your company's growth - Iowa Startup Week is the event to attend.
Investors
This event will feature attendees representing nearly 50 venture capital funds from around the country. Build your network, share deal flow, and invest in your next unicorn.
Investors
This event will feature attendees representing nearly 50 venture capital funds from around the country. Build your network, share deal flow, and invest in your next unicorn.
Investors
This event will feature attendees representing nearly 50 venture capital funds from around the country. Build your network, share deal flow, and invest in your next unicorn.
Investors
This event will feature attendees representing nearly 50 venture capital funds from around the country. Build your network, share deal flow, and invest in your next unicorn.
Investors
This event will feature attendees representing nearly 50 venture capital funds from around the country. Build your network, share deal flow, and invest in your next unicorn.
Ecosystem Builders
Economic developers, educators, exited founders and public officials are all welcome at Iowa Startup Week. Register today to join Iowa's innovation economy.
Ecosystem Builders
Economic developers, educators, exited founders and public officials are all welcome at Iowa Startup Week. Register today to join Iowa's innovation economy.
Ecosystem Builders
Economic developers, educators, exited founders and public officials are all welcome at Iowa Startup Week. Register today to join Iowa's innovation economy.
Ecosystem Builders
Economic developers, educators, exited founders and public officials are all welcome at Iowa Startup Week. Register today to join Iowa's innovation economy.
Ecosystem Builders
Economic developers, educators, exited founders and public officials are all welcome at Iowa Startup Week. Register today to join Iowa's innovation economy.
"As an early-stage founder, I can't wait to attend Iowa Startup Week to connect with other innovators and investors."
Clair Vavra
Founder, Held
"We are so excited for Iowa Startup Week. This will be THE innovation event to attend in our state for years to come!"
Mo Collins
International Economic Development Council
This is an incredible opportunity to bring founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Midwest together in Des Moines. Synergy! Collaboration! Momentum!
Rooms filled with people dreaming big, who can help you dream even bigger.
Lily Allen, Dueñas
Founder of the Wild Yoga Tribe & Marketing Specialist at Ramco
Powered By Sukup
While NewBoCo takes great pride in hosting EntreFEST as Iowa's summer gathering (June 11, 12 in Iowa City) of our entrepreneurs and experts, it is very easy to get excited about a Fall extravaganza that promotes, informs and celebrates Midwest Regional Entrepreneurs, Support Resources, and Ecosystem. Full steam ahead for Iowa Startup Week'26!
Alex Taylor
Director of Entrepreneurship, NewBoCo
"As an early-stage founder, I can't wait to attend Iowa Startup Week to connect with other innovators and investors."
Clair Vavra
Founder, Held
"We are so excited for Iowa Startup Week. This will be THE innovation event to attend in our state for years to come!"
Mo Collins
International Economic Development Council
This is an incredible opportunity to bring founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Midwest together in Des Moines. Synergy! Collaboration! Momentum!
Rooms filled with people dreaming big, who can help you dream even bigger.
Lily Allen, Dueñas
Founder of the Wild Yoga Tribe & Marketing Specialist at Ramco
Powered By Sukup
While NewBoCo takes great pride in hosting EntreFEST as Iowa's summer gathering (June 11, 12 in Iowa City) of our entrepreneurs and experts, it is very easy to get excited about a Fall extravaganza that promotes, informs and celebrates Midwest Regional Entrepreneurs, Support Resources, and Ecosystem. Full steam ahead for Iowa Startup Week'26!
Alex Taylor
Director of Entrepreneurship, NewBoCo
"We are so excited for Iowa Startup Week. This will be THE innovation event to attend in our state for years to come!"
Mo Collins
IEDC
"As an early-stage founder, I can't wait to attend Iowa Startup Week to connect with other innovators and investors."
Clair Vavra
Founder, Held
This is an incredible opportunity to bring founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Midwest together in Des Moines. Synergy! Collaboration! Momentum!
Rooms filled with people dreaming big, who can help you dream even bigger.Lily Allen, Dueñas
Founder of the Wild Yoga Tribe & Marketing Specialist at Ramco Powered By Sukup
While NewBoCo takes great pride in hosting EntreFEST as Iowa's summer gathering (June 11, 12 in Iowa City) of our entrepreneurs and experts, it is very easy to get excited about a Fall extravaganza that promotes, informs and celebrates Midwest Regional Entrepreneurs, Support Resources, and Ecosystem. Full steam ahead for Iowa Startup Week'26!
Alex Taylor
Director of Entrepreneurship, NewBoCo
Best of the Midwest
Best of the Midwest
Pitch. Compete. Break Through.
Pitch. Compete. Break Through.
Pitch. Compete. Break Through.
Apply to compete in this year's Best of the Midwest, the region's largest pitch competition for startups in technology, manufacturing and bioscience.
Our panel of judges will choose the top 10 semi-finalists across all three categories to come to Des Moines for a series of showcases (to pitch live) - the winners of each showcase will then be invited to compete at the Best of the Midwest for a chance to win the cash prize.
Apply to compete in this year's Best of the Midwest, the region's largest pitch competition for startups in technology, manufacturing and bioscience.
Our panel of judges will choose the top 10 semi-finalists across all three categories to come to Des Moines for a series of showcases (to pitch live) - the winners of each showcase will then be invited to compete at the Best of the Midwest for a chance to win the cash prize.
Apply to compete in this year's Best of the Midwest, the region's largest pitch competition for startups in technology, manufacturing and bioscience.
Our panel of judges will choose the top 10 semi-finalists across all three categories to come to Des Moines for a series of showcases (to pitch live) - the winners of each showcase will then be invited to compete at the Best of the Midwest for a chance to win the cash prize.
Become a Sponsor
Become a Sponsor
Put Your Brand in Front of the Midwest’s Innovators & Leaders
Put Your Brand in Front of the Midwest’s Innovators & Leaders
Put Your Brand in Front of the Midwest’s Innovators & Leaders
We've developed our sponsorship levels to provide value for companies and organizations of all types and sizes (and to accommodate most budgets) - contact our sales team today to get your brand in front of the Midwest's innovation economy.
We've developed our sponsorship levels to provide value for companies and organizations of all types and sizes (and to accommodate most budgets) - contact our sales team today to get your brand in front of the Midwest's innovation economy.
We've developed our sponsorship levels to provide value for companies and organizations of all types and sizes (and to accommodate most budgets) - contact our sales team today to get your brand in front of the Midwest's innovation economy.
Save your place
Save your place
Four Days of Innovation
—Be There.
Four Days of Innovation
—Be There.
Four Days of Innovation
—Be There.
FAQs
FAQs
Got Questions?
Got Questions?
What does it cost to attend?
What does it cost to attend?
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Who should attend Iowa Startup Week?
Who should attend Iowa Startup Week?
Do I need to have a startup to attend?
Do I need to have a startup to attend?
Iowa Startup Week is a week-long event in Des Moines, Iowa designed to celebrate and platform entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
© Iowa Startup Week. All rights reserved.
Iowa Startup Week is a week-long event in Des Moines, Iowa designed to celebrate and platform entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
© Iowa Startup Week. All rights reserved.
Iowa Startup Week is a week-long event in Des Moines, Iowa designed to celebrate and platform entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
© Iowa Startup Week. All rights reserved.
Iowa Startup Week is a week-long event in Des Moines, Iowa designed to celebrate and platform entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
© Iowa Startup Week. All rights reserved.